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05-06-2008, 10:25 PM
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#1 | | New Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 6
| Need feedback. It is greatly appreciated!
I need some feedback about my chances at Ivy League Conference schools, especially Harvard. Due to the new financial aid plan at Harvard, it would be cheaper for me to go to Harvard than UC Berekely (about 50% cheaper). Consequently, my parents really want me to go to Harvard, but I'm not very sure that I will have much of a chance, considering that my test scores are good but not great. Also, the fact that I am a quintessential Asian boy makes me even less unique and I'm definitely not an URM. I need honest feedback about my chances. Here are my stats:
GPA:
Weighted 4.37
Un-weighted 3.83
SAT:
Math 800
Reading 650
Writing 760 (Essay only a 8 w/ perfect score on mult choice)
Total 2210
PSAT:
Math 80
Writing 69
Reading 71
Total 220
(I got the commended student thing, and I'll find out if I get Semi-Finals later. How much would National Merit help me?)
AP:
World History 5
US History pending (expecting at least 4)
Calculus BC pending (expeting at least 4)
Chemistry pending (worst subject, hoping for 3)
SAT 2:
Math Level 2 800
World History 670
Chemistry pending
Literature pending
Extra-curriculars:
4 Year Varsity Baseball Letterman
4 Year Member Strategy Club
Founding Member Chemistry Club this year
4 Year Chamber Orchestra (went to Carnegie Hall last year. Will go again next year)
Volunteer at Tzu Chi Foundation since Freshman year (about 100 hours total)
Played Piano competitively since age 6
Certificate of Merit Level 9
Played Cello competitively since age 11
Link Cru Organization for mentoring freshmen
Played in Chinese School Basketball Team (14U, 16U, 18U teams)
Dragon Boating Team in Long Beach in the summer on weekends
What I'm really concerned about is my EC's. I think my best is being in varsity baseball and orchestra for all 4 years, but I haven't done much volunteer work at all. And the music part is basically there for all asian boys, so it's not really special. So basically I don't have much in the EC category...
What do you guys think about my chance at Harvard and other Ivys vs. UC Berkeley? I really appreciate any good feedback. Advice on this summer and my senior year is also welcome! Thanks again for your time! | 
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05-06-2008, 10:54 PM
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#2 | | Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 397
| a) do something productive and amazing over the summer
b) are you good enough to play baseball at harvard/any other top lac?
You should be able to get into Berkeley, but I think Harvard is a reach due to the fact that you don't stand out. | |
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05-06-2008, 11:00 PM
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#3 | | New Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 6
| Yes actually I'm looking into playing baseball at Harvard. I am going to their prospective player camp this summer. However, to be honest, I don't think I'll make the team, considering that Harvard is a highly-competitive Division I school. Nevertheless, Harvard does have a JV team, and I was thinking about trying out if I do indeed get accepted.
Also, what would be considered productive and amazing in the summer? This summer I was planning on being in my school's baseball program like always, and volunteering more with Tzu Chi, and doing my summer AP homework.
What would I specifically need to really stand out? | |
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05-07-2008, 03:14 PM
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#4 | | Member
Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: New York
Posts: 518
| if you are commended, then you're not in the running for National Merit | |
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05-07-2008, 03:29 PM
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#5 | | Member
Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Meh.
Posts: 572
| ^All of the recognized juniors only know that they're in the top 50,000 this spring. They'll find out whether it's commended or semi in the fall. | |
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05-07-2008, 06:55 PM
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#6 | | Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: California
Posts: 191
| usually a 220 is good enough for semi's so you should be fine..
to be honest with you, though, merit is mainly for financial, whereas SAT is for selection, but a weak sat score can be offset by semi-finalist/finalist.. if you are aiming for harvard, i would recommend a 2300/ 1500
your GPA also isn't exactly hot but you may be able to offset that with your ECs..
sadly, i have to agree with the others in that I just don't see anything special... this summer, discover something that truly defines who YOU are  | |
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05-07-2008, 11:47 PM
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#7 | | New Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 6
| Thanks for the comments!
Another question, how much would my essay influence the decision? Say I have a really good essay, would that offset my lack of "special-ness"? | |
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05-08-2008, 01:04 AM
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#8 | | Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: California
Posts: 191
| yes, if you have a unique essay with a radical writing style that can represent who you are then it will count for everything...
the thing about these schools is that they don't care if you do a million hours of community service, are a president of a club, or won a national award.. unless you can effectively tell them everything about who YOU are and WHAT has made you who you are along the way
good luck
since we are in the same boat here, could you look at my thread too? please chance me for the big guys! :)
thanks! | |
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