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Hello all. I applied to Harvard college last year but my application was rejected. However, I was given admission at MIT. I decided to defer my admission for a period of one year, and during my time off, I reapplied to Harvard College (waiting for December 11th!). I was wondering if any of you guys could give me an honest assessment of my chances. Thanks so much!

Stats:

Weighted GPA: 4.73
Ranking: 2 / 402

PSAT: 220

SAT: 800 M, 750 V (1550 composite)

SAT II Math IIC: 790
SAT II Writing: 770
SAT II Chemistry: 730
SAT II US History: 720

Here are my AP grades:

9th grade:

AP Calculus BC: 5
AP European History: 4

10th grade:

AP Macroeconomics: 5
AP Microeconomics: 5
AP US Government and Politics: 5
AP Statistics: 4

11th grade:

AP English Language and Composition: 5
AP US History: 5
AP Chemistry: 4
AP Physics B: 4

12th grade:

AP English Literature and Composition: 5
AP Human Geography: 5

High School courses:

AP Calculus BC, AP European History, Honors English 9, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP US Government and Politics, AP Statistics, AP Biology, Honors English 10, AP English Language and Composition, AP US History, AP Chemistry, AP Physics B, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Human Geography, AP French Langauge and Composition

4 of these classes, AP Macro, AP Micro, AP Physics B, and AP French Language weren't available at my school, so I took them via the Internet.

College classes:

Calculus I, MATH-121 (7th grade)- A
Mathematical Economics, ECON-301 (11th grade) - A
International Economics, ECON-382 (11th grade)- A
Global Issues in Literature, ENGL-206 (12th grade)- A
Computer Science I, CPSC-110 (12th grade) - A
Computer Science II, CPSC-220 (12th grade) - A-


Extracurriculars:

Governor School Alumni Association: President (The Governor School is a rigorous half-day program offered within my home school. It offers more APs and honors that regular school does.)

Governor School Advisory Council (Student Ambassador in 10 and 11, Vice-Chairman in 12)

Competitive Forensics, Original Oratory (Captain in 11 and 12)

Competitive Policy Debate (Captain in 11 and 12)

Academic Team / Challenge 23 (Captain 12)

NHS, Buddy System (The Buddy System is an organization that tutors and organizes bowling trips for mentally handicapped students. I was co-chair in 11 and chair in 12.)

French Club (Vice-President in 12)

City Newspaper Reporter (Youth Reporter in 9,10, and 11, author of weekly column called "Chronic Youth" in 12, and am currently an Op-Ed columnist)

Community Service:

Tutoring in mathematics for almost seven years. I was appointed as Teacher's Aide for AP Calculus BC in 11th and 12th grade, Teacher's Aide for AP Physics B in 12th grade

Summer Experiences:

Summer 9: Teacher's Aide, Summer Program for Autistic Students

Summer 10: Virginia Summer Residential Governor School (very competitive admission to program)

Summer 11: Boys State, runner-up for Boys State Governor

Summer 11: Hired by Stafford County School Board as a paid paraprofessional to tutor Algebra II

Work Experience:

I was hired as a policy debate judge this year ($30 per engagement).

I will be interning full-time (35 hrs. / week) at Amnesty International from March 1st, 2004 to July 1st, 2004.

Hobbies:

Reading (about American foreign policy and globalization)

Ping-Pong

Swimming

Music (favorite bands are Nirvana, Slipknot, System of a Down, Rage Against the Machine)

Awards:

Jefferson Scholar Nominee (12)

Thomas Watson Memorial Scholarship Award for scholastic achievement (12)

Best Senior Project in Region, $500 scholarship, "The Impact and Implications of Globalization: Case Studies of Pakistan and China" (12)

National Merit Scholarship Finalist (12)

AP scholar with Honor (10)

AP Scholar with Distinction (11)

National AP Scholar (11, 12)

Wyndham B. Blanton 2002 Scholar Award--An award given by the Virginia Historical Society to twenty Virginia students (12)

American Legion School Award 2003--Recognizing individual courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service (12)

5th place State Policy Debate Championships (11)

5th place Original Oratory State Championships (11)

4th place Original Oratory State Championships (12)

Academic Letter Awards (10,11,12)

Governor School Leadership Award (10,11,12)

Virginia Math League Competition (1st place District [11], 2nd place Region [11])

Distinguished Honor Roll (9,10,11,12)

Academic Excellence Awards: Best overall student in AP European History, AP US Government, Honors English 10, AP US History, AP Chemistry, French Language IV, AP Human Geography

That's my information. I would be happy to provide more details.

Thanks!

By Chasgoose (Chasgoose) on Wednesday, December 03, 2003 - 11:40 pm: Edit

Is anything different from when you applied last year? Otherwise you probably won't get in. Why are you reapplying anyways? I mean you got into MIT which is nothing to sneeze at and you can always take classes at Harvard while you are there. Finally, did you check with MIT to see if you are allowed to apply to other schools while you defer admission because it doesn't sound like something that they would like very much.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 12:02 am: Edit

Thanks for responding Chasgoose. I am extremely grateful to have gotten into MIT. To be honest, I wasn't even expecting to get in. But Harvard was and still is my first choice.

