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Hello,
I was recently deferred by Harvard EA but admitted to MIT and Georgetown, and was named an Intel Semifinalist for my Chemistry project. How much will this help towards getting undeferred at Harvard?

Thank for the help,
Priya

By Dadster on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 12:19 pm: Edit

Conventional wisdom is that one should use the time between deferral and regular admission to market oneself by staying in contact with the school and keeping them informed of any significant accomplishments or recognition, among other things. Being an Intel semifinalist is certainly the kind of thing they should be informed of, particularly if it relates to your interest in attending Harvard. For example, this accomplishment might be even more persuasive if you can tie your Chemistry project into a course of study, or even a particular prof or lab, at Harvard. Of course, you don't want to try to stretch this to the point of looking like you are grasping at straws. Congratulations on your award, Priya, and let us know how the RD season turns out for you!

By Barbs (Soccerfrenzy) on Thursday, July 04, 2002 - 02:59 am: Edit

Yes, I'd also like to know!

Harvard has been a family name but I don't have the confidence to even try early decision and am contemplating regular decision (I take a trip on the fourth).

What marks did you have? Do you have a feeling as to why you got deferred? By now I'm sure you've made a decision..can you post it please?

(By the way, MIT is great-- my friend, definitely a genius, didn't even apply to Harvard and chose MIT and is excelling).

By Dadster on Thursday, July 04, 2002 - 07:34 am: Edit

>>I don't have the confidence to even try early decision<<

If Harvard is among your top choices, you should apply early. It's not a lot less competitive, but the acceptance rate IS higher than for the RD pool. Also, since Harvard has non-binding Early Acceptance instead of Early Decision, you still have the option of choosing to go elsewhere.

Good luck, Barbs!

By Barbs (Soccerfrenzy) on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 03:20 pm: Edit

Thanks Dadster (cool name) for the advice. However, after returning from my trip on the fourth and attending several information sessions, my decision remains the same. I was told that even if admissions officers are "90% sure" that they'd like to accept a candidate, he/she will be deferred as they are not absolutely sure.

Naturally the early action program is more difficult, as only the best and brightest believe they are capable of being admitted. Although I have done good work and have been an all-around student, I just don't believe that the musical geniuses and volunteers in third world nations will be turned down for me.

Thanks anyway...I have a lot of soul searching to do in order to decide which approach to take as far as the essays and interviews go.

Barbs

By Dadster on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 04:34 pm: Edit

Hey, don't sell yourself short. EA is like an "option to attend", so it makes sense to do if you are interested in that college. Just be sure you don't invest too much emotionally - they just reject too many applicants for ANYONE to get excited about his/her chances.

I wouldn't sweat the interviews too much, particularly alumni interviews. Normally they don't have much impact on the decision unless the applicant really comes across as a jerk. An interview with an admissions officer could be a bit more important. Check some of the threads or articles about interviews here for how to prep, what kinds of questions to ask, etc.

Essays are more likely to affect your decision - particularly if your primary essay is really good (or really bad!). Again, there's been plenty of discussion here about essay resources. Good luck!