<p>I know this has probably been asked before. But what does it take to really get into harvard? Is it absolutely mandatory that you're spectacular at a certain something? Or will a fantastic essay wow the admissions people enough to let you in? Thanks.</p>
<p>My personal belief is that once you are in the ballpark with grades and scores, you need to stand out in some way so you can be a part of the interesting class they are trying to put together. That is why so many perfect score/grade kids don't get in.</p>
<p>^Yep. So basically, essays + your interview, with more emphasis on the essays. Beyond being yourself, you need to bring something new to the table.</p>
<p>you don't need to be spectacular, you just need to show growth and maturity through the obstacles you've overcome</p>
<p>thanks!! it really helps clear things up a bit</p>
<p>My D has had in many respects a very suburban, very mundane life. I think she had impeccable academics and a very distinctive "voice" in her applications that came through. That is what the hand-written notes at the bottom of a number of acceptance letters (including H) indicated. Don't be afraid to take some chances in how you present yourself. Caution is not what it takes at this level of admissions. Try to find a theme in what you have done, try to link that theme to something larger than yourself.</p>
<p>Hand-written notes? Wha...?</p>
<p>Not to burst your bubble, but the hand written note at the bottom of the Harvard letter was on EVERYONE'S acceptance letter. ;)</p>
<p>^ Yes, we figured so . . . and perhaps that indicates that you and all those accepted distinguished themselves in that same sense. "Burst my Bubble" ?? Please watch the tone . . . humility can be your friend.</p>
<p>Whoa, calm down. I'm sorry, that was my fault. I forgot how things tend to be interpretted differently when they are read over the internet.
My intention wasn't to be an ego freak, from what you wrote I gathered that you thought it was something personal for your daughter. And even in trying to tell you it wasn't, I genuinely only wanted to save you the embarassment that I myself suffered. I was talking to my friend about how Wesleyan had written "Yes, come to Wes!" on the bottom of my acceptance letter, when an evesdropping friend mentioned that her letter had said the same thing... naturally I felt like an idiot and a horrible braggart.
So, before you get upset with me, realize that I really didn't intend that the way you interpretted it, and I'm very sorry that my poorly chosen words upset you.
But, just IMO, I don't think anything can "destroy what this acceptance means" for me or for your D... getting accepted is just too incredible!</p>
<p>^ Absolutely. Actually, our D's H acceptance personal note was pretty brief and impersonal. Other schools, however, did get pretty specific about what "worked." That's what I was trying to convey to the OP. It's a mystery, in the end, what sets one application above others when there is such an ocean of talent and energy out there. It gives me a headache just thinking abot it . . . Don't even want to think about what awaits D2 coming up in three years.</p>
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Whoa, calm down. I'm sorry, that was my fault. I forgot how things tend to be interpretted differently when they are read over the internet.
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The people of planet SERIOUS BUSINESS have landed.</p>