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What does everyone think my chances are for Harvard? I am homeschooled because I have a chronic illness. Because I am sick, I have no extracurriculars.

Great recs, interview, and essays.

1460 SAT 770V, 690M
730 Writing
660- Math
590 Lit- I was sick that day
ACT 30
AP English Language 4
Think I have a chance or are my scores way too low?

By Incognito (Incognito) on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 09:13 pm: Edit

Wow...770 on the verbal section of the SAT I?!?!

Sorry, but every time I see a score like this, I have to ask one question: What did you do to prepare?...

By Critical (Critical) on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 09:15 pm: Edit

I memorized a ton of vocabulary. Go buy Kaplan's Verbal Guide and memorize all the words you don't know.

By Incognito (Incognito) on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 09:18 pm: Edit

thnx.

As for your chances:
I dont really know. My friend got in w/a similar SAT score (only 30 points higher on the Math section), and TONS of ECs. As you said though, you do have a legit excuse. I think that overall, you are VERY good. HOWEVER, having said that, I dont know if you'll make it into Harvard. I'm not sure how it works when you're disadvantaged. My guess is that you may not have a great chance at Harvard, but you do have a great chance for some of the other Ivies. Keep in mind, though, that I'm not an expert on college admissions.

By Critical (Critical) on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 09:23 pm: Edit

Thanks! The only reason I am asking about Harvard is because I had such an amazing interview. The interviewer told me that he thought I would get in everywhere and that he hoped I chose Harvard. He called my mom up the night after the interview to thank her for having such a wonderful child. I do not mean to sound like I am bragging. I don't know how much weight interviews have? so that is why I was asking?

By Jason817 (Jason817) on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 10:00 pm: Edit

interviews mean very little actually.

By Blahdefrickenda (Blahdefrickenda) on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 10:13 pm: Edit

I hope you get in.

By India (India) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 03:50 pm: Edit

What happened on the Lit test day, and did you take it on the same day as the other SAT II's? Were you actually sick?

By Supernova (Supernova) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 04:02 pm: Edit

it's a shame you've already applied b/c you could have gotten some other ECs... youth groups... art classes at a college maybe.... some other stuff... but the schools are always looking for diversity...homeschoolity (haha) is diversity in a sense...good luck to you

By Critical (Critical) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 06:07 pm: Edit

I have been too sick to do extracurriculars such as youth group and community service. I did try though.

I wasn't feeling well lit. test day. All SAT IIs taken on different dates. First time lit.-670- was trying to retake and get higher score, but turned into disaster. No score choice.

By Incognito (Incognito) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 06:09 pm: Edit

What are you sick with, if you dont mind me asking?

By Critical (Critical) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 09:27 pm: Edit

I have lupus.

By Brownuniversity (Brownuniversity) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 09:31 pm: Edit

sweet, i hate homeschooled kids.

i do mock government and my bill this year was to outlaw homeschooling.

then we made an ammendment saying outlawing homeschooling unless you were born with a tail.

By Supernova (Supernova) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 10:14 pm: Edit

you should have paid the money to release your 670!!! that would help you atleast i think...anyway good luck i really hope you get in...and i hope you're staying healthy these days.

By Kalitiha (Kalitiha) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 10:20 pm: Edit

I was homeschooled Brown. I would think that your hatred for homeschooled kids stems from your insecurity over the fact that homeschooled kids tend to learn better, have better test scores etc. Good luck Brown, I'm sure you'll have great opportunities in life with your narrow mind.

By Nyguy (Nyguy) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 10:37 pm: Edit

the two of you shutup. home schooling has its own advantages and disadvantages. No need for you to prove anything here

By Incognito (Incognito) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 10:49 pm: Edit

Nyguy--

Its not about "proving" anything. "Brownuniversity" is just being an jerk. But that's not too bad. After all, we need people on the forums like "Brownuniversity" to be reminded that there is a world of ignorance out there that must be dealt with. Well, maybe I should take that back. We really dont need "Brownuniversity". Brown, Stay off the forums you -----.

By Autodidact (Autodidact) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 02:27 am: Edit

Critical,
Harvard has a reputation for being homeschooler- friendly. Have you read David and Micki Colfax' book Homeschooling for Excellence? Two ex-public school teachers who became disenchanted with the state of public education and moved to a remote working ranch. Often snowbound, they homeschooled their natural and adopted children. All four of the kids got into Harvard or Yale, I believe. It's my understanding that both actively recruit homeschoolers recognizing that independent learners are studying for mastery as opposed to regurgitation. Emphasize your critical thinking skills and initiative in your essays and interviews. As Kalitiha said, strong test scores have given homeschoolers the basis for many admissions at Ivies like Harvard and Yale. With your lupus, I would have thought Yale's student-centered approach would have been more conducive to your ultimate success, but if your interviewer was that effusive, you'll probably be getting your acceptance letter to Harvard soon. If you're looking for EC's how about managing a website for other homebound students? My daughter is having a great time swapping e-mail with a young man in Australia who is providing homecare for his grandfather who is suffering from dementia. Most homeschoolers we know are bibliophiles, how about a virtual reading/study group? Reader recommendations, educational links, etc. With students, unfortunately, out of sight is out of mind, leading to the deterioration of friendships. I would think it could simultaneously serve educational, social, and emotional needs for students with chronic or terminal illnesses. Too many people take their health for granted, and many kids aren't comfortable around people who are either ill or disabled. Create a virtual support group of understanding participants. Good Luck and best wishes.

By Brownuniversity (Brownuniversity) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 06:29 pm: Edit

oh cry me a river you freaks.

By Incognito (Incognito) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 06:31 pm: Edit

...and you can read as well?!?! Very good. What else would you like, a cookie?

By Marcie (Marcie) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 11:39 pm: Edit

Good luck, Critical. I hope you have a great choice of schools and do well at the one you select. I think any of these schools would have to offer you "reasonable accommodation" to help you, such as your choice of closest dorm, possibly trasportation between classes, etc.

By any chance have you read the bestseller about the race horse Seabiscuit? The author of that book, Laura ??, is a young woman who also has an illness that makes her unable to maintain much energy (not lupus). It took her several years to write this book; it's an inspiring story in itself.

Good luck with your college search and ignore those other silly posts above. They do not understand health challenges, as many people do not. There will be many people who will support you and help you in your search for a college education. You have a great attitude.