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I've had my heart on going to harvard forever (but so has everyone else, right?) I've got a 4.0 gpa at a prestigous independent school, but SAT scores of only 1300 (SAT II= 700 writing, 700 Math 1C, 730 US History). I've got an extensive list of extracurriculars especailly in community service and journalism. My grandparents went to harvard as well (like that really matters).
Let me know how slim my chances are!

By Bballplayer (Bballplayer) on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - 06:13 pm: Edit

Don't worry about. I talked to a admission counselor at Harvard and they said that SATs aren't the first thing looked at

1.)Classes taken ( Most rigourous avb.)
2.)grades earned in those classes
3.)ECs and awards
4.)Recommendation (teacher and counselor)
5.)test scores

Don't worry u have a good chance

By Fushia183 (Fushia183) on Wednesday, September 29, 2004 - 09:12 pm: Edit

so test scores are about 5th on the list (in order)? or are those just other factors in no specific order?

By Ralkas (Ralkas) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 03:29 pm: Edit

Yeah, are those looked at in order or just a list in no particular order?

By Godot (Godot) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 - 06:58 pm: Edit

I have a feeling that test scores DO count a lot in the admissions process. They do not have the highest average SAT scores for nothing. I would advise trying to raise the scores up to 1500+ (which IS possible with your starting score). I am a private SAT tutor; you can e-mail me for advice if you'd like.

By Hopedart (Hopedart) on Monday, October 04, 2004 - 11:48 am: Edit

I agree with godot. 25% of the people who are accepted to Harvard have 1600 and I would say a 1300 is almost suicide.
I wish you had great SATIIs to make up for the terrible SAT I.
Have you written a book or do you plan to publish one really soon?
Have you discovered a new gene in an orang utan?
Have you played at the Carnegie Hall?
Are you a recruited athelete?
Have you won an olympic silver?

If you answer no to all of the questions then I would say you're heading for serious disappointment.
I'm not trying to discourage you.I'm just trying to make you aware of the type of people you'll be competing with to get a spot there.
And as far as the order given by bballplayer, is say it's very superficial.
Harvard has 6 catergories and scores an applicant from 1 to 5, 1 being the lowest.
After you reach a certain point level, you're in.
Good luck anyways.

By Worthfightingfo (Worthfightingfo) on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 02:50 pm: Edit

my grades are worse than my SAT scores...is this a horrible thing?

By Jesusofsuburbia (Jesusofsuburbia) on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 03:43 pm: Edit

I would say yes.

You can luck out on SATs, not grades.

By Coureur (Coureur) on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 08:03 pm: Edit

Unless there is a convincing excuse for the bad grades, schools tend to view applicants with low grades and high SATs as kids who are smart but lazy.

By Worthfightingfo (Worthfightingfo) on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 08:44 pm: Edit

oh..i guess that IS true.

well i got my references to write in that my grades dipped because i had a "change of focus" ...i'm not sure what that will do but its something. If I improved my grades say 6- 8% this year would that help>?

By Jesusofsuburbia (Jesusofsuburbia) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 09:24 am: Edit

SATs really shouldn't be top on the list for the most important admission factor. Some kids just don't do well on standardized tests even though they are straight A students.

The most depressing part of the whole thing is that, even if you're perfectly qualified to go to Harvard, you may not get in. They can only take 1600 out of around 20000 applicants. There is surely more than 1600 qualified Senior Valedictorians in that pool.

By Greenstorm (Greenstorm) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 10:17 am: Edit

Hey, I can spit about 20 meters away, I'm also worked as a fool, and can jump 1,5 meter up, worked some time with the homeless. Sometimes, I go to school. What are my chances? Great? Doesn't Harvard look for the students like me?