<p>Yes, I do realize it is required to have these, and it's probably a no, but three members of my family died within weeks of each other and as such I was a little... pre-occupied. I'm international, so I wasn't allowed to register late (and I was honestly distraught about my family and I wasn't paying attention to ANYTHING, let alone the dates for SAT II registration) and the only place where I could try to do on-the-spot registering (probably not the right term, lol) was very far from where I lived and I couldn't afford the gas, the hotel, or the fee to take the test. I also did take the ACT with writing, if that helps. My only question is: given the explanation of my situation, do you think Harvard might be a little understanding? Or no, given the fact that like 30,000 other people applied and they DID have the SAT II's?</p>
<p>In your case, there’s a possibility that they’ll make an exception (probably only if your ACT score was exceptional, 34+) if you explain your circumstnaces with documentation to support it.</p>
<p>Documentation, like death certificates? :S Lol, just kidding. I sent them a formal e-mail; would it be wise to send in written letter as well? Or just kind of annoying and redundant? And, as for my ACTs, I got a 35 CR, 33 ENG, 31 ENG + WRI, 24 MA, 23 SCI. In my defence, your math is crazy different from the one in my country. :P</p>
<p>As heartless as it sounds, that might be what they’ll ask for. But don’t worry about it too much, you can always apply as a transfer student if things don’t work out, just keep a stellar academic record from now on.</p>
<p>If you are very impressive, and have good grades then they may look past it.</p>
<p>Make sure that you tell them why you didn’t take the tests.</p>
<p>My impression is that they are understanding.</p>
<p>Hopefully they will be compassionate about the lack of SAT 2s. However, the 24 Math and 23 Science Reasoning scores will most likely be the disqualifiers. What was your composite score?</p>
<p>Well, I understand why they might need a death certificate. Otherwise, everyone and their dog may be using that excuse for poor scores, etc. </p>
<p>As for my ACT, my composite was 29. :S Quite a reach for Harvard, I will admit. I didn’t expect to get in, but it would mean a lot to me to know that I didn’t get in because of my grades and not my lack of SAT IIs (though I’m very angry at myself for not taking them, regardless of my family situation). </p>
<p>I’m hoping to take all the tests again next year because hopefully that time when I take them I won’t be distracted by a bunch of drama in my personal life.</p>
<p>I will say that my essay was very good though (and I can say that because I admit my math and science was terrible, lol) my interview was quite amazing (he said he really hoped I got in), I had stellar recommendations and was part of a nationally winning band . Though, the importance of the interview is debatable.</p>
<p>Also, if my application status online says all my documents have been received, does it just automatically say that?</p>
<p>Without SATII you will not be considered for admissions. No exceptions. End of story.</p>
<p>Without SATII you will not bet considered for admissions. No exceptions. End of story.</p>
<p>Only speculating, but an excuse for why you could not do your SAT II’s on the last possible testing date does not counteract the fact that you could have and should have taken those tests at any of the previous testing dates and avoided this predicament. That is the risk of waiting to the final deadlines. You can still contact them to appeal to their good will and hope. That 29 composite will not assist your situation.</p>
<p>
Why would you be taking these tests next year, if you are a current applicant? Am I missing something?</p>
<p>I only meant that I could apply again next year.</p>
<p>As well, waiting to the last minute to do the SATII’s… you really shouldn’t judge if you don’t know the whole circumstances. I’m international and the test isn’t always offered at a reasonable distance from my home. I couldn’t afford to go to a testing center over three hours away.</p>
<p>^ I drive over 2 hours to my testing center through snow covered roads (I live in South Dakota) to take my SAT’s so don’t make that excuse.</p>
<p>I’m international and have been through personal trauma as well, grandma suffered stroke, etc. And I grew up working the fields as a little boy. But I let none of that deter me from my studies, I believe you should do the same. I feel sorry for you and your circumstances, but don’t let that make you suffer academically.</p>
<p>You’re right. Now that I read smoda61’s comment again I realize it wasn’t an attack like I first thought it was. I shouldn’t have reacted rudely and I’m sorry. I think of this as a learning experience then. I’ll try again next year and this time I’ll take the tests really early. In fact, I signed up for the May tests. ^.^</p>
<p>I too have the same issue, a family member passed away around a week ahead of the SAT Subject test date, and what I did was fax them a letter explaining why i did not take it. Then i found out that they received and are taking deep consideration of it.</p>
<p>you’ve definitely got a tough situation but as the other posters have said, i’m not sure you’ll get much slack from the admission folks. with over 30,000 applications, they have a hard time narrowing it down. it makes their job that much easier when people don’t have complete applications.</p>
<p>I may be wrong, but on occasion don’t they look at (outstanding) AP or IB scores instead if you don’t have the two tests. If you have two of those (at least)…you might (maybe, possibly, etc.) be okay (if you did really, really well on them). I hope it works out for you. :)</p>
<p>Idio, its funny you disn’t say the same thing when I posted this exact question an quandry.</p>