<p>Excuse me if this topic is over-asked (as I'm sure it is), but I was hoping to get some feedback on my chances of getting into Harvard. I am planning on applying Early Action this Fall with an intended major in humanities. My high school education and experiences are somewhat unorthodox, and I'm hoping I can use that to my advantage. Here is my resume, in a nutshell: </p>
<p>~High School GPA: 3.95 unweighted (unfortunately, I somehow got an A- in BC Calc last semester; but that was my only A-)
~Class Rank: ~1 of about 400 (graduated as valedictorian, and was also the very first person ever to graduate an entire year early from my high school)
~ACT: 32
~SAT Subject Tests: Math II (800); Literature (720)</p>
<p>~Earned 12 credits through Harvard Extension School in my last semester of high school (took three classes: one English, one Science, and one Philosophy... did well in all three... also, I payed for these courses with my own [limited] savings, as my high school refused) </p>
<p>Extracurricular Activities in School: </p>
<p>~Pre-med Club (Sole president/founder)
~Managed annual breast cancer research fundraiser (raised >$400/yr.)
~Student Council representative
~Mock Trial (lead defense attorney)
~Creative Writing Club
~National Art Honor Society (Chairperson)
~Gay/Straight Alliance
~Had pieces published in school's annual English anthology
~French Club </p>
<p>AP/Honors courses taken:
~AP World History
~AP US History
~AP Macroeconomics
~AP Psychology
~AP English Lit.
~AP English Lang.
~AP Statistics
~AP Calculus BC
~AP Biology
~Honors French
~Honors Science Program
(AP Scholar with Distinction) </p>
<p>What sets me apart (hopefully): </p>
<p>1) Last summer, I was the only high school intern at a state university hospital. I worked in the department of neurosurgery's brain tumor laboratory, where I worked alongside graduate researchers and tested new medications on glioblastoma multiforme. As a plus, the neurosurgeon who took me under his wing is a Harvard alumni and is willing to write me a letter of recommendation. </p>
<p>2) While doing my internship in the brain tumor lab, I also contributed to a new textbook on cancer stem cell research (I wrote an entire chapter by myself). This textbook is designed for post-doctorate research, and my name will be listed as a contributing author in it.</p>
<p>3) I have extensive job shadowing experience in hospitals. I have shadowed neurosurgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, and basically specialists from every department thinkable. </p>
<p>4) I am currently interning at another university hospital with a neurosurgeon (job shadowing). He is a Stanford graduate, and could also write a letter of rec. </p>
<p>5) My volunteer work is what I plan to write my essays on:
~In 2010, I dedicated my 2-week spring break to working in New Orleans, where I worked closely with the homeless (many of whom were still suffering from the aftermath of hurricanes).
~Not including my 2010 volunteer project, I have accumulated over 300 volunteer hours in my local town (at soup kitchens, hospitals, tutoring before/after school, etc.) </p>
<p><strong><em>Next year, I have decided to take a gap year to volunteer my time abroad. I begin immediately in the Fall and will be working in Tanzania, India, Nepal, and Vietnam for a collective 10 months. While there, I will (1) work with medical providers with focus on HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention; (2) teach English; (3) work in orphanages; and (4) work as a diplomat figure with government officials. This entire year is being funded by my own [very modest] savings.</em></strong></p>
<p>6) My life has not been a bed of roses, and I plan to mention that in my application. Last year, I lost my mom to cancer; and, having a poor relationship with my father, had to move to a new state to live my brother. While she was ill, I was her primary caregiver -- I literally did everything. This required me taking a leave of absence from school, but I still kept up with my assignments (self-teaching) and somehow maintained my 4.0 GPA. </p>
<p>Letters of recommendation are strong, I feel.
I consider writing to be my strongest subject, so I expect my essays to be decent. </p>
<p>I think I have included all of my pertinent credentials --- my apologies if it was a long read! So, what do you think my chances are? Any tips/suggestions? Thanks in advance!!</p>