<p>Hey,
I am currently a high school student in Poland, Warsaw and I just got rejected from Harvard (and Princeton, Brown, Columbia, NYU, MIT). My best scores were (as I used score choice):
Reading 610
Math 770
Writing 600</p>
<p>Math 1 730
Math 2 790
Chemistry 770</p>
<p>I did a lot of extracurriculars and my college essays were pretty amazing as I spent on them like 3 months. On Harvard I also sent my photographic portfolio. I got accepted to Brandeis, and Boston University and waitlisted to Tufts. I currently want to either take a year-off (but in this time take a photo course for which I will be able to receive 36 credits), or if I do not get to this course to go to Tufts (if accecpted) and in worst option go to Brandeis. If I go on this course I want to prepare for SATs and got about 2300, so I will be able to re-apply next year to Harvard and other colleges. oh, and I am doing now IB diploma, and my predicted grade was 44, and I think I will get on my IB Diploma 42-43. Do you think I should take this year-off, or I should wait this one year and reapply?</p>
<p>Do not take a year off if your only goal is to try again. International admission to top schools is even more competitive than domestic admissions–and those are unpredictable enough as it is. The likelihood of you getting in on your second try is just as low as it was this time (perhaps more if you don’t spend your year doing something compelling). </p>
<p>My opinion? Go to Brandeis. It’s a great school, and they want you now.</p>
<p>If you attend any university as an enrolled student, you would have to apply to Harvard as a transfer student (under 3% acceptance rate), not as an incoming freshman (5.9% or lower). In either case, your chances will be very low. </p>
<p>A higher SAT might not make any difference if there are other weaknesses in your application.</p>
<p>Put yourself in the admission committee’s place they have over 34,000 application-- you have already been rejected once which means they have already rendered a decision on your application. Why would they want to reverse a decision when–sorry to be blunt–you are an easy reject. Now if your circumstances change dramatically–some extraordinary accomplishment --and I mean extraordinary–such as the Olympics or being under consideration for the Fields Medal-- then by all means give it a shot.</p>
<p>But do yourself a big favor. Move on psychologically. Get excited about Brandeis or Tufts. They are wonderful colleges and you will have a great time and learn a great deal there. Don’t lug the Harvard Chip on your shoulder–let it go.</p>