Here are the things that are new in the application I sent in this year:

Amnesty Internship

AP Human Geography, AP English Lit. grades

Computer Science II course

Governor School Alumni Association

Being a policy debate judge

Most of the information that has (12) by it is new, not all of it, but most.

Also, I had a new required essay, an additional essay describing what I have been doing during my time off, and an additional rec.

By Eurostar (Eurostar) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 12:06 am: Edit

What ethnicity are you? Are you a US citizen?

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 12:11 am: Edit

Hi Eurostar. I'm a Pakistani-American.

By Chasgoose (Chasgoose) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 12:36 am: Edit

I honestly do not think that those extra things are going to make any difference and I think that you will probably be rejected. Also, come on what about Harvard is so different from MIT? It's not location, it's not academics (because you can take classes at Harvard as an MIT student), as far as I can tell it's basically the name (which is marginally better than that of MIT).

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 12:45 am: Edit

Hi Chasgoose. I am realistic about my chances, but I'm also optimistic. After all, last year there were over 7500 applicants and this year there are around 4000. Will that make a difference? I am not sure. However, I think it's reason to be more optimistic. Also, I wanted to re-apply to Harvard to convey my true interest in the school--it is after all my number 1 choice. And finally, I think Harvard's academics are better than MIT's. Harvard's curriculum is more comprehensive.

By Bmckn (Bmckn) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 01:10 am: Edit

Please write a written statement to MIT giving me your spot.

The resulting karma will get you into Harvard.

Please, MIT, please. Love me on December 15th.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 01:43 am: Edit

bump

By Offbeat_Ophelia (Offbeat_Ophelia) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 01:55 am: Edit

You have a good shot. I know some Ivies like to see deferred applicants re-apply, I don't know about Harvard. Guy I know got in to one after re-applying with nothing new but what he was doing on his gap year.

I would say if you got DEFERRED early decision, you've got a great shot, plus they liked you before. They'll still like you and maybe re-think why they didn't admit you in the first place.

Secondly, you've taken classes at MIT, right? It sounds like you have. Or are you doing a gap year? Because stuff you do on a gap year, i.e. travel, work, other experiences would also be something new on your application. But I think the fact that you are already taking classes at MIT (IF you are, it's not really clear!) might actually hurt you, because they'd say "Ok, he's doing fine at MIT, let him stay there."

But, if you were REJECTED Early Decision, then it was probably something in a recommendation or in an essay that turned them off enough to reject you with those awesome academics and accomplishments. I'd say you might run into a problem that way. Have you called the admissions office and spoken with anyone about re-applying? If so, did they provide you with any info, advice?

By Donotdisturb (Donotdisturb) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 03:23 am: Edit

I want to go to MIT. Give me your spot :P

By Pacman (Pacman) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 10:33 am: Edit

MIT and Harvard will give you pretty much the same education. What are you majoring in anyway? If it's engineering, MIT is the top. If it's something like medical, then Harvard will be better.

But I hope you are not prefering to go to Harvard just for the name.

By Randomguy (Randomguy) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 02:28 pm: Edit

You forgot to add just one little thing to your bio.


Virgin.

By Djsam04 (Djsam04) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 02:34 pm: Edit

Maybe there's one glaring thing that you're not telling us about; i.e. a bad interview, bad teacher recc, something along those lines. I don't think it's likely that one little thing like that could cancel out your obviously superior scores, but perhaps there IS something bad you're not mentioning. Just a thought.

By Unmatchedsocks (Unmatchedsocks) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 03:08 pm: Edit

Obviously you are going to Harvard just for the name. I think it is kind of lame that you took off a year just so you could have another shot at Harvard.

Most schools do not even look at your AP grades, they just see them after they accept you to determine credit. You could have done the Amnesty International internship during the summer. It is kind of weak that all you really did this year was be a policy debate judge and take one college course for which you received an A-.

You could have gone to a lot of schools and done a lot of things, and it is just really weak that you are so taken by the Harvard name to waste a year of your life.

You should have gone to MIT.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 03:38 pm: Edit

to Pacman:

majoring in economics and international relations

to Randomguy:

not really sure what that means

to Djsam:

I don't think that there is anything too egregious or glaring on my application. I think my interview went well and I think that my recommendations were good as well. I would have let you known if there were some really bad spots on my application. As far as I can estimate, there isn't anything really awful on my app. I thought that all in all, my application this year was pretty solid and certainly stronger than it was last year.

to Unmatchedsocks:

In all honesty, I didn't take a year off just to apply to Harvard. In fact, applying to Harvard was only an afterthought. There were several reasons why I took a year off. The first was my age. The reason that I decided to defer my admission to MIT was that I was only fifteen at the time. At that age, I just was not ready to make such a big transition from high school to college. I thought that I could gain some maturity during my time off. Second, I wanted to relax and reflect. I think in today's society, people are perpetually in overdrive, and with the flood of academics, ECs, work, and other things, they don't even have time to reflect or think much about the direction in which their lives are heading. Finally, I wanted to do some things that I did not get a chance do during high school: learning how to speak Arabic and getting in shape (I need to get in shape) among others. I ultimately decided to re-apply because I realized that I had the time to do it, I had already gone through the application process once, and that Harvard truly was my first choice. I just wanted to let everyone know that my reasons for taking a year off were not only or even principally to apply to Harvard again. It was just an afterthought.

