<p>These were the three colleges I was thinking of applying to. My preference would be for each of these in that order. I'm very skeptical of my chances for the first two. I go to a state university and currently have a 3.9 GPA. I've been trying to stay ambitious with my classes taking 2 Poly Scis at a time each semester (out of the standard 5 classes). I'm looking into joining what is at the university something which I guess would be similar to NHS at high schools. It's for students with high GPAs and involves volunteer work and doing things around the school. I was also hoping to do research with a Political Science professor and do other volunteer work. My question is in regards to what other things I might be able to do in order to bring more attention to my application. I do have one talent which I believe stands out. I'm a very good guitar player. I was thinking of composing a classical guitar work to send into Yale and Harvard. If it were very good, could it sway admissions officers ? Aside from this, what other extracurriculars could help ?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any insight you may be able to give.</p>
<p>Since you are at a state university you have to essentially be a "big fish in a small pond" and your application has to be essentially flawless to transfer to Yale or Harvard. Since you are into Politics I would advise you set up your own political organisation on campus. A grassroots "get out the vote drive" is a good start; however, if you really want to increase your chances a ambitious non-profit organisation or a detailed quantitative political study and follow up research paper would also be sufficient. For your musical abilities to stand out, you would have to be exceptional. Getting a record deal or along the lines of that sort would be I think the only thing that would stand out to them. Also, take the SAT I and get a 2200 +, a high score is always helpful so there is no condescension with regards to your state school. Finally, your essays and prof recs need to be top notch. You will need either a fabulous rec from a notable professor, or a rec from a nationally recognised prof. In addition, your essays need to explain how Harvard and Yale can help you achieve your ultimate ends(and this does not include anything about prestige).</p>
<p>Boston College made me take the new SAT for transfer. But they were just messing with me. Three ACs told me I had to do it! Four hours of my life I am not getting back. Don't take it if your stats are competitive. They do not know how to evaluate the new test. Some schools are not even looking at the writing score. It is different and harder. Stay with your score. Get your GPA up. They won't look at SATs after two years or enough credits, say 30+ at some schools. If you do not have to transfer...don't! Try to find the right fit the first time. It's a hassle and a long shot to transfer to a top school. Good luck!</p>
<p>How much experience do you have in composition? I wouldn't recommend it if it is your first time writing a piece. Whatever you send in should be technically proficient and not juvenilia.</p>
<p>Sorry to intrude on the OP's original post, but if you have around a 2000 SAT but will finish near 50-60 credits as a freshman and are wanting to apply to some top notch schools (ivies), would you recommend taking the test again?</p>
<p>follow ryan's post for all 3 schools - just look at the Cornell decisions thread and you'll see very few got in and a surprising amount with 3.8+ from ultra-elite schools also got denied.</p>
<p>Since I am coming from a state school, and since I was accepted at two of the schools and waitlisted at the third one, I will put in my $0.02.
No, you don't need to retake the SAT. Most of the acceptees that I know have scores lower than 1450 (M+V), myself included. The SAT plays minimal role and Cornell doesn't even require it. TehRahk was right in his/hers surprise. Focus on the rest. People do retake the SAT, but most of my new classmates didn't ;)
As far as Cornell goes, pour your heart in the essays; share your values and show how broad your world is... or how broad you'd like it to be :)
It's easier than you think.
GL</p>