Do I have what it takes to get into Harvard? details inside...?

Question

I am a sophomore at a small catholic National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in the Los Angeles area. It is very prestigious and hard to get into. I am currently taking all honors classes and an AP history course. I have a cumulative GPA of approximately 4.61, which translates into about a 3.91 when unweighted. I am on student council, I am currently a member of the class Ring distribution committee, and I also do charity work (I tutor underprivileged inner-city children). In addition, I am a strong swimmer on my school's swim team and I am a member of a few different clubs (book, debate, and JSA). I plan on taking all honors courses next year, as well as AP US History and AP English III and possibly AP Biology. My weakest subject is science, chemistry to be exact, I received a B+, I am afraid this might hurt me in the admissions process even though it is an honors class. I am VERY interested in government, political science, law, and journalism. Only answer if knowledgeable, thanks!

Answer 1

of course! i dont see why not! you seem to be a very smart girl. just keep working hard and i know you will be just fine

Answer 2

Most anybody applying to a school like Harvard will have stellar
academic credentials and activities to match. Despite that, the
vast majority do not get in: so many applicants chasing so few
seats. So who does get in? Probably someone who distin-
guishes him/herself beyond getting a grade: writing original works, conducting some type of research, creating a new program, or vastly improving an existing organization. If a few candidates are similar in these attributes, perhaps then the decision may be made on an "add-on" factor, an element which by itself would not be a key factor of consideration but that can be instrumental in a "tie." Of course, the school does not want to disclose the details of their approach. Harvard has actually made a major change in their admissions process in that they will no longer offer the "early decision" option. They believe this approach will be more equitable.

Answer 3

Work on your extra currics. You said you're a strong swimmer? Do some meets. If you can show a national ranking or something, that will distinguish you from the many others who are on a team of some kind.

The idea is to stand out. Everyone with a shot at Harvard will have top notch grades and scores. To stand out enough to get an acceptance will bear out in your extra currics, essay, and letters of rec.

Answer 4

i would consider you a very impressive candidate for admission. and i do commend you on all your accomplishments.

the better question is, "are all the things you have on paper what harvard is looking for?" and more specifically, is it what theyre looking for in EVERY candidate, right here and now? a university would get quite dull if they were looking for candidates who were ALL just like you (you know, near-perfect GPA, prestiguous Catholic school, athlete, extracurricular activities, etc).

so, sure you may have what it takes to get into Harvard, but realize you're one of thousands of applicants that have resumes JUST LIKE YOURS. and sure, you will beat out a lot of applicants who clearly dont cut it. but, you still are competing against those who are in your range. who knows, Harvard may already have enough of "you" in their class of 2013. But, maybe they dont, and youll get lucky with an acceptance letter this spring.

p.s. for what it's worth, my cousin went to Kellenberg (another big Catholic school name on the East coast) and he didnt get into Harvard. i went to a so-so public school and got into NYU on a full scholarship. you really never know. all they can say is no! and if they do, you apply for graduate school. sometimes its better that way.

was that helpful? if so, gimme some points!