By The_Slc_Bug (The_Slc_Bug) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 03:47 pm: Edit

Seriously. You guys are attacking him, claiming that he "just wants to go to Harvard for the name." Meanwhile, you sit here telling him what an excellent school MIT is, and are confused as to why he would want to apply elsewhere. Why do you feel this way? The name and reputation, seeing as none of you attend there. Clearly, MIT is a huge "name," and he has other reasons for wanting to attend Harvard more. Perhaps he just feels better at the school--with the students, campus, etc.? Harvard and MIT have different milieus.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 03:55 pm: Edit

to Offbeat_Ophelia:

Thanks for the encouragement! It means a lot to me. I just wanted to clarify that I'm not taking any classes at MIT right now, because, as you said, that could potentially hurt my case.

to The_Sic_Bug:

Thanks for your words. I didn't think that any of them was attacking me. I just wasn't sure that they knew my real reasons for taking a year off, and that was partly due to the fact that I hadn't explained.

By S17 (S17) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 03:55 pm: Edit

I think people are being a little harsh. Your academics are top notch. You were rejected from Harvard last year either because: 1.you had a terrible essay, recommendation, or interview, or 2. there are just so many smart people applying that they don't have enough room. If you think it's the first reason, then maybe reapplying was right for you and you can correct the problem. If you think it's the second reason, I doubt that the new additions to your application will have the effect of pushing you over the top, but they might. You could very well get rejected again this year, it happens to 90% of their applicants, many of whom deserve to be accepted. If you are rejected again, suck it up and go to MIT. If you get in, matriculate at Harvard.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 04:14 pm: Edit

to S17:

You're exactly right. I'm guessing that there was just an influx of amazing candidates, as there is every year. While I wasn't as strong a candidate last year, I wouldn't call myself underqualified. I feel that my application was good, but like you said, virtually all of the applicants (20000+ last year) are phenomenal in some regard, and thus, it is quite a task for one's application to stand out. Many have gained national or international distinction, most people's scores are top-notch, most have great recommendations, and I would venture that most have interesting hooks, those all-important X factors. But as you said, I won't feel hurt or angry if I don't gain admission to Harvard this year. If I get it, wonderful, if I don't, that's fine too. I'm exceedingly happy, and more importantly, very grateful to have gotten in at MIT.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 04:46 pm: Edit

bump

By Briteeyez4322 (Briteeyez4322) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 06:01 pm: Edit

I've heard that some colleges reject kids (who have great scores, ecs, etc) because they don't think they are socially/emotionally mature... (being 15 could imply that...)

By Ariesathena (Ariesathena) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 06:30 pm: Edit

I know a Harvard senior who is 19, so I'm sure it isn't that. My guess is that it's a numbers game - you are similar to hundreds of other applicants. I mean, H gets 20,000 or so applications for about 1,500 slots, right? Re-applying may help you... though going to MIT could have helped you as well.

By Financelad (Financelad) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 06:59 pm: Edit

OMG YOU GOT into MIT
WHY harvard again?
Unles you have earned something extraordinary over the past last year their decision will still be the same.

By Clipper (Clipper) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 07:07 pm: Edit

Wasabi - good luck to you! I personally think you have awesome stats and ECs. I wonder too if they didn't accept you bc of your age. Did you have your interview this year? How did that go?
Are you from No. Va? Why didn't you go to UVA?
Well, good luck to you and keep us posted on the results. I hope you get in!!!

By Sigmadrone (Sigmadrone) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 07:42 pm: Edit

Alright, I've seen a few posts like this, and I felt it was time to do a bit of opinionated banter on these types of thread.

Wasabi - It's clear you're doing top-notch academically. But honestly, what about your LIFE? I agree a lot with Briteeyes, it's hard to believe that someone who's taken 10+ APs and cares enough to wait a year just for Harvard could have much of a life outside of school, with special emphasis on your social life. Harvard's looking for balanced students, just like any other school. The problem is, it's hard to get the idea that you're so balanced when it seems that all of your time is spent ensuring you get into college.

Which leads me to my next point: So what if you go to Harvard? Where are you going to go from there? Honestly, who gives a damn if you go to Harvard over M.I.T., or even one good school over another? Have you lost so much perspective on life that the name of a SCHOOL you're applying to is worth a year of your life? Despite the fact that I myself am applying to several highly selective schools, I'm just as satisfied with the rest of the schools I've applied to. Honest to god, I wish you would have used that year to find something in life, travel, find a passion. It doesn't seem like you really care about anything.

I'm not trying to slam on people who push themselves this far, it's clear that they should be commended for the potential they've shown. But there's something to be said for being a person that not only CAN get to where they want in life, but actually KNOWS where that place really is for themselves.

So you go to M.I.T., and you get a great education. Or you worry, waste away, and find some way to completely distort your views so entirely that academia is your only thrust in life. Even if you DO get into Harvard, this isn't going to solve your problems.

