Harvard--Applying/ Early Action---->Should I really apply? Counselor said yes... please advise.?

Question

My counselor told me I should apply Early Action to Harvard University. Apparently, based on my socio-economic class as a first generation college student, my chances of admission are “higher” and there is a free-tuition program for people under 60,000 incomes. Although, I look at my 21 composite ACT and say she’s nuts, respectively.

I know I have a recommendation from my school district’s Superintendent regarding my service, as a voluntary intern at special needs school within the district, a recommendation from the special needs students’ teacher, and a recommendation from the supervisor of my federally funded TRiO Work-Study law internship. Not sure what that will do in college admissions.

Anyone think my high school counselor is right? I guess I always thought Harvard and such were exclusive to people who pay top bucks--not to offend anyone.

Forgive me, I meant to type "respectfully," not "respectively."

Answer 1

first of all, make sure you want to go to harvard. that's the most important part.

i'm glad you're thinking fairly realistically. 21 on the ACT is well below what harvard usually accepts, although statistics show that no matter how smart they are, first generation college students almost always do worse than others. i couldn't say why.
if your grades are good, your reccomendations are good, your essay is good, and you have your school behind you, no one's to say that you don't have a chance. you might have a slight advantage with your socio-economic status and being first generation, especially if you've already done a lot in your community, but it's still a crapshoot.
my advice is this: apply early if you think harvard is your first choice. don't worry too too much about your test scores, and focus on what you have going for you. you seem well-spoken and intelligent, and you might be just what any university is looking for at the time.

harvard is no longer the rich boys' club that it was 50+ years ago. they're looking for an interesting, diverse, and intelligent student body, and there's a chance you'll fit right in.

i hope this has been helpful to you. i wish you the best of luck.

Answer 2

Yes, you should apply. There is nothing that makes you any less deserving of a Harvard education than anyone else. As for the Blue Bloods and families with money, in the end, they have to sharpen their pencils just as you do.
As for learning, there is so much you can learn about yourself just for applying. Doesn't mean you have to attend, because you were accepted. Don't be intimidated. Just go for it.

Answer 3

Do you think you should? because if not then maybe your school counselor is crazy. In reality I think you sound like a great canidate for Havard and I would let you in if I sat on the board. If you have the drive to do it it will pay off in the end.

Answer 4

I think you should learn how to use the word "respectively" correctly before you even think of applying to Harvard...

Answer 5

You will never know unless you go for it.

Like my Professor says "you only fail when you don't try"