Where diversity is a bigger factor? (Harvard?)

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I have a day to decide on the list of schools I will apply to. I am torn between Harvard, Cornell, and JHU (I will only apply to 2 out of the 3 – I am applying to a bunch of other schools already).</p>

<p>I am a fairly good student at TJHSST, but my grades alone probably won’t get me into Harvard, Cornell, and JHU.
- 1440 SAT (760 math, 680 verbal)
- GPA 3.75 (with Freshman year); 4.0+ without Freshman year (will attach letter with reason)</p>

<p>JHU and Cornell applications will require do write new essays, plus I don't know much about those schools and whether I would choose to go to them over the in-state schools in VA.</p>

<p>I would like to know how much Harvard compared to Cornell and JHU consider my background as a critical factor of admission. Here is my story:</p>

<p>While I was born in Uzbekistan, I lived half of my life in Israeli. I moved to the United States about 7 years ago. After another move (within US), I became the first junior accepted to Thomas Jefferson HS (TJHSST) in about 10 years. I have done well academically in the school. </p>

<p>I wrote my main essay about how terrorism in Israel changed my life, and made me want to become an economists (if anybody wants to read it, please send me an email at dlevit[at]gmail.com). My other essay talks about my time at Boys’ State of Virginia – once again dealing with Judaism.</p>

<p>My other “extras” include:
- World Bank Internship (un-paid)
- President of Economics Society
- Varsity Swimming
- Freelance Computer Graphics
- Computer Science Research (applied to Intel)
- Jewish Culture Club & Jewish Youth Group (leadership positions in both)
- Viola
- Math Team, Teenage Republicans, and Water Polo</p>

<p>I would love to hear your opinion on my final decision.</p>

<p>Thank you,</p>

2

<p>It is simply easier to get into JHU and Cornell than harvard. Instead of worry about where you will get in, why don't you apply to the two places where you thinkyou will be happiest out of those three. Would you enjoy your four or so years at JHU, Cornell, or Harvard? The location are fairly different and the people who gravitate towards each school somewhat different. Go with your intuitions as to where you think the best place for you to be is, not where you think you'll have the best chance of getting in.</p>

3

<p>Well first off, apply to Harvard. Harvard's a sucker for people with "interesting" experiences (no offense, I'm just bitter because I don't have one haha), in terms of Cornell vs. JHU, I've NEVER HEARD of JHU's business, but I might be wrong. (JHU is known for mostly Bio)</p>

<p>My opinion, apply to Harvard (for aforementioned reasons) and Cornell. Why Cornell? Cornell seems to have a pretty good Economics program (Applied Economics or something like that) and you have a WAY better shot of being accepted for diversity in Cornell than JHU. Honestly, JHU doesn't care if you're from the moon, but Cornell might.</p>

<p>So I think you should go for Harvard and Cornell. But remember, you have a nice hook, but don't expect that to get you in automatically. Stay optimistic but realistic. Best of luck. (PS: Consider business at UPenn (the famous wharton) and Columbia)</p>