My credentials are:
-35 ACT
-3.93 unweighted GPA
-Top 1% of graduating class (400)
-National Honor Society president, Cross country captain, participant in mock trial, quiz bowl, elementary reading tutoring
-Eagle Scout
-Heavy church involvement
-Numerous academic awards from high school and area colleges
My essay was great. My recommendations were glowing. I don't understand.
2006-12-19 08:38:25 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
There is tremendous competition to get into Harvard from students just like you. They have to create balance in the class. Perhaps they were looking for people from different geographic areas or different economic backgrounds. It's not a reflection on you, as the rejection letter probably states.
2006-12-19 08:49:32 · answer #1 · answered by Katherine W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe they didn't think your GPA was high enough. Maybe being in top 1% wasn't good enough-they wanted the Valedictiorian, not the runner up. Perhaps they wanted to see more community involvement- SPCA, Boys' Club mentoring, Young Republicans/Democrats campaign work-- you know, the non-church or school type volunteer work. Harvard gets thousands of applications from kids just like you every year. The admissions board has to find a way to differentiate between the academic "All-American" folks, and the ones that really sparkle. You have to be able to put yourself out on a limb confidently to get in to those colleges anymore. No offense, but your background is still kinda average and too conservative (for Harvard, anyway). You sound more like Washington and Lee, Georgetown, or Brigham Young material to me.
The only person I knew who got into Harvard was accepted in 1993. He was a science whiz who was doing genetics research as part of his Senior Project. He also was heavily involved as a youth organizer of the local AIDS Walk, and did his Eagle project on improving the lives of AIDS hospice residents by raising $10,000 for building improvements.
2006-12-19 09:01:15 · answer #2 · answered by Angela M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To be honest, that's not enough now. GPA is on the low side. We take SATs usually out here so I'm not sure how good that ACT score is. I didn't see much of anything in extracurricular activities that stand out.
My high school (back when things were slightly easier), had over 20 kids with a perfect unweighted 4.0, all scored above 1500 (out of 1600) on the SAT to my knowledge, and easily matched or exceeded your extra currics. 2 made it to Harvard. This is from the #1 ranked academic public high school in California. 2 kids.
I'm not too clear on the specific extracurrics on the girl that made it, but I was friends with the guy who did. He was a recognized violinist. In the 9th or 10th grade, he had already gotten grants for his scientific research projects. He was taking math classes at the local JC in the 9th grade. Perfect score on the SAT (I believe the girl got that too). Plus, he had the added advantage of having a brother already in Harvard (they gave the brother a full ride to undergrad AND law school).
I think, for my friend, it was the grants from respected organizations for his research projects at such a young age that made him stand out. Things are even harder now from what I hear.
2006-12-19 08:55:47 · answer #3 · answered by Linkin 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
only a 35 ACT? Is that a perfect score? Top 1% of the graduating class? Is that valadictorian? NHS, cross country, mock trial, quiz bowl, charity, eagle scout and church, sounds like you are a white affluent male...thus no minority status...
You didn't even stand a chance!
2006-12-19 08:47:32 · answer #4 · answered by drniles81 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOL my brother didn't get in either. His class rank is #1 (tied with 4 other people) and he's eligible to be salutorian or valedictorian. He has a perfect unweighted GPA and an SAT score of 2240. He got accepted into Cornell though.
2006-12-19 10:45:21 · answer #5 · answered by ibid 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's next to impossible to have a "real" answer to your question. It's true, Harvard has many many applicants that are all cream of the crop, so they have their pick.
You are destined to go to another great school and get a solid education and experience at that school. I'll bet you'll look back and be glad you didn't get into Harvard. I'm serious.
Best of luck on whatever school you do select.
2006-12-19 10:08:31 · answer #6 · answered by Shars 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Where did you go to high school? Being 1% in a less competitive high school won't cut it. I'm not in agreement with the others with regards to race being a factor, although, a big part of getting into Harvard is who you know, but not always.
Let it go, and focus on going forward at a school who wants you to be there. Good luck!
2006-12-19 09:01:07 · answer #7 · answered by hey u 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like evryone else applying there. I think they look for more unique qualities. Also, I think race plays a part and it's more likely for minorities with the same credentials to get in that for a white male.
2006-12-19 08:41:45 · answer #8 · answered by Ella727 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
u didn't take the SAT?
1. There are plenty of spoiled rich kids taking your spot.
2. There are plenty of students with your credentials and more. I know you worked hard, but that's the sad reality.
Don't be sad. Your credentials will definately get you into a great school.
2006-12-19 08:54:30 · answer #9 · answered by I scream for ICE CREAM!! 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Ivy League schools are very political. They prefer wealthy alumni's children who might be mediocre students to smart and ambitious students from working or middle class families.
2006-12-19 08:44:23 · answer #10 · answered by . 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