I really want to get into Harvard or Yale, but I think it would be impossible for me to get in?

Question

I always wanted to go to harvard and I know that you have to do verry well in high school. I work really hard and try to do my best in everything, but I end up getting bad results like b's and low a's. And I allso know that you have to do sat and other type of tests. The only problem is that I'm esl, and I'm not that good in english. Do you think I have a chance to get in if I try harder to do well in everything? if you allready is in harvard tell me how you got in, please?

Answer 1

Those are both EXTREMELY selective universities...Harvard accepts 11% of their applicants, Yale accepts 10%. You basically have to have a perfect 4.0 gpa with as many honors and AP or IB classes as your school offers. You need to be in the top 10% of your high school graduating class, valedictorian is even better. You also need to do very well on standardized testing, both schools require the SAT and 2-3 SAT subject tests, you need to score in the top 3-5% of those tests. The ACT score range is 30-34 cumulative. You also need to have a very strong extra curricular interests. Both schools also have a strong international population, and as a non-native speaker of English, you'll have to take the TOEFL--and do very well on that as well.

Basically, don't count on getting into these schools. Everyone who applies considers these "reach" schools, you need to have backup plans in place. Of the 11% that Harvard admits, 79% enroll, and of the 10% that Yale admits, 69% enroll. There are also MANY universities out there that offer just as good of an education (some would even say better) than Harvard or Yale, don't cost as much, and are easier to get into. Get a current copy of the Fiske guide, it's a great reference to check colleges. Any bookstore should have one.

Good luck

Answer 2

I know they care a lot about your tests. So . . . you might concentrate on getting great SAT scores. How about a tutor?

There is a book called "Get Into Any College: Secrets Of Harvard Students" It available at www.amazon.com for less than $2 plus shipping. Maybe this is really something you need.