Some Hearty Bluster

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
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<p>Guys, I think as decision times come near in sight we all need a little bit of hearty bluster to nurture in ourselves a little bit of hope. Let's be honest, we tell everyone "there's no chance I'll get in" that "we're nothing" and we really are. But somewhere deep inside we all cling onto that miniscule chance that our imperfect soul might indeed get in -- that those officers might make that "mistake" of getting us in.</p>

<p>I first realized this when I opened my MIT decision at 4:30 AM India time. I had slept at 11:30 that night after working on my Mathematics IA for several hours (cliche, yes). I had by some stroke of luck convinced myself that I would be rejected. It was bliss. Because in four hours when I had to read my decision it wouldn't be so bad. It held through. It held through until I loaded "decisions.mit.edu". It held through as I filled in my user information. It held through as I hit "go". But as my terrible BSNL internet (government owned, of course) loaded my decision, something very strange happened. I expected to see "we are thrilled to inform you..."</p>

<p>A moment later my gorgeous iMac instead, in crisp black letters of which font I don't know, told me that it is "so sorry to inform me..."</p>

<p>So that's how my America decision process began: a rejection from MIT. Since, I have been wait-listed from the University of Chicago, for which I wrote my best essays by far.</p>

<p>But more than anything, I want to see people have hope. Because if other imperfect, non-cancer-curing, non 4.0 kids have hope, then I can also have hope. </p>

<p>So I am publicly (albeit anonymously) announcing to this board that I think I have a very good chance of getting into Harvard. Hah! Laugh, laugh with me. How could someone with a tad bit of common sense delude himself into thinking that he will get into the University. Why would I do this to myself? What a shame it will be when I don't get accepted, right?</p>

<p>But let the bluster command me. I am one of those stupid rational cynics but I can say one thing. I thought I would get into Oxford, and I did. I thought I would get into UCL, and I did. I thought I would get into LSE, and I did. I told myself I would not get into MIT and I didn't. And I was very here-and-there about Chicago and it turns our they are also very here-and-there about me (though more "there" than "here"... which, coincidentally, is a very well-placed reference to my Chicago extended essay, if anyone wants to read).</p>

<p>So I think I will get into Harvard. It's the only university my driver has heard of outside of India (and it's common here to have household help). It's the alma mater of my unemployed Dad. I'm going to get into Harvard, god damnit!</p>

<p>So comon, guys, join with me on my bluster. "Challenged" is getting into Harvard. And for thinking this he is "challenged" indeed! For those wondering, what crazy statistics must engender in him so exquisite an arrogance?</p>

<p>[ul]
[<em>]GPA: 3.5 (I think. It's so bad I've never really checked)
[</em>]SAT: 2200 (superscore)
[/ul]</p>

<p>I think my essays and extra-curricular activities are pretty good, but nothing outstanding - I promise. I would have provided a more detailed explanation of my daily life, recommendations, zen buddhist tendencies, and pet zebras but this ain't no chances thread. It's a "I'm gonna get in thread". </p>

<p>Join me, friends. Join me in on some hearty bluster before D-Day approaches. Abandon that humility your parents have been cultivating for the past 17 years and embrace your inner arrogance. If you didn't think you would get in, why did you apply? God damnit, embrace this madness with me!</p>

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<p>Oh I’m joining in. I am very much uninterested in being a pessimist or a realist just because I’ve applied to Harvard. To long I have doubted myself, and it’s now time that I become an opportunist by declaring, I am getting into Harvard. So come on friends and join me in joining with “challenged” to think positively. P.S: I know that the only reason why I will get into Harvard will be because of God-the one whose name is yahwey.</p>

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<p>@Challenged: your character is of such nature that after reading through your post I gained strength, which I can tell you is sort of ironic as I’m most determined, but I think sometimes even giants need a little push. I SINCERELY THANK YOU!</p>

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<p>Harvard Accepted Class of 2012:

[ul]
[<em>]Challenged
[</em>]IBAustralia
[/ul]</p>

<p>I really don’t think even Harvard can survive a class of two students…</p>

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<p>I’m down for this. This is the most stimulating CC thread I have ever read.</p>

<p>I will get into Harvard regardless of my grades, status, and anything in this crazy world. The odds will be on my favor.</p>

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<p>In fact guys, we’ve got our tenses wrong: a shame for Harvard acceptees. Harvard has already made its decision. The dean has already stamped your application. </p>

<p>Harvard already accepted me. They just have yet to tell me.</p>

<p>Harvard Accepted Class of 2012:

[ul]
[<em>]Challenged
[</em>]IBAustralia
[li]laminin[/li][/ul]</p>

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<p>@ Challenged, you do realize that if you are admitted it would be to the class of 2016 and not 2012.</p>

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<p>Yes, of course. I’m unfortunately not so brilliant as to retroactively graduate. I debated for a while whether 2012 or 2016 was apt, and maybe I’m wrong. I decided that because I’m going to be accepted in 2012 it was more appropriate. Graduating class of 2016, matriculating class of 2012, accepted class of 2012? Hm. Maybe not.</p>

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<p>It would be “Class of 2016” to avoid confusion with the transfer students that get accepted this year as well. </p>

<p>Also, the odds will be <em>in</em> your favor not “on” your favor, Iamini.</p>

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<p>Well, you’ve just said everything i´ve been thinking on these 5 months since i sent may app. I´m not the “harvard” prototype (gpa, Sat) but I still think i´ve something special, I know I have it and I know that harvard needs my perspective. So when the 29 come i´ll be ready. So C´mon prospective class of 2016, we will be harvard(not some old building or dogma).</p>

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<p>@IBAustralia already got a likely letter to Harvard. smh</p>

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<p>I’m down for this. I remember the exact same thing with MIT, telling myself I would never get in. I proved myself right. So screw that crap, I’m getting into Harvard – no, I am in Harvard and just don’t know yet. I’ll prove myself right again, but this time the outcome will be very different. Class of 2016, here I come.</p>

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<p>I guess… That I am in too.</p>

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<p>Self-delusion and false hope is the opiate of the College Confidential masses.</p>

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<p>Beautiful post, @challenged!
Reminds me of a quote I have taped up on my bathroom mirror, which I read every day!
It is:
“To achieve anything requires faith, and belief in yourself. All things are possible for those who believe.”
And with that, let me also say: I’M IN!!! Accepted to Harvard, Class of 2016! :D</p>

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<p>i love the original poster. wow</p>

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<p>i was thinking it might be better to think you’re getting rejected because then it doesn’t hurt as bad… but after reading that… what the heck, I’ll embrace some of this madness. yeah wahoo! I’m getting in!</p>

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<p>Welp. Why not?</p>

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<p>OP, you’ve captured my feelings for the past several weeks to a frightening extent! Damnit, I’m getting in and I’m doing it on science!</p>

<p>Fellow Harvard-admits for 2016, we have 2:15:40 left until our official acceptance emails are released :)</p>

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<p>Harvard class of 2016!!!</p>