<p>I am an Asian female who immigrated to Canada at the beginning of the sophomore year (currently a junior).</p>
<p>I have been thinking about majoring in literature for quite a while (out of pure passion) and have done some decent related ECs since I came here (editor-in-chief for the school newspaper (junior year) + columnist for a certain newspaper). My English marks are decent and was encouraged by my English teacher to take AP in my senior year. </p>
<p>But my SAT II literature looks like a disaster (650-700 for my PR practice tests). I know I still have time but I don't know how much I will be able to improve. My CR was 720 (first attempt) and I will retake. </p>
<p>Should I still attempt top schools like Harvard? Will the admission officers take my situation (recent immigrant; less than 1.5 years so far; Asian + literature (is it relatively rare?)) into consideration or they will just think that I am merely "not good enough"? </p>
<p>I feel that if I want to major in literature then I probably have to take the test. Is my reasoning correct? Or could I take sciences/math (I can get 780+ in them) but still put "literature" on my application? Are there any tips for studying literature? </p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Should you attempt Harvard? Yes. Assuming the application fee is no object, there is no harm in trying. Will you get in? Well, given what I know about you (which isn’t much - all you told us was a few of your standardized test scores) I would guess that you probably won’t get in. Do either of those answers surprise you? Probably not. Seeking reassurance from strangers is only beneficial up to a point. If you have a passion for literature and you really believe that your standardized test scores don’t reflect your ability, then convey this to Harvard and they will probably understand. Good luck.</p>
<p>Go ahead and apply. While they will take everything into consideration, you never know how much anything will help you, if at all.</p>
<p>You don’t necessarily have to take the Lit exam, but if that’s your major I assume it would be advantageous to take it.</p>
<p>I have other ECs as well but I will definitely try harder to get higher standardized test scores.
Drought, thanks for your comment! I really shouldn’t depend on people’s sympathy but instead should let my stats & resume speak for me.</p>
<p>No one in the admissions office really cares what your anticipated major is going to be, because chances are, you won’t end up majoring in it. They know that. 650 to 700 on an SAT II is by no means a “disaster,” as you say, but it is a little weak. You have to take two or three (I forget which) SAT IIs, so I would suggest using your other slot(s) in fields in which you anticipate a higher score.</p>
<p>you should apply. you’re not a shoo-in, or a guaranteed admission or anything like that, but you certainly have a shot. pour yourself into your essay and get good recs and definitely retake the SAT II if possible. gl!</p>