Really Need Some Advice!!!!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Hi!!!!!</p>

<p>I'm a 17- year- old 11th grader (international student- asian). Up until last semester, I hadn't even thought of applying for universities abroad; but then I wanted to see how proficient I was in English so I took the TOEFL without really preparing for it (got a 110+), and decided that MAYBE I could try applying (Harvard is my dream school). The thing is, I was reading earlier threads when I realized that almost all those accepted to Harvard had multiple APs, 2300+ on SATs, not to mention 500+ hours of community services and a bunch of other international awards!!!! I really really need some advice here (I hadn't even known about of APs before reading the comments here); could you all help me out??</p>

<p>This is my present situation:</p>

<ol>
<li>I'm an 11th grade international student (does being Asian matter?)</li>
<li>I rank #1 at school (gpa is probably 4.0 but am not sure)</li>
<li>I got a 2200 on my SAT1 ( first time taking it, should I take it again? )</li>
<li>I am planning to take math2, chemistry, and possibly physics on my SAT2s ( can all subject tests be science- related?)</li>
<li>I have been playing the violin since a young age and won third place in a national competition ( when I was in 9th grade ); I am currently playing first violin in an orchestra</li>
<li>I am on the school chemistry and biology squad ( but we haven't really done or won anything important); I am also an editor for the school magazine; I've also been the class treasurer</li>
<li>I have won a few minor international science awards ( INVENTCO- gold medal; Scientist Conference- 3rd place; Science Festival)-- but nothing major like INTEL or the science olympiads</li>
<li>I've attended at least 4 summer camps</li>
<li>I've won a few national science awards, but they don't seem very significant</li>
<li>I am currently working on a science project at a university with a professor ( does that count as an extracurricular?)</li>
</ol>

<p>And that's about it ( which makes me extremely wrong- footed since everyone who gets in absolutely jumps off the page)</p>

<p>And my questions are:</p>

<ol>
<li>Does being Asian matter?</li>
<li>What should I do to increase my chances of getting in?</li>
<li>Are APs really necessary ? How hard are they?</li>
<li>Is a 2300+ score on the SAT1 incredibly important? Can I take the ACT instead and how is it different from the SAT?</li>
<li>Is volunteer work or a part- time job immensly important?</li>
<li>What should I do? I'm so confused...</li>
</ol>

<p>Please please please give me some advice, thanks!!!!! (I'm really lost here...)</p>

2

<p>Answers

  1. Yes (unfortunately). You will be competing against all other international and asian students, so you need to make your application as competitive as possible.
  2. Retake the SAT.
  3. If your school offers AP’s, take them. If they offer IB’s, take those. If neither, don’t worry about it.
  4. Yes a 2300+ is important. Sure, try the ACT, as well.
  5. Volunteer if it’s something you are passionate about. Don’t do it just to make your application look good. If you need to work, work, but again – don’t do it to make your application look good
  6. Search through <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1305027-official-harvard-university-2016-rd-results.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/harvard-university/1305027-official-harvard-university-2016-rd-results.html&lt;/a&gt; and look at the stats and extracurricular activities of students who have been accepted (and rejected) to see where you stack up.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you.</p>

3

<p>You need to both increase your test scores and engage in ECs that you are passionate. You also need to differentiate yourself if you are interested in any top school in the USA. I was going to ask what Asian you were- (while I do not want to stereotype, the small list of ECs usually means that you are not from India, and “5. I have been playing the violin since a young age” points to probably China.) Read the threads fort he schools you are interested and you can determine what you need and then decide what you can achieve. Good luck.</p>