Possible Transfer

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Hello everyone,</p>

<p>I was rejected from Harvard but i don't think i tried as much as i could have in applying. My essay was written in 2 hours and sent in and not particularly good. I did not have the insight or foresight to fully explain why i wanted to attend Harvard. </p>

<p>My stats are competitive for Ivy league schools. I am currently deciding between Brown and Berkeley for possibly pre-med. </p>

<p>However, my true passion is Ottoman History ( Particularly post 1848). I have taken 12 AP tests and received 5s in all of them (including all the history ones). I know this isn't a particularly rare or prestigious action but i just wanted to convey my interest in history. I read everything i can get my hands on, and have worked at the Ottoman archives in Turkey to decipher books. (Stupid me- i didn't talk about any of this on my app)</p>

<p>Harvard has one of the best Ottoman history centers in the world, with a massive database of original documents and faculty that are at the forefront of Ottoman studies. </p>

<p>If i were able to convey this interest and rationale and apply as a transfer student, do you guys think i would have a decent chance? </p>

<p>I couldn't care less about prestige, what i care about is that Harvard is the best school (only school in the USA) for what i want to do.</p>

<hr>

<p>Also, i had this silly idea that i needed to become a doctor or lawyer and make money and so i applied everywhere as pre-med ( i am good at sciences and it is interesting , its just not my "main interest") so i'm really regretting the fact that i wasn't able to convey my true interests effectively to Harvard.</p>

2

<p>Columbia also has a Turkish studies program with world renown ottomanists and is one of the few programs that offers a full year of training in Ottoman print and paleography.</p>

<p>Berkee122, both Brown and berkeley are great schools. Did you look at the Brown catalogue, there are many professors that specialize in ottoman research and by not having a specialized center, which are usually geared towards graduate students and research fellows, you will have the opportunity to work closer with one of them-check Engin Akarli and Palmira Brummett in history. You should also see what schools are a good fit as Brown with Dartmouth are quite different, but Brown with CAL have the same spirit. You also appear to be all over the place about your future job interest so allow yourself to enjoy college. Explore the opportunities at the school you select and learn more about yourself. Professor Akarli has taught at a Turkish university as well and he will be able to hook you up with researchers in Turkey. May be you can become a lawyer as his research includes law in the Ottoman Empire. Have an open mind and you will be able to succeed anywhere.</p>