I have been fighting myself a few months since previous responsibilities have been lifted and I am free to continue in the original path I had wanted to pursue. Essentially, I want to go back to college if i can get into Harvard.
4 years ago I got into Stanford but I didn’t go and I am not sure if I am as competitive or of the schools liking, therefore, is this a opportunity that has passed me? am I wasting my time and should I just return my focus on other paths to my objectives?
Also, the reason that I desire to go to Harvard is because of the staff and reach that could expedite the path to my goals. However, nothing will change if i don’t get in, without the exception of having it a little easier. So please don’t think i just want to get in for the title…I don’t believe in third party validation since you are the only person that can validate your wits and character.
Here are my specs that i want to provide in the application:
Specs:
Race: Mexican/French with US residency
Age 22
Snap Bio:
-Lived in the US illegality until 8 then left to EU then Mexico (long story).
-Father committed suicide
-Grew up poor but learned the value of work and education.
-Mother was very ill all my life but always provided (without the help of anyone!) and my only goal is to show her that all her dedication will not be in vain.
-Returned to U.S as sophomore and hit the books HARD but economy collapsed step dad went broke and I took two jobs in junior and senior year.
-Left to China to learn Chinese and become a business success; life beat me down and came back with half the objective a year and eight months latter.
-Started a construction company and had a hard start but we have lift as of now.
Most importantly, seeing my mother re-married and happy as well as financially stable has permitted me to work on my personal ambitions and hence lead to this post.
Languages:
English (Native)
Spanish (Native)
Chinese (fluent) i can write as long its in pinyin
French (Fluent)
Back Ground:
Born in Mexico and lived in 6 countries; while traveling to 22 of them.
High School:
3.4 non weighted 3.7 weighted ( I took too many AP classes and was learning English)
Currently I am scoring in the 2200 range for SAT but will need to retake it since I was out of the system.
I will be graduating with Honors on a Financial Asset Management and Investment Certificate from UCLA
I own and run a construction company. I have built multiple commercial properties and done government jobs as well.
Go ahead and apply, but don’t quit your business. But do you really think there is only one college worth attending in the US? I wonder what you want to study & learn in college – there is no coursework offered by Harvard that could not be learned at hundreds of other colleges, too.
Thank you for the reply. I taught myself finance and hustled my way into Investment banking when i was 19 (didnt tell them my age) and I am much better than many people with Masters in Finance. Thus, if i go, it will be for networking and meeting people that could give me access to the movers and shakers.
My guess is you wouldn’t find it worthwhile and likely would drop out if you managed to get in. Going to college now with a bunch of 18 year olds wouldn’t feel like being with “movers & shakers”.
I never thought about it in that manner. Since i dont really socialize i haven’t been around young people but most likely you are right. Who wants to deal with 18 year olds? Nevertheless, arnt there many clubs and events that i can involve myself with… an idea that i have wanted to do for a while is take two backhoes a bob cat and a few volunteer engineer students to Haiti and teach/build water wells in distressed locations. However, that needs influence which my money cant buy…cuz im not that rich - yet. Also, I have a lineage in Mexico and the reason i love the USA is because you dont need “blue blood” to be heard however that isn’t true anywhere else~ and Harvard is easier way to say “HEY LISTEN TO ME”~
@Nukleoman - You’re what’s often called a “non-traditional student.” There’s a separate forum here on CC just for people in that group. I expect it will be more helpful to you than this general admissions forum. Here it is: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/non-traditional-students/
There are scads of non-profits out there that could hook you and your bobcats up with engineering students. Google around a bit, and find out who is working in the countries where you’d like to do something, and find out how they could make use of your offer.
You own and run a construction company (presumably in the Los Angeles area), yet you are willing to drop it all and move to Boston if you get into Harvard? Why not just finish your degree at UCLA?
I agree with the prior two posters, get a degree from UCLA or another local school then get an Executive MBA from Stanford or Harvard or whereever else you can get in while growing your business
I agree UCLA is a great bet for you. UCB Haas perhaps.
If that won’t suffice (although it’s one of the top public universities in the country), you have CGS at Columbia designed especially for nontraditional students (22+). You could also try and get into NYU Stern using your language skills since NYU has campuses all over the world. Michigan Ross, Northwestern, Stanford (they’re very STEM oriented though, do you have mad math skills?), Georgetown (play those language skills up).
For now, you need to stabilize - top schools will read your story as slightly ADHD with constant interruptions and changes - and save money as most of those universities are unlikely to offer sufficient financial aid.
With a degree in literally anything and a GPA 3.75+ from UCLA (but preferably a “traditional” field from History to Math to Chinese to Economics) + your work experience (if you keep at it/get someone trustworthy to manage it) + a good GMAT score, you’d have a good shot at top MBA programs. There you’d meet adult movers and shakers (instead of 18 year olds, you’d be with people 25-30 years of age).
It used to be that certain schools would not admit students above a certain age, I am thinking specifically of Columbia. Not sure if they got rid of that requirement.
@Lindagaf Thank you…but Im not looking for ‘you got x odds’ since that is public domain. My inquire is of a confirmation/negation type and if that idea was a feasible path given what i have/haven’t done thus far with my life.
@happymomof1 that is what i have tried and trust me there is some kind of invisible wall! it ludicrous! but will keep trying and thanks
@NUwildcat92 its not a degree but a certificate that i will have completed by the time i start harvard
@bopper really? thats like saying if if she can walk and talk just marry her and be thankful… why do i have to settle for less? I dont have the need to go back to school…i just want to go back for the right reasons and if i cant then I wont.
In the US it is much more important to have a college degree than a degree from X. I would urge you to get a college degree but it really does not and should not be Harvard or bust.
You’re a “maybe.” But that doesn’t say more likely to get a yes or a no.
Going to college at 22/23 doesn’t mean you hang with drunk freshmen. Plenty of older students put their heads down and focus on the work. It’s one reason colleges sometimes like older students and have the programs to bring them in and ensure support.
The issue is, not sure you know what the gig is, today, what will matter for your app. Look into each college’s program for returning or non-traditional students. Talk to them. Understand that you will be viewed differently than a dependent 17 year old. They will want evidence of your academic commitment and a certificate program may not be enough. These are often taught by adjuncts and not the same as having more purely academic courses behind you, with a record of top performance.
A successful business is also not proof of your ability to take on academic challenges. (It does show maturity and maybe resilience.) I really suggest you take some community college classes or something in UCLA’s regular course list, if they will let you. You need to build a record that shows you are capable of meeting their very real classroom expectations, including any cores.
Harvard? As you grow, what will likely matter is a degree. (Some can be successful in business without one, but this is CYA. You may get injured or want to leave your own company and work for the man, different challenges, different gains.) it doesn’t matter if you start at Santa Monica or a community college and possibly transfer into another school, later.
You need income, no need to quit the job. This American dream thing is about putting in the effort. Not saying, well, if it’s Harvard… Think about it. Do the research.
@seekingpam: As indicated in my post, OP is exactly the kind of person Columbia is seeking for its College of General Studies, which is just the name of the path for nontradional students at Columbia. (students take regular classes in the regular Columbia College but cgs evaluated them on their life experience and accomplishments rather than high school grade and scores).
No college has age limits for its applicants.
Harvard or bust is silly though. What about Columbia? Brown? wharton? Stern? Stanford? Ucb? UCLA? Uva? Umichigan?
