Should I bother applying to Harvard?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I'm the last kid you would expect to apply to Harvard (much less to get actually get accepted), but suddenly I've got a wild hair up my ass and am considering paying for an application.</p>

<p>Here are some things about me-
I'm a girl, I go to school in the US, I was born in France (though I am not a citizen) and I can legally be considered Hispanic (my mom is Colombian).
I've consistently been taking college level courses throughout high school- I'm in the International Baccalaureate program and I've taken a good share of AP classes.</p>

<p>Numbers:
SAT: 2120 (CR 710, W 710, M 700)
(I still need to take my SAT subject tests)
Weighted GPA: 4.3
Unweighted: 3.8</p>

<p>Extracurriculars-
I've participated in French exchange programs over the summer, I was in band for two years, jazz band for one year, I've done community service in animal shelters and libraries and I am currently president of my school's French National Honor Society.
And I know that Ivy League schools expect their students to have some sort of passion/hobby-- if this counts for anything, I would say that I have a more-than-casual interest in art and cartoons. I've been drawing cartoons since I was a little kid, and for a while I was even considering going to art school to study animation.</p>

<p>I'm not even going to bother posting my AP scores because they are god awful (I've only passed three of them), but I still have five IB exams to take and I feel fairly confident about them (I've already taken the French exam and got a 7/7).</p>

<p>What do you think? Do I even have a remote chance of getting in?</p>

2

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<p>Yes, you do. Aside from continuing to achieve high academic marks, perhaps the only realistic opportunity you have to greatly improve your profile at this point is to retake the SAT (if you find it conceivable that you can better your score). Also, much to your favor, you are a member of an under-represented minority group.</p>

3

<p>I think you’ve got as good a shot as anyone.
If you’re a good writer, then I would definately consider applying. I’ve been told they weigh the personal essays on the common application as well as answers to their supplement questions pretty heavily. If you communicate your thoughts well, and can write witty and creative responses, then I would definately apply. Even if writing isn’t your strong suit, the worst you’ve got to lose is $85 dollars.
And if you choose not to apply, you’ll always wonder whether you might have been accepted. I say it’s worth a shot.</p>

4

<p>Yes, you do have a shot. Mifune is right in that you should consider retaking the SATs; though, your scores seem to be good enough. Retake them only if you are certain that you can do considerably better.</p>

5

<p>That’s a relief that the essays are a huge factor… I’m a pretty decent writer, and I already wrote a kick-ass essay for the common application. Hopefully I can raise my SAT score.
Thanks for the input, guys</p>