<p>I really want to go to Harvard, but coming from a small town, I feel really left out. I see all of you with so many AP exams and SAT subject tests, which almost no one in my school ever takes them (I didn't even hear about them until this year) I'm basically the top of my class, but I don't really have much recognition on the national level...
ok, my stats:
SAT I: 760CR, 760M, 700W
SATIIs: haven't taken yet
GPA:4.0
Courseload:from a small school, I have the highest classes my school offers in math, english, social studies, and spanish, but I have only 3 years of science (highest is physics)
I'm a national merit semifinalist, and I had an article published in Sweet Sixteen Magazine (a national publication) along with numerous articles in my local newspaper
I know I'll get a really good recommendation from my spanish teacher, since I took the initiative to study spanish over the summer so I could move up to the next spanish class
I took a college class in economics from a nearby community college over the summer
I attended Girls state and was really involved there
As long as I keep my 4.o, I will be my class valedictorian (one of about 7 people with 4.0s)
I have lots of activities, but I haven't really stood out that much in them
I've been in band, drama and track for 4 years
I was chosen as an Elks Lodge Student of the Month as a junior, even though our lodge almost invariably chooses seniors
I think I can get a pretty good essay, but I'm worried about my interview. I have trouble talking to people I don't know...
well, I'm going to apply early and just see...let me know what you think</p>
<p>Coming from a small town will be to your advantage (especially if you are coming from a state like wyoming) as H accepts students from every state. I think that you are focusing a bit too much on academics, at the expense of your ECs. H won't really care if you skip a spanish class. You would be wiser to spend that time trying to get some sort of leadership (e.g. see if you can start a club at your school - this would improve you probability of acceptance significantly).</p>
<p>What state? If its underrepresented, you've got a decent shot, if ny/ca/ill/pa/tex/ma/ct (etc) you'll probably be in the running, but just another one in the pack</p>
<p>well, I've run long distance in track for 4 yrs,so I'm expected to be a leader for the younger kids, although that is not a formal title, and I'm a section leader in band (also have been in for 4 yrs) I'm from Oregon, I don't know if thats underepresented or not...I'll probably be a soccer team captain this year, and I attended Girls State, which has a lot to do with leadership...I've been on Prom committee...that's about all for leadership, I think...</p>
<p>You could start a Spanish club or an Economics club since you seem to be interested in those subjects.</p>
<p>Being from a small town is an asset as Harvard and other Ivies have an overabundance of applicants from large cities, particularly large East Coast cities.</p>
<p>In assessing applications, Harvard looks to see if students have taken maximum advantage of opportunities in their area. It doesn't expect that students who come from small, rural schools lacking APs will amass the number of APs that students from large urban schools can.</p>
<p>Your journalism work especially is impressive, particularly your getting an article in a national magazine.</p>
<p>I don't estimate chances since no one but adcoms has the kind of info and expertise to make informed estimates. However, I do think that you should apply. Make sure that you apply to other competitive colleges -- the kind tat are reaches for everyone, and also apply to match and safeties that you'd love to attend.</p>
<p>Why do you want to go to Harvard, besides the reputation?</p>
<p>Everyone wants to go to Ivy League schools becuase of the Rep. Many people have fine top 20-30 schools near them but instead they move half way accross the country for the name Harvard. I have a top 25-30 University near me the second best in Canada but I would travel to Harvard if I could but I would for any other University expect if It was an IVY. I have good enough grades for top 15-20 but wy would I move so far into another country.</p>
<p>yeah, the reputation is really great, but I just really like Harvard...I'd probably travel across the country anyway, I really like the East Coast. Harvard has all the activities I want (and I'm really picky) but you can find anything there.I'd like to go to a college where everyone is there to learn, not just to party and have a good time (although that's always fun, too) I just really like Harvard, based on the viewbook and what other people who've been there have said.</p>