This isn't a knock on only you, but all students that are entirely too concerned with the college process. I urge these students to stop and re-evaluate what you really want out of life... and see if all this time wasted will really put you any closer to that goal.

Thanks for listening.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 08:08 pm: Edit

To Sigmadrone:

I understand your points, and they are valid, but I just wanted to make a few points myself:

I'm not sure if you read the thread that I wrote in response to Unmatchedsocks, but it precisely addresses your point. I'm copying it here:

"In all honesty, I didn't take a year off just to apply to Harvard. In fact, applying to Harvard was only an afterthought. There were several reasons why I took a year off. The first was my age. The reason that I decided to defer my admission to MIT was that I was only fifteen at the time. At that age, I just was not ready to make such a big transition from high school to college. I thought that I could gain some maturity during my time off. Second, I wanted to relax and reflect. I think in today's society, people are perpetually in overdrive, and with the flood of academics, ECs, work, and other things, they don't even have time to reflect or think much about the direction in which their lives are heading. Finally, I wanted to do some things that I did not get a chance do during high school: learning how to speak Arabic and getting in shape (I need to get in shape) among others. I ultimately decided to re-apply because I realized that I had the time to do it, I had already gone through the application process once, and that Harvard truly was my first choice. I just wanted to let everyone know that my reasons for taking a year off were not only or even principally to apply to Harvard again. It was just an afterthought."

I took a year off precisely to work on achieving the balance you described in your message. I will be traveling later this year, as you suggested, I am discovering some of my passions (reading, biking, etc.), and most importantly, am trying to reflect and gain important perspective before going to college. I'm not sure I understand your assertion that I don't care about anything. I don't see my re-applying to Harvard as in any way being an indication that I am apathetic. I see it as trying to follow one of my dreams; I feel that just because it didn't work out the first time doesn't mean I shouldn't try again. However, for clarification, let me reiterate that applying to Harvard was an afterthought. I DID NOT take a year off just to apply to Harvard.

In short, I think your post presents a picture of me that is quite inaccurate and distorted. I do have goals, I do have passions, and I understand the need to achieve balance, just as everyone else on this message board. I think you took my decision to reapply out of context.

Hope that addresses your concerns.

By Sadeyedlady (Sadeyedlady) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 08:28 pm: Edit

Sigmadrone, you obviously can't read.

If he is only looking for a big name school, he would have just gone to MIT, which is just as prestigious as Harvard.

And he was only 15. Taking a year off was a wise decision, he wasn't "putting his life on hold" for any school.

Plus, stop being so condescending. It's annoying. You have no idea what his passions are just from the stats he posts here.

Do you see how arrogant it makes you look, telling a peer to "Reevaluate his life?" Get a grip.

Deal with your own insecurities in other ways than ripping into him. (although you say you're not - you're not his mother and he doesn't need you to talk down to him.)

HTH

By Solid_Rock (Solid_Rock) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 08:31 pm: Edit

You're in pretty good shape here, but you need to convince adcom that these activities were done out of love of learning and natural curiosity as opposed to complete resume-building in essays and recs. Harvard hates it when kids come in like that. Also, you seem to be one of those child-prodigy types, so don't start writing pieces that exude arrogance resulting from your high intellect.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 08:45 pm: Edit

Thanks for the words Sadeylady. I appreciate them a lot.

And Solid_Rock, I understand your point. My work with Amnesty this year derived from a genuine desire to learn about human rights. There is simply too much injustice in the world today, and I think it's everyone's responsibility as a human being to do his or her little to alleviate the plight of those around them who are less fortunate. I know such a goal is lofty and somewhat idealistic, but it is true that when everyone contributes a little, the result is enormous. I thought that Amnesty would be a great starting point.

Also, I am guessing that by "pieces" you were referring to my essays. This year, I wrote an essay about my difficulties in middle school and how they shaped me. During middle school, because my peers were two to three years older than me, I found it immensely difficult to relate to them and to their interests. To remedy this situation, I started to imitate the most popular kids, putting on a facade in the hopes of gaining more friends and recognition. Ironically, doing so actually made me more isolated from those around me. My essay essentially describes this experience and how I grew from it. I concluded that while friends are important, no number of friendships can replace the satisfaction one gets from being self-assured and content with one's eccentrities, one's appearance, one's beliefs, etc. I think in ways an essay can be more powerful when one describes a setback and what one learned from it as opposed to relating a triumph.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 09:20 pm: Edit

bump

By Sigmadrone (Sigmadrone) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 09:34 pm: Edit

Well, I feel like responding.

Wasabi- As I tried to make clear, my earlier post was not at all entirely based on your post, but in response to many posts similar to yours. It's awesome you're travelling and learning about other stuff, I'm sorry if I overlooked that. I don't doubt your reasons, it only seems that in some cases (and not necessarily your own) that people take the college admission process entirely out of perspective. I understand your frustration about Harvard, and I do hope you get in this time (which I would think you would, although I would think you would have gotten in the first time anyways).

