<p>In the Harvard Supplement,</p>
<p>Does Harvard prefer if people are "Absolutely Certain" for academic and vocational plans? Would it be better if I put "absolutely certain" even if I am a little apperhensive?</p>
<p>If I were to guess, I'd say the opposite. Schools prefer kids who are open to try things than to those that are stubbornly opposed to new fields/majors</p>
<p>That being said...I'm putting something in the middle. I don't want to seem like completely unsure</p>
<p>OP, don't put down absolutely certain unless you are. It's not a positive, Zachsta is right. </p>
<p>If you've done an enormous amount of work in one area that fascinates you and your app shows that, then it's fine to say absolutely sure. If you are like most applicants, you're better off being honest, and it actually also works in your favor.</p>
<p>Most Harvard graudates end up choosing concentrations quite different from what they thought they would choose when they entered.</p>
<p>I placed absolutely sure, as I am absolutely sure. My ECs and classes show that too. (I've taken classes like Pre-Law, joined my high school's law academy, been a varsity trial attorney in mock trial, internships at a law firm, mentorship with the Bar Association, etc.)</p>
<p>Harvard's the only college I know of that asks you to rate your certainty of career/study choices. How about other colleges?</p>
<p>I thought it was an odd question, why ask if you don't want to know? But I don't think there's a better or worse way to answer it. They may accept you because you look like someone who is interested in exploring lots of things and will spread your wings at Harvard, or they may accept you because you are passionately interested in one thing and will delve deeply into it.</p>
<p>but just to add to mathmom's comment, the key is that your record should show that passion. If you say absolutely certain for an area you seem to have done little in, it's not a plus. Quixotic Rick's posting is a good example of when it's ok to say one is certain - he's done plenty in that area.
however, the converse isn't true - it's quite ok to say you're not sure even if you've done plenty in one area, if you really want to explore new areas. My daughter has just chosen a concentration she hadn'd really heard of (and in fact Harvard only recently created!) before she went there. It's always ok to go to college ready to explore (unless you are applying to a specific program, of course!)</p>