<p>Did any of you have music as either a “hook” or an extracurricular in your applications? What are some of your accomplishments? Does Harvard care about local/ regional competitions?</p>
<p>Well, my acceptance into Harvard gave me new faith in the college admissions process. I've never received any coveted awards (honor roll and such don't count) in school, nor have I competed in ANYthing in the state level or beyond. I don't play sports and I don't play instruments. I am involved in theater (more of a pastime than a passion) and have dabbled with many other clubs (usually only for 1 or 2 years of my high school career). My primary extracurricular would probably be the time I spend at church -- about 15 hours a week? I hold several leadership positions there (but I think I only put one on my application), but my pastor wrote a supplementary rec for me (which, according to him, was positively glowing). I thought that my recommendations really helped me, because 2 of my 3 recommenders said to me that they thought I'd get in based on their recs (they were joking, of course, but it does give one confidence). My other recommender was an English teacher who wrote really good comments for my report card... Other than that, good grades and pretty good test scores. I think the recs and essays are what let you as an individual come out, though, whereas the scores and grades are achievable by hundreds (more than Harvard could accept) across the nation.</p>
<p>I don't think it was a hook, but I'm a self-taught sax player, and although I've never competed locally or regionally, I have played with several local jazz bands for the past 3 years in the DC area. I'm not going to post my stats because you can look them up if you want through other posts of mine. I have, however, won some speech and debate awards nationally.</p>
<p>Anyone else play a musical instrument?</p>
<p><~~~~~~.</p>
<p>Name speaks fo' itself. :-)</p>
<p>Harvard cares about who you are, not what you won. Read my post for suggestions!</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>