Sadeyedlady - I'm not really offended by your comments, but I do find some of them a little over-accusing (if that's even a word). I mentioned the fact that I also want to get into a big school in an attempt to share a personal experience relative to Wasabi's desires, which is far from being condescending or insecure. The fact that you come to this board to tell people that they are "condescending" is a joke. Why don't you respond that way to 75% of the posts on this website? The only thing I did differently from them was tried to actually justify my opinion in doubting the general desires of the students on this sites, which is far more to say than others simply saying "you're not getting in" (which wasn't my message in the first place). I'm sorry I "annoy" you so much, if that's really a valid argument to refute anything I've said.

Get a grip? In what way would I need to "get a grip" by reccomending certain types of people to look over their lives? I "re-evaluate" my life each and every day, it's not some callous comment to tell somebody to do so. It's odd that you would ostracize me for posting advice and refuting others when it seems like you did the very same thing.

Chill.

And no hard feelings Wasabi, like I said, I'm just trying to put some of all of this in perspective. It's honestly, honestly, honestly not personal.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 09:42 pm: Edit

Sigmadrone, thanks for the words, I appreciate them. I wasn't upset, I just wanted to clarify my reasons for taking a year off. But you are absolutely right. It's important not to take college admissions out of perspective. And as I said earlier, if I get in, great, if I don't, no bother. No need to apologize or anything. No hard feelings.

By Sadeyedlady (Sadeyedlady) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 09:58 pm: Edit

"it's hard to believe that someone who's taken 10+ APs and cares enough to wait a year just for Harvard could have much of a life outside of school"

"it seems that all of your time is spent ensuring you get into college. "

"Have you lost so much perspective on life that the name of a SCHOOL you're applying to is worth a year of your life? "

" It doesn't seem like you really care about anything. "

" Even if you DO get into Harvard, this isn't going to solve your problems."

"I urge these students to stop and re-evaluate what you really want out of life... and see if all this time wasted will really put you any closer to that goal. "

Like I said, arrogant and condescending. In fact, I've never told anyone here, they're condescending, but you really sound like a bastard. I'm sorry. You make all these assumptions (obviously without really listening to what he said), and then you come off sounded all superior, justifying yourself (as if anyone asked you where you're applying) and giving him all this demeaning advice.

Anyway, that's just what I thought. He's not offended, so I don't care. I just hope you're not like that in real life, because I would hate to see you get punched in the face one day.

HTH

By Abz1986 (Abz1986) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 10:07 pm: Edit

Are you applying to any other colleges wasabi? And what did you do to graduate high school at 15?

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 10:29 pm: Edit

Thanks Sadeyedlady, but I don't think Sigmadrone meant to be condescending. The essence of his message was right on. It's all good.

Hi Abz1986. Last year, I applied to UVA, Princeton, MIT, and Harvard. I got into UVA and MIT.

And I skipped two grades, 1st and 6th (1st grade was essentially a repetition of what we had learned in kindergarten, and I didn't feel that I would be missing too much by skipping 6th grade). That's why I graduated at 15.

By Debaterocks (Debaterocks) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 10:49 pm: Edit

where r u from? u sound like an incredible genious. well props to you...and what has this world come to if people like you d/n get into harvard...i ask this of any of you: what else could a college ask for?

i wish u all the luck in the world come dec. 15.

please post when u know.

ps have you heard of the global local K in debate or externilazation?

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 11:03 pm: Edit

I appreciate your words Debaterocks. They're very encouraging. I'm just hoping for the best. I take comfort knowing that this year, my application was more complete and personal -- it was the best application I knew how to put together. I'll let you know about the outcome (crossing my fingers!) on December 11th.

P.S. I haven't heard of global local K, sorry. What topic(s) are you debating this year?

By Warriorlax22 (Warriorlax22) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 11:25 pm: Edit

"last year there were over 7500 applicants and this year there are around 4000."

how do you figure?

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 11:33 pm: Edit

Hello Warriorlax22. I found the information in the Harvard Gazette, which you can access right off of Harvard's website.

By Sandy (Sandy) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 11:37 pm: Edit

Hey Wasabi,
Assalamualaikum,
All I wanted to say was that you are a genius. Good luck to you, man! Keep us updated. I hope that you do get accepted! Keeping my fingers and toe nails(lol) crossed for you.

By Sigmadrone (Sigmadrone) on Thursday, December 04, 2003 - 11:59 pm: Edit

Sigh... breath Sadeyedlady.

My point had nothing to do with you telling anyone else that they're condescending, I was merely pointing out that if you're going to use what I've said as criteria for "arrogance" than you should examine the thousands of other posts on this site, which are often a lot more harsh than mine. Not sure what makes me a bastard, but hey... that's your opinion.

So much anger!

By Offbeat_Ophelia (Offbeat_Ophelia) on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 01:05 am: Edit

Good luck, kid. All these people saying they didn't take you once, they won't take you again are a bit misinformed -- all selective colleges say that they LAMENT not being able to take a larger percentage of students because so many of them are amazing. The point is, a place like Harvard fills slots. There are slots for straight-up academic superstars, like you -- so you compete with all the straight-up academic superstars. There are the artist spots. The athlete spots. The disadvantaged family spots. The minority spots. The ballerina spot, the first trombone spot, the soul singer spot, the international student spots, the actors, the writers, the poets, the EVERYTHING ...

so just keep thinking those positive thoughts, and realize you're going to do a great job wherever you are, which may very well be Harvard.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 04:32 pm: Edit

Thanks Offbeat_Ophelia, your words are really nice and encouraging. I hope it turns out well come December 11th!

