<p>My son is African American. He was disappointed in his SAT score (1990, will retake on October 10. He is a National Achievement semifinalist. He ranks 1/182 in his class. He does not want to apply to Harvard because he said that it would be a waste of time. He thinks that his stats are too low. I think he should give it a shot anyway. What are your opionions?</p>
<p>Def needs to get that SAT up.</p>
<p>He should apply if he wants to go. If he doesn’t want to go, he shouldn’t apply.</p>
<p>In order to have good chances, he will want to improve his SAT score.</p>
<p>It doesn’t hurt to try unless you’re extremely poor and can’t afford the application fee, but I’m sure there’s still ways out. Like the others said, he definitely needs to improve his SAT by at least 260 points. He should have excellent ECs and academics awards as well.</p>
<p>Have him also try the ACT - D had a 2080 on SAT but managed a 33 and a 35 on the ACT.</p>
<p>How are his ECs?</p>
<p>Even with a lower SAT, if he still wants to go to Harvard then it’s still worth applying. They might absolutely love everything else about him.</p>
<p>The only way he absolutely would not get in would be if he doesn’t apply.</p>
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<p>That’s not true. While it will help to get a 2250, a 2100 will easily get him over the “test score threshold” and into the area where his ECs, essays, recommendations, etc. matter more.</p>
<p>2250 is the AVERAGE SAT score for Harvard. Lots of admits (including myself) get in with lower scores.</p>
<p>Well, it really depends on how good his ECs and etc. are. I didn’t mean hitting the 2250 mark or above was completely necessary, although I see how you could have inferred that.</p>
<p>Riverdad,
He should certainly apply if thats what he wants. As other posters have said, if he doesn’t apply he doesnt have a chance. Be reminded that he also needs to take three SAT II’s, if he has not taken them yet.</p>