what they're looking for...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>its one of my dream schools (not because its harvard, but because it has the most amazing resources, extraordinary student body and a lot of things no other place has) and i want to apply but i want to be realistic about it because it seems like the only way to get in is to find the cure for aids or something. so im gonna list my resume and see if anyone who knows about this or has gotten into harvard can tell me if i have a chance...</p>

<p>im from puerto rico, lower middle class, from a small town from where probably no one has ever gone to harvard</p>

<p>gpa is not calculated in my school as it is in the states but ive gotten As in every subject since 9th grade so i asume it would at least be 4.0</p>

<p>ranked 1st in a class of about 90
1910 SATs which i realize is 0 for their standards but should improve now in october..
top score in my class and one of the best in the country on the college entrance exam in puerto rico (not the SAT but also by the College Board)
ive taken the most advanced classes my school has to offer ( no APs cos my school doesnt have them)
student council member
national honor society member-president of my school's nhs
vice president of the science club
six years of classical guitar education, played in a bunch of different ensembles in school and elsewhere
played soccer for the last two years
community group member</p>

<p>i went to a journalism program at penn state summer before last, and to a biotech summer program at a university here last summer but i realize none of this is too weird or extraordinary like the things other rejected applicants seem to have done (cancer research, summer in a third world country feeding the poor...) i know that the other 25,000 kids who apply have much more impressive resumes, so does anyone think i have a chance of at least getting my app looked at by a school like harvard or penn (provided i write some damn good essays)??</p>

2

<p>The ivies will read every application, but to be competitive one should have the SAT scores (I and IIs) and evidence of leadership, or deep involvement in a field. Hone those essays, but find some safety schools too. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>thanks... but do you think they'll consider me even if my SATs are so low (1910) because english is not my first language?</p>

4

<p>Its hard to say.. there are a ton of non-native English speakers out there with perfect SATs, and they will be vying for the same spot. Look over your assets with a realistic eye to determine if you have any chance. Apply if it is your dream, but realize the chances with even a fabulous package is less than 10 %. Read the college admissions books to find some realistic schools that match your scores for their median 25-75% range.</p>

5

<p>yea thats what i thought. im pretty sure i'd have to win the nobel prize sometime before december to get in, but i was asking about it since a friend of mine with a profile very similar to mine applied to harvard and mit (she got into mit). just out of curiosity, do u go to harvard? oh and thanks a lot for the feedback</p>