<p>So a while back (maybe 2 months ago? maybe more, maybe less), I got an application from Harvard in the mail. I don't recall ever asking them for one, and there wasn't anything in the enclosed letter to signal that I had either (it basically said they hoped I would apply there).
So my question is, is this something they do with a lot of students? Is it just sort of a Harvard-specific thing (it's the only school that sent me an application)?
and most importantly, does it actually mean anything? As in, does it signal that I'd have a decent chance of getting in if I did apply? Or does it not mean much at all?
Thanks so much in advance!</p>
<p>Happened to me too, but I don’t think it means a lot. I think they get a score range from collegeboard (2050+ or so) and send apps to those people. It has little to do with your chances, sorry :(</p>
<p>yeah ok, that’s pretty much what I figured… thanks</p>
<p>Go to “Why does Harvard do this?” and you can get other perspectives.</p>
<p>great, I’ll do that… thanks for the advice</p>
<p>It’s mass marketing, albeit to a relatively selective group. Take it with a grain of salt.</p>
<p>Meaningless. I got it sophomore year lol.</p>
<p>They send it out to approximately 50,000 people each year. Meaningless</p>
<p>They do it to build up the number of people that apply to their school, and keep their acceptance rate low by accepting about the same number of people. But don’t take these comments too hard. At least the application in the mail means that either your PSAT or SAT score is on Harvard’s consideration level.</p>
<p>Okay thanks… yeah, harvard’s not even very high on my list (top choices are stanford, rice, and UVA), mainly because i really dont have a great shot at getting in anyway. I was just curious about why harvard might do that with the applications, and if it meant anything, but clearly not.</p>
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<p>Jgorman450, please don’t take this nonsense as gospel. Harvard sends these applications out to widen its applicant scope by providing information about the school and an opportunity to apply for those who may not have previously considered doing so. It has nothing to do with an egotistical fetish for the lowest acceptance rate.</p>
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<p>It means that Harvard thinks that you have some qualification that could place you in the running for a spot in one of its future classes. Many other schools do this, actually - when I was applying to schools, I received unsolicited applications from many institutions, including top 50 schools like Georgetown, the University of Chicago, and Columbia.</p>
<p>Huh, speaking of threads that pop up a lot.</p>
<p>Yes, I would agree that:</p>
<p>1.) You should read the other thread linked in an above post
2.) You should listen to ksarmand</p>
<p>Also, don’t make it so there are so many of these threads that someone ends up having to do a tally of the number because of a disagreement over the classification of that number…</p>