Can I get into an Ivy League school?

Question

I've been wanting to go to Harvard ever since I could understand the college system. In my school, we take eight courses each year. I got two D+'s freshman year because of personal issues (they are in none-core classes) but besides that I have straight As. My GPA is going to be around 91-93 (much higher if weighted). I took the honors level of every class that offered it. I took ten AP classes and thirteen AP exams and got 4's on half and 5's on the rest. I have 2200+ on the SAT I and 700+ on three SAT IIs in Chemistry, Biology, and World History. I've done environmental volunteer work at the local rivers/forests and volunteered at Mass General Hospital. I've also done model U.N., debate team, environmental action team, mock trial, math club, ocean sciences team, and academic decathalon. I tutor underclassmen, have been a lab assistant to science teachers, and written/directed a student made film. I am of a family of low income and I live within two miles of the University.

To everyone that answered this thread, thanks a lot. These credentials are legitimate. I've been really stressed about getting in and this has helped me a lot. To the latest poster, I just wanted to say that I got involved in a lot of things. About half of them, including Decathalon, Debate, and Model U.N., I've been involved in since the beginning of highschool. I was doing the environmental work since 8th grade. I do agree that I spread myself a little thin sometimes but I made a strong effort to make a large contribution to the club or group before I went for another interest. Ex: I completely changed the school's way of doing Model U.N., putting more emphasis on learning actual policy instead of focusing solely on position papers. I've been trying to leave a mark at my school so the teachers will remember me when I come visit them.

Still, thanks again, everybody. You've really made me feel some honest respect for what I've accomplished regardless of whether I get into Harvard.

Answer 1

Yup I f the things you indicate are verifiable and you do not have an character issues with the law, you are a shoe in.
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uh, You belong at MIT though. IMHO
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Do your PhD at Harvard
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Answer 2

Assuming this is legit--and otherwise, it's still worth answering for the sake of others who are wondering about their chances--

I got in to Harvard in 1983 with similar grades, similar SAT scores, and only only 9 AP exams, mostly 5's. (Back then it would have been effectively impossible to complete 13 AP's by the end of junior year.) I, too, took tough classes rather than "gut" classes. Harvard does pay attention to that.

All else being equal, being a low income local should work in your favor.

If you have any weakness, it's not the two D's. Rather, you could be spreading yourself a bit thin on the extracurriculars. Admissions often prefers to see deep, solid accomplishments in a handful of areas rather than potential resume-padding. If you do a lot of disparate things, encourage the people who write your recommendation letters to mention how your activities connect to some overarching goal or interest.

Finally, don't be shy about getting a few extra recommendation letters, so long as they are all strong. It helps to e-mail potential recommenders at length, to gauge THEIR writing skills and their enthusiasm for writing the recommendation.

Answer 3

You seem quality enough for them to me. I think you are pretty impressive. However, please do NOT be discouraged if by some fluke that you are not accepted. There's no doubt you'll be going to a good school, but remember that it's not just the name on the school. There a plenty of other excellent schools out there that aren't Ivies. Ask anyone that goes to those "obscure" college on the US News Report rankings. Nowadays, there are many more students with fanatastic SATs, stellar GPAs, and insane extracurricular records; on top of that, a lot of these students are applying in record numbers. As long as you go to a good school and kick *** there, you're golden.

Good luck! Harvard is crazy if they don't take you.

Answer 4

Billy, with those credentials you should be running Harvard, not applying for it! Work with the transfer counselor at Harvard and the academic counselors there as well. They will advise you how to go from where you are now to attending Harvard. Call them immediately.

You should be so proud of yourself. You may not have money, but you are very rich.

Answer 5

Why even ask? Just apply. Hell, print off that list and send it with the application.

They'll either take you, or not.

I had a 4.0 and got a hard time for my $500.00 scholarship. I got pissed and now I'm on probation, while I figure out how to pay my loan.

Take whatever you can get! Some kids get tons of money, for C's. Don't make/save money. If you don't have dependents, savings will hurt you.

Answer 6

If, everything, you say is true, you will def get into an Ivy League school. Just make sure, you apply to ALL the Ivies. I guarantee at least one will recognize your efforts and achievements in their acceptance letter. Keep it up.

Answer 7

If you don't get accepted, I'd have to wonder who did since with that kind of resume, you are nearly a shoe-in.

Answer 8

I'd say with all that, hell yeah. Just apply and cross your fingers.