By Jennyzsong (Jennyzsong) on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 05:14 pm: Edit

hahah randomguy, gilmore girls! <3

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 07:27 pm: Edit

Thanks Sandy, and Assalamualaikum to you too!

I'll definitely keep you posted on the outcome.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 07:46 pm: Edit

bump

By Sandy (Sandy) on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 08:01 pm: Edit

Wasabi, please do

Do you speak Urdu or Arabic? (off-topic---sorry)

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 08:55 pm: Edit

Hi Sandy. I'm learning how to speak Arabic now. I can understand Urdu when my parents are having a conversation or when people talk on PakTV (Pakistani television), but I have difficulties speaking the language myself. I think that it's partly due to the fact that I was born here, not in Pakistan.

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 08:59 pm: Edit

I thought that if you deferred admission to a college, you were promising that after a year, you'd go to the college. Is that not true in MIT's case? If so, Wasabi, Harvard definitely won't accept you. If somehow you slip through, Harvard will rescind admission just as it did last year when some applicants applied EA to Harvard and binding ED to lesser schools that accepted them. Once Harvard identified students who had gotten binding ED admissions, Harvard rescinded admission.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 09:14 pm: Edit

Hello Northstarmom. I had a similar concern as the one that you expressed in your post. I e-mailed MIT asking if I could defer my admission for a year. The person who responded did not say that I had to promise to attend MIT as a condition of my deferrment, but rather said that I had to reaffirm my intent by early February 2004. Additionally, I informed the admissions committee that I had been accepted to MIT but was reapplying anyway. I did not receive any correspondence suggesting that such a decision would be ill-advised. As such, in the case that I am admitted EA, I think I will be able to safely attend Harvard without being in conflict with MIT's policy. Do you think my assessment is correct or should I contact the admissions office at Harvard?

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 10:45 pm: Edit

bump

By Chasgoose (Chasgoose) on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 11:31 pm: Edit

What will you do in the (fairly likely) event that you are deferred? You will have to reaffirm your intent to intend MIT before Harvard's regular notification date.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 11:42 pm: Edit

Hi Chasgoose. I'm not really sure what I'll do in that case. We'll see how it turns out (hopefully good!).

By Wharton1986 (Wharton1986) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 08:56 am: Edit

wasabi why international relations?
are there high paying jobs after graduation?
what do you plan to do after graduation?

im guessing an mba.

im indian so i guess we should be hating each other.lol.

anyway.you stats make you look really smart.

dont know the mind of an admission offcier so i cant offer you much advice.

By Varr (Varr) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 10:59 am: Edit

GOOD LUCK!!!!! WASABI!!!!!!

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 01:51 pm: Edit

Hi Wharton1986.

"im indian so i guess we should be hating each other.lol."



That's good stuff.

I'm majoring in economics and international relations because they are two critical fields, especially in a world which is undergoing rapid globalization. I'm aspiring to either be a policy analyst or to work in government.

Best of luck at UPenn and all the other schools to which you're applying!

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 01:55 pm: Edit

Thanks a bunch Varr, and same to you!

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 02:55 pm: Edit

bump

By Sandy (Sandy) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 03:00 pm: Edit

Ana Ureed an tazhab ila Harvard fi 2004!

Okay...that was bad but did you understand any of it?

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 03:07 pm: Edit

I'm sure your message is entirely correct, but I don't know what it says

By Sandy (Sandy) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 03:38 pm: Edit

lol...it is Arabic.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 03:54 pm: Edit

I figured that it was Arabic, so I'm trying to translate it with the books I have : - )

By Cybernetica (Cybernetica) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 04:02 pm: Edit

Very impressive standardized test scores/ resume, etc Wasabi, I commend you on your tenacity.

Perhaps you may consider the possibility that, while your essay concerning middle school struggles was certainly not atrocious or easily ignorable, it may have not have been as strong as it could have been (with regard to elevating your applicatioon over the other gargantuan Harvard-hopeful competitors).

Think about it holistically. As was rightly pointed out by a few other posters on this thread, one factor that inevitably played at least a small role in the minds of any adcom member looking over an admissions application from a applicant who is one or more year(s) ahead of the competition, is the "maturity" factor...i.e. the emotional and, dare i say, spiritual development of the candidate applying. Questions like: Will this guy be pushed around by his roommates? Can he handle the pressue? Is he socially savvy to the meanders of campus life? What are the odds this guy might breakdown if someone tries to beat him up, he fails a class, he feels rejected, etc?

