@jzducol, raising my hand as a Nathan Chen fan, though I didn’t hear this interview. I wonder if 1) he could be keeping an admission quiet since he may be thinking about his training schedule and whether he can attend college before the 2022 Olympics, or 2) since he left traditional school after 7th grade, his academic preparation wasn’t up to par. This fan would choose option 1!
@hooverhoo, I am not sure that Harvard is worried about monetary or political benefits or making “good use of the talent.” I think Admissions would be more interested in the perspective and experiences that someone like Nathan Chen might bring to the student body. I also think Chen’s determination, grit, good sportsmanship, athleticism, and intelligence would be attractive to any college.
As many have implied, admissions is assembling a class and it is all about what an individual applicant can bring to that mix. Therefore, it is hard to predict.
A kid who spends a lot of time on football and baseball but is not going to play for Harvard, may not contribute in that area but certainly shows discipline and commitment. Rrecruitment would have increased chances obviously but I think a decision not to play football is wise these days.
As for “overcoming a challenge,” so many people on these forums ask about writing an essay on an illness, a family problem, all kinds of things. But there are all kinds of challenges in life, and often letters of recommendation can cover that. One of mine has some serious health challenges but did not write about overcoming them in her essay (she did not want to “use” them for admission), but the GC mentioned it in his letter. All kinds of ways to address that kind of thing. Not a hook!
I think, honestly, the best way to address stress is to assume your child is not going to get into Harvard. The odds are against. Then you can be surprised if something different happens. I always say that hope is a difficult emotion Try not to hope for that specific outcome. Your son already has two great options so he will be fine.
I agree that one should always assume they are NOT getting in to Harvard. They turn down many qualified applicants each year, even many that have plenty to offer the school. There just aren’t enough spots. So getting in in somewhat like winning the lottery.
It does surprise me that some people are surprised by denials from schools like Harvard.
Just a follow up, Nathan Chen showed up in Yale’s admit facebook group last week, but not Harvard’s, though Harvard was his top choice. And another Olympian, gold medalist Chloe Kim who applied to Harvard and Princeton this season, announced that she was accepted at Princeton.
It just shows that being a celebrity and top athlete are still no guarantee for admission to Harvard.
^They will see him in a week, at Bulldog’s Day, probably ask him then. Apparently, his academics was good enough for Yale; he could well be offered a spot at Harvard you would think. I guess sometimes there is just no rhyme or reason why someone, even a celebrity like Nathan, was turned down.
I recommend going to the admitted students day. Even though you’re only on the waitlist. You never know if you do get accepted from the waitlist you only have 3 to 4 days to decide.
@wakey1: Accepted students to Harvard are given an ID card for Vistas Weekend, which allows them access to classrooms, buildings, dorm rooms, dining halls and activities. Waitlisted students are NOT given an ID card. Therefore I would advise against any waitlisted student just showing up for Visitas, as they will be turned away for most of the festivities just like any random tourist visiting the campus that weekend would be.
I agree with @gibby . Visitas is for accepted students. If one wants to spend the time and money to visit on one’s own, it’s better to do it on a less busy weekend and only deal with the tourists, not the tourists and the accepted applicants…
