potential to grow

<p>In the Harvard Application Materials for entrance in Fall 2007 (when they were still using the policy of EA/ED), they said:
"..Regular aCtion is clearly preferable for those whose candidacies will be strengthened by senior year extracurricular achievements and improved academic performance."
"EA is an attractive choice for those whose records and accomplishments have been consistently strong over time.."</p>

<p>So do they actually consider the students whose accomplishments are not consistently strong. I am class of '08 in my high school. I know all the information about the admission process quite late, so my commitment in the field of extracurricular activities is not strong. I did not realize the importance of practical experience.
The only thing that now keeps me motivated is that I always tried my best in my studying and I have got tons of awards in numerous competition (Oh dear, I'm bragging... Forgive me !!!). However, my "GPA" was low because in my country, education is very bad and I didn't even try to get bad marks. I only study what I supposed is interesting. Now I am regretting about it T_T</p>

<p>I have a question. Is there any chance for students who have so-called "potential to grow". Do they consider the one who makes great improvement in all fields within senior year while his or her accomplishment in junior year is not good. Did anyone get into Harvard mainly by "rec letter" and "essay" ? (I said "mainly" not "only").
Be frank. Do I have a chance to get into Harvard ? I guess that I have no chance. Adcoms will glance at my application, he will see nothing in junior year, and then he simply recommend a reject...</p>

<p>No reply ?
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I am going to kill myself</p>

<p>I would encourage you to go ahead and apply because you never know what'll happen. That being said, international admissions are really competitive, so try to do as much as you can before the app deadline. And, while rec letters and essays won't do the job alone, they can definitely help.</p>