So, how does this sentiment relate to your essay? I would introduce two core lines of reasoning to answer that question:

1) Breadth of Social Development, and
2) The all murderous cliche of the achievement essay

On the vane of the first, I would argue that in the majority of cases something as minor as CHOOSING a topic regarding adolescent/pre-pubescnt popularity and how these dynamics relate to a "significant challenge" one has over come opens an unfortunate pandora's box and gestalt of superficial American high school culture that many adcom committees would rather not associate in their neural circuits with the candidate they are considering, especially if he or she is 15. Certainly the issues of age acclimitization, school popularity, peer pressure, bullying, etc are all incredibly relevant to the day-to-day behavior and interactions of almost any middle or high schooler studying in the us today, but this is such a touchy and stereotyped subject that it is almost impossible to write about it and still come across as the compassionate, witty, spiritually mature, insightful applicant, etc a Harvard adcom reader would applaud. Instead, I would suspect you accidentally have the application reader, even if subconsciously, pinhole you socially/spiritually into a category of adolescence which would likely hurt your chances for admission. Your phenomenal test scores (and, moreover, age of accomplishment!), while breathtaking in themselves, would tend to perpetuate this most unfair heurisitcal error/ flawed Weltenschauung.

(Also consider from the perspective of a cynical adcom member: This guy's biggest challenge in life has been his middle school popularity rating?)

And then there's the cliche of victory in college essays. Admissions officers are flooded and sleepy over the scores of these "in the end I overcame the odds" genres that their impact on your application is significantly diminished. There's a lot more to this part of the story, and - if you are interested in exploring it - I would refer to you to a most delightful and pithy work entitled "On Writing the College Admissions Essay" by Harold Baul, which ruesomely unrips these cliches of bad college essays and provides some fairly insightful advice to what writers of the college admissions essay "genre" can really succeed at doing.

(Note: I am not implying your essay is one of these soporiphs, I am simply saying that it may be helpful for you to investigate this direction of criticism in writing the best essays you possibly can.)

Just to give an example, one of the funniest and best essays in the Bauld book begins with the line ("I do some of my best thinking in the bathroom).

There is not space nor time sufficient for me to fully explore this topic with you in the limited confines of an internet posting forum, but should you be further interested, I highly recommend you check out a copy of Bauld's old book (you can probably get it used for under 6 or 5 bucks...or, of course, at the library). If you are still interested after reading I would be happy to discuss this with you via instant messenging or email correspondence.

(It is probably a bit late in the process for this advice to be of much use....but oh well...it's still interesting =). )

Sorry for typos, grammatical inconsistencies, etc, I am typing this in a hurry...Work Beckons )

All the Best,
SSG

By Sandy (Sandy) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 04:03 pm: Edit

lol...okay, here is the translation:
I wish that you go to Harvard in 2004!

By Sandy (Sandy) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 04:03 pm: Edit

lol...okay, here is the translation:
I wish that you go to Harvard in 2004!

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 04:20 pm: Edit

Thanks a bunch Sandy!

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 05:17 pm: Edit

Besides the maturity factor, it is important to consider the motivation factor. Have you shown that you are self-motivated? Have you shown that you are a true scholar? Have you shown that you are curious, inventive, and willing to take risks? Have you shown that you are more than what your parents want/parents push you to be? These factors don't come through one way or another in your stats. Maybe the adcom couldn't tell either?

GottaGetOut

By Sammileah (Sammileah) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 05:21 pm: Edit

Good luck =)

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 08:25 pm: Edit

Thanks Sammileah!

Hi Gottagetout. To some extent my parents guided my course when I was younger, but for the majority of my life, I have largely charted my own path. In addition to my required high school coursework, I took 4 online courses and 5 college classes (I took my first one, CALC-121, in seventh grade), none of which were required. I took these classes for the following reasons: (1) to take a subject that wasn't offered in my school, (2) to learn more advanced material in a particular subject (i.e. economics), and (3) to explore subjects that I had interest in.

As I mentioned in an earlier thread, I have a strong interest in economics, international relations, and the area where they intertwine: globalization. For the past two years, as a result not of my parents' pushing but of my own interest, I have read extensively on American foreign policy and globalization. Last year I completed a thesis discussing the impact of globalization on Pakistan and China.

Finally, I will be interning with Amnesty International next year, a result of my genuine interest in promoting human rights, not as a result of anyone else's prompting.

What I'm trying to say is that although it may not come across in my stats, I consider myself a motivated person with a sincere desire to learn and explore as many different subjects as possible. It's a strange thought that during an entire lifetime, the amount of knowledge we acquire isn't even an infinitesmal fraction of all the available knowledge; this said, it is my honest hope to learn as much as possible.

I hope that I made sense.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 11:00 pm: Edit

bump

By Gottagetout (Gottagetout) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 11:12 pm: Edit

Yes, yes you made sense... what I worry about though is that with the grade-skipping and extra classes and whatnot, it may look to an adcom that your parents are the main impetus for progression in your academic life? In your stats and essay topic this doesn't confirm one way or another but skipping 1st and 6th grade might lead one to incorrect conclusions. So, maybe you would have an improved shot at Hahvahd if you somehow showed them your motivation? Just my 2 cents from knowing a lot of people with stats like yours and their personal lives and motivations.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Saturday, December 06, 2003 - 11:31 pm: Edit

Thanks for your advice Gottagetout. I believe that my motivation came through in my interview and in my application, but do you have a few concrete ideas that I could try out?

