<p>I realize that it isn't too uncommon to have Harvard as one's #1 choice to say the least, but I feel an overwhelming attachment to the school above all others I'm applying to and think that the rest of my application, centered on politics and leadership, reflects a better fit with Harvard than any other HYPS school. My obsession with the school has also made me accumulate unhealthy amounts of trivia about it, and more specific reasons as to why it is my dream school (beyond the fact that "It's Harvard.")</p>
<p>That said, Harvard does not have a "Why Harvard?" For such a competitive application process, I hear that interest and fit really matter. Some have advised that these could come out on my interview, although I've heard that Harvard doesn't give those much weight (question: Does it!?!). Would there be any other way for me to convey this then?</p>
<p>I was thinking of submitting one as my additional essay, although I already have one about one of my activities for that. Could I send two additional essays? Any other ideas much appreciated! :D Thanks!</p>
<p>Demonstrated interest is actually of limited value. The admissions committee is fully aware that an exceptional majority of the applicant pool holds the university to a regard above all others.</p>
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<p>Harvard interviews are evaluative in roughly three categories, in which prospective students are evaluated on a 1-6 scale. Interviewers also submit a written segment. Its influence as an admission factor is not that appreciable, considering that most reports yield cordially positive reviews. I could imagine that negative reviews, being atypical, could provoke irresolution or act as a genuine disservice.</p>
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<p>Yes, you may. (I submitted more than one supplement essay and I was a successful applicant.) Emphasizing a potential academic or co-curricular niche is always a valid theme on essays lacking a determined boundary. Nevertheless, the committee often accords little consideration to scholastic aspirations, as they tend to vacillate when confronted with a wealth of unique opportunities.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply mifune. I guess to clarify what I intended to ask more about in my initial post, what if it’s a question more on fit than interest? Granted that any student in their right mind would have a strong interest in attending Harvard if given the opportunity, thus making that a negligible factor. But wouldn’t “fit” (politically minded, ambitious, type-A) be more significant? And how could one convey that, aside from sending in an additional essay or interview?</p>
<p>I don’t think an extra essay designed to show what a great fit Harvard will be for you will help. What matters to the highly selective schools is what you have achieved–and your application should reflect that. Also, an interviewer won’t be impressed if you gush about Harvard too much.</p>
<p>Just to be clear: Many colleges care about whether you have shown interest and fit, because it means that you are more likely to enroll if accepted. Harvard knows that, statistically, if it accepts you, you will enroll, whether you have shown interest or not, and whether you have some obvious fit or not. So those things don’t matter.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses guys, although I am still at a loss. Putting “interest” aside, isn’t fit supposedly the game-clinching factor for admission at HYPSM, given the dearth of comparably outstanding applicants? ie, explaining why one qualified applicant is admitted to Harvard not Stanford, another to Stanford not Harvard.</p>
<p>Although all HYPSM applicants surely have it to some extent, Harvard students seem to carry this ambition to somewhat greater levels than the rest. If a candidate “reeks” of Harvard, and no other school, as an ambitious type-A student geared towards politics in his own country, does that not give him an ever so slight edge?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, one’s enthusiasm for Harvard will not be considered as an admissions factor. Given the remarkable yield, it’s already understood that a significant majority will matriculate. The extent of one’s articulated endearment honestly is not the reason why supremely qualified students often have a diverse assortment of decisions among the nation’s most selective universities. If anything, the most advisable strategy would be to write an essay detailing your political ambitions, future aspirations, and perhaps how you specifically envision Harvard’s role in their pursuit.</p>
<p>Enthusiasm is not what top colleges mean by fit. These schools seek to assemble a diverse, well-rounded class of students with myriad strengths so that each of their departments has students and each of their student organizations has members. This may accord a flutist an advantage one year (if, say, the orchestra is short on wind) and a Latin-lover the advantage another. These are things the applicant has little influence over. </p>
<p>Your best bet is not to show H your love but to demonstrate the depth of your achievement, both academically and extracurricularly (yes, I just made that word up).</p>
<p>@Mifune: “political ambitions” – you mean something along the lines of “I want to go back to my country, (insert third world country), and use my government/economics/sociology degree to change it?”"</p>
<p>I don’t understand. What about those who want to study… some more obscure subject, like geology, or just wants to study biology?</p>
<p>Do you mean writing about how one would use one’s education for leadership/change?Could you explain a bit more on this?
Many thanks :)</p>
<p>Take a look at: [What</a> Yale Looks For | Yale College Admissions](<a href=“http://admissions.yale.edu/what-yale-looks-for]What”>What Yale Looks For | Yale College Undergraduate Admissions)
This applies equally to Harvard.<br>
Writing about your “fit” based on affection for the school? It could come across as trite- and the wrong use of your spare time. They are looking for kids whose record proves thay are worth the admit slot.</p>
<p>One cannot show that he/she is a good “fit” beyond what JHS wrote in #11. Fit is determined by Harvard – not on some marketing scheme by individual applicants. You put your best foot fwd and hope for the best. For some, that will be what Havard needs, for the majority, it won’t be. That’s how it goes.</p>
<p>The “political ambitions” assertion contained within the final sentence of #9 was exclusively directed towards stanislavpetrov, given his preference for pursuing politics. That certainly wouldn’t apply to everyone. My main point is that speaking of one’s potential academic niche is always a valid supplementary essay topic. (I did not intend anything more specific.) Even so, such statements may not hold particular authority without relevant achievements in high school.</p>
<p>If you are committed to an academic interest and emphasize that it is your strongest draw to the school, then writing about it in your essay is a very good idea. Also make sure to talk about it in your interview.</p>
<p>Colleges want to see your interest substantiated by coursework/activities, etc. that prove your commitment to the subject. You can show how you supported your fascination with politics in high school and how you will further it in college. For example, talk about what you did in high school (were you part of a club, did you read books, meet politicians, intern, etc.? You don’t have to have done something incredible; sometimes, as it was in my case, having read a lot is enough). Make sure this is clear! Then, as mifune suggests, explain how Harvard can nurture your interest in politics. Cite classes you would like to take, professors you might want to study under, etc. You could even contact the professor and ask specific questions or for book recommendations. If you live close enough to visit, email a professor and ask whether you can sit in on his/her class. You need to show Harvard how <em>its</em> political science or gov’t program will fit you better than any other school’s.</p>