<p>I agree with GuitarManARS (I like all of your posts, by the way!). Apply to schools that you are legitimately interested in. This isn't to you specifically, but there are a lot of people on this board--and in general, I'm assuming--with pretty poor reasons for applying to Harvard (i.e. grade inflation, prestige).</p>
<p>Hey, thanks!! Same to you man :)</p>
<p>It's not a matter if prestige, it's a childhood dream that can't be explained rationally. You know you get the feeling that you just want to go there, there is no particular reason. Strong desire, that's all.</p>
<p>Harvard is one of the greatest educational institutions in the world, I would imagine it's actually a bastion of reason and rationality ;)</p>
<p>bump......</p>
<p>When they interview you and ask why you want to go to Harvard, what do you say?</p>
<p>I'll tell them my story :D</p>
<p>When I was 3 or 4 I used to tell anyone who asked that I was going to Harvard. After that, I didn't really think about it until a few years ago. Maybe that is the way it is for many people, simply because of the name. I know, and I think g_man knows too, that Harvard is more than name and prestige...anyone with the internet can find that much out. I think his anecdote about dreams was just a way to point out the way many of us experience college: as little kids.</p>
<p>Naturally, when asked "Why Harvard?," the answer probably won't be "because their Transformers are the coolest."</p>
<p>That you have no idea about the actual school itself, but you heard its name when you were three and that was it? I highly doubt that will fly ;)</p>
<p>Well that sparkled the initial interest.</p>
<p>But do you have an actual interest now, based on anything beyond that initial spark?</p>
<p>My first choice was University of Chicago, which was the first college I saw back in the beginning of my junior year. The tour guide was talking about the core, and it was everything I had ever wanted in my education. I loved it (and still do).</p>
<p>Usually if I am obsessed with something, that's enough to make me love it.</p>
<p>So, anyhow, what are my chances?</p>
<p>I would be careful at the interview if I were you. You remind me of a friend of mine who is a bit too honest at times. Obviously the Harvard name is one reason why people are interested in going to the school. However, if you tell your interviewer that this is why you want to go there, I guarantee that you will be rejected.</p>
<p>You have to be a fit for Harvard based on what you are looking for in a school and your interests (e.g. liberal arts education).</p>
<p>Harvard is near Boston. I hope you know that. I am serious.</p>
<p>...yeah, Cambridge MA... I know</p>