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It seems that everyone who applies to Harvard or gets in has extremely impressive ECs and near-perfect test scores.

Is there any place for the introverted, loves-to-learn type?

I don't have the desire to participate in any sports offered, and the activities I would like to participate in such as debate and symphonic band are not available. Another problem is that my classes don't prepare me to participate in any sort of math/science competition and have any success.

Are Ivy schools a likely no for someone such as myself? If so, can anyone suggest some schools that don't require the students to be extremely passionate in some sort of EC?

By 1214 (1214) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 06:28 pm: Edit

University of Chicago?
New College of Florida?
Simon Rock's College of Bard?
Swarthmore College?

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 06:31 pm: Edit

Places like Harvard have space for introverted love to learn types if those introverted love to learn types are doing major things on their own like publishing books, doing in depth research that ends up in professional journals, getting national awards for art, etc.

Otherwise, though, places like Harvard really are set up for people who not only love to learn, but who also love to be involved in some kind of EC. Those ECs do not have to be ECs that attract very gregarious people. They can be ECs such as writing for literary journals, being in musical groups, etc.

The Ivies also like students who -- if their schools don't offer ECs of interest -- have the creativity and energy to start ECs.

If you have extremely high grades and scores, you may find that top state universities would find you to be a very attractive candidate. They tend to put more weight on stats, less weight on ECs than places like top 20 colleges do.

Perhaps, too, some of the liberal arts colleges would be good fits, particularly those outside of the top 20 LACs. In addition, tier one universities that are outside of the top 25 possibly would be very interested in a student with strong grades, scores. And, of course, you'd probably be a very desireable candidate at many tier 2 colleges, even qualifying for merit aid.

By Baggins (Baggins) on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:07 pm: Edit

I have a question about strong ECs. Since fifth grade I was very involved with band. I competed against very talented individuals for first chair in flute at my highly competetive middle school. I practiced every day for hours and loved it. I then moved to a school which had considerably low competition. Without a challenge I lost intrest in my flute an stopped practicing. I then joined marching band in highschool. The first year was a little challenging but then it became extremely boring. At the beginning of my second year of marching band, I started learning more about my religion. I came to find out that music was not accepted in my religion. This disheartened me even more. After my second year of marching band I gave up my flute. This was my main EC. I had attained a leadership position in my second year of marching band and sat second chair only to 1 senior. Because of all the hours I put in to band I was unable to join any fall sports. The only big thing left for me now is varsity soccer but I doubt I will get captin or any honors in it. I'm involved in many other little things but differences with teachers has kept me from gaining leadership positions in them. I'm not sure what I should do. I'm in my junior year and don't have the major EC I was counting on.

By Glowingamy (Glowingamy) on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 01:38 pm: Edit

um I also have a question for northstarmom and anyone else, what if your interest is very specialized, for example I am very interested in Latin, Greek, & Old English? I would LOVE to study at harvard. The only accomplishments I forsee having are literary fluency & understanding in these three, the usual "national __ exam" awards, and college courses. If my test scores/grades are very good, ecs being library community service, karate, and one unusual club "Best Practices" dealing with education, would I be seriously considered? Oh and er I am a legacy (not the major donation type.) If I am not what harvard is looking for, I know I'll be happy at any other great place, but it's really my dream school. Thanks to anyone for opinions. (Uh-oh this has turned into a chances post!)