siserune

Two people in 10 years is consistent with the general admission rate for Harvard, but two URM in 10 years means the admission rate of "unhooked" applicants is more to the point: competition for about half the total number of spaces. So at least statistically, best scores in 6 to 12 years from your high school sounds like a good estimate of what's needed to make it more than a lottery ticket. Alternatively, scores of 700+ across the board would show that you are comparable to the national pool from all high schools. Having exhausted local opportunities would be an important point.

nhsharvard

I'm going to try to get over 32 and 700s to at least get a chance. So far, I only have a 720 for US History.

I might retake Math II and take either French, Biology, or Lit.

I don't think I'm URM because I'm Filipino.

WindCloudUltra

"If you want to have a legitimate shot at Harvard, you need at least
2350+ SAT I
750+ SAT II's"

Ehh...that's a little extreme.

In general, scores over 700 would be a good goal. There are some exceptions of course.

lackadaisy

Unfortunately, I have to also guess that your chance is pretty slim. There's nothing especially compelling about your extracurriculars, and to be perfectly frank, your SAT is bad enough that your ACT may not conceal it... it's as if you have an academic requirement that you can pass with either Chem or Bio, and you get a D- in Chem and a B+ in Bio. The D- doesn't go away... if I were you, I'd retake it. And look into more attainable schools as well... other UCs, liberal arts colleges. But you seem to be very hardworking and I have faith that you'll be able to improve your application quite a lot by senior fall.

nhsharvard

I heard that colleges look at the highest ACT or SAT score.

I'm planning to take the actual ACT. I'm currently studying for it.

I'm not planning to take the SAT unless my ACT score is not in the 30s.

I don't think they will care about my SAT score, if I have a much higher ACT score because my A average and weighted GPA would support a higher ACT score. Some people score higher on the SAT, while others may score higher on the SAT.

JohnN

Though it is important, just keep in mind that test scores are not everything. Last year, a friend of mine (who is not a URM) got into UPenn and Yale with a 1630 on his SAT (though he had great ECs and GPA/Rank to make the score not matter).

And here's the thing, don't expect a huge improvement on test scores. The first time I took the SAT, I scored a 2130. I am going to retake it in Octber expecting to bring it up to only 2200. While is it possible that someone can make a huge improvement (300+ points) on their SAT, it's very rare. Set a reasonable goal for yourself and work for it.

Some schools offer this and some offer that, if you take up all of availible opportunity at your school, you're fine. Show admissions that you have passion not just a list.

Aim high, but always be modest to yourself.

I will also be applying to Harvard, Yale and Stanford. Best of luck for the both of us!

nhsharvard

Thanks JohnN.
I'm actually going to write about one of my passions for 1 of my essays for the common app.

As I said, I'm studying for the ACT.

Any further advice?