By Willis (Willis) on Sunday, December 07, 2003 - 12:37 am: Edit

wow...a chances post that recieves 74 posts in 3 days. Strange, that never happens with my stat posts

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Sunday, December 07, 2003 - 01:55 pm: Edit

Hi Willis. I've just replied to one of your stat posts.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Sunday, December 07, 2003 - 04:09 pm: Edit

bump

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Monday, December 08, 2003 - 01:42 pm: Edit

bump

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Monday, December 08, 2003 - 02:27 pm: Edit

Two thoughts: first, MIT has an excellent economics department.

Second, you can always go to Harvard for grad school.

Best of luck.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Monday, December 08, 2003 - 06:21 pm: Edit

Thanks for the encouragement Carolyn, it's much appreciated. I couldn't agree more with the two points that you made. My initial attraction to MIT, in fact, was a result of its economics department, which is truly incredible. Furthermore, if I am deferred or rejected from Harvard, I can always apply there for graduate school (My ambition is to attend the JFK School of Government at Harvard.).

By Cadettony (Cadettony) on Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 09:25 am: Edit

Good luck Wasabi.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 10:19 am: Edit

much appreciated Cadettony, and same to you wherever you're applying

By N1cumings (N1cumings) on Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 03:57 pm: Edit

Hey wasabi,

You have excellent credentials and I personally encourage you to pursue your dream of attending Harvard. Taking the year off seems like an excellent decision; At the age of 15 a real mature outlook on the world is difficult to obtain. Take all the time you need - remember to grow up before you enter an adult world. This may mean physically or emotionally or mentally. You're obviously extremely intelligent; I wish, of course, that I had some of the oppurtunities you had at your school (like taking AP classes freshman year, my school is much too small).

Also, those bands you mentioned rock - right up my alley.


Good luck.

By Iluvlucy (Iluvlucy) on Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 05:17 pm: Edit

Wasabi,
I can't believe people on this board are condemning you for wanting to go to Harvard. If you want the name then go for it. I guess the best case scenario for someone who deferred would be for them to go to a foreign country and do charity work, or something spectacular that radically changed everything. As for speaking Arabic, I don't know if that will help you much. My parents are from India and I was born here but I can speak, read, and write fluent Hindi. (I can also speak Urdu, but since it's practically the same language I'm listing it as Hindi/Urdu, not Hindi and Urdu) Anyway my counselor says that even though I worked really hard to learn it, it still doesn't count as much as me learning, say, German. Because even though Hindi is not MY native language, it is still part of my background. Admissions officers will assume that you have already had exposure to it at home so it doesn't matter that much. It sucks, I know. Anyway good luck w/ your apps.

By Iluvlucy (Iluvlucy) on Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 05:31 pm: Edit

I don't know if you want to talk about your background in your applications, but if you do, don't write one of the "I used to hate my culture but now it is a part of me and I value it and blah blah..." essays. I was going to talk about 9/11 and how one girl thought I was a terrorist but I was afraid of it being too cliched so I ditched it.

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 06:23 pm: Edit

Thanks very much for the words N1cumings, I really appreciate them. You're absolutely right about taking time to grow up. My time off thus far has been of immense value -- it has helped me to gain perspective and to get my bearings back. By the time I go to school next fall I will be close to seventeen years old; I am confident that after this year off I will not only be anxious to go to school, but also fully prepared. By the way, what's your favorite band?

By Wasabi (Wasabi) on Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 06:37 pm: Edit

Hello Iluvlucy. First of all, thanks for the encouragement, it's much appreciated. Second, you make an interesting point regarding the languages. While I informed the admissions committee that I was learning Arabic, I took it up for my own enrichment. As I mentioned in an earlier thread, I have always wanted to learn Arabic. I personally believe that it is a much more complex language than Urdu, although the two have some similarities. Third, you're right about discussing one's background in an application. I didn't consider writing about such a topic, because, as you mentioned, such essays often lapse into cliches and dull prose.

P.S. I'm truly sorry that someone called you a terrorist. Such a remark is vile, but more dangerously, an indication of ignorance and intolerance. I hope that you were not on the receiving end of any other such repulsive remarks or any other form of harrasment.

By Iluvlucy (Iluvlucy) on Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 06:49 pm: Edit

No it was actually more funny than anything else because I'm a really tiny, petite girl. I feel sorry for guys with beards who had to face that though.

By Fuxkollege (Fuxkollege) on Saturday, January 10, 2004 - 07:38 pm: Edit

hey wasabi,

You have excellent credentials and I personally encourage you to pursue a career in dick sucking.
congrats on skipping 1st grade, thats a real harvard level accomplishment (Stupid F*cker). Personally, instead of applying to the jfk school of gov at harvard, i encourage u to apply to the jfk school of getting shot in the head, you dick Weasel. like iluvlucy said, dont concentrate on arabic in ur app because they will assume u are a terrorist dick sucking Ubu. also, i dont know what MITs mistake was, but unless ur planning on majoring in choking on dick meat, u might feel a little out of place. if u want an honest assessment, come over to my place and ill give u written evaluation on how well u polish my knob, schlong mongrel. Best of luck in your dick sucking carreer.

PS - in case u think im a dumb ass, Ive been accepted to both harvard and MIT on full scholarships, and have an internship at the UN lined up - dick weed.