collegebound5

If Harvard lists a smaller percentage of applicants admitted from certain specific geographic areas, ie. 9% from the south west for example, does that mean that those coming from an under represenvted area still have the same admission rate as everyone else? Since there is no information published regarding the number of applicants who apply from each region (only the number accepted) it is difficult to determine if there is an advantage or disadvantage to applying from an under representevd area. There is no way to know if Harvard takes only 9% because there were fewer applicants resulting in even fewer qualified applicants from that area. Almost 40% of those who are admitted come from the northeast. When I meet those who live in the norteast and are applying to HYP, they quickly point out that they are at a disadvantage because they come from the northeast and those who live in other areas are at an advantage. I am not so sure. First, many of the high schools in areas where so few apply do not have the same type of relationships with the elite colleges that many high schools in the northeast have. Many high schools in the northeast will send large numbers of students to particular ivy league schools. With only 9% of south west students accepted for example, that means that perhaps only 40 applicants will come from each state that makes up that region. Obviously if just 200 applied from the enire region there would be an advantage. But if 4.000 applied from the region however, that would mean a significant disadvantage. I am curious if anyone has information regarding acceptance rates and geographic distribution Thanks

fatherofthe

This is an interesting question which I found myself thinking about a year ago. It all boils down to this: If you think Harvard is a good fit and you would like to apply, do it. Your chances are pretty slim regardless of where you come from. Remember that 9% will also be divided into approx 50% Male, 50% female. When all is said and done, there's not a whole lot of difference considering 15-20K people apply and 9-10% get in. Have a solid back up plan, and don't be totally discouraged if you don't get in (you'd be in the majority). But you can't get in if you don't try.

RealtoRealLife

Remember, everyone who is a high achiever looking at an elite school has these same concerns and has to work through these issues. The potential number of strong applicants who might also apply to Harvard in a given year from a given state or region or country are variables outside of your control. Don't let this whole thing rattle you. The elite schools that put an entering class together from applicants from all across the nation may well be looking at many of the same applicants in any given year either EA, ED or RD. After reflection, try to do your best in deciding what you want for yourself and try to stay upbeat. You will be happiest with your outcomes.

collegebound5

Thank you Fatherofthe and RealtoReallife