Chance Me- Harvard 2024 EA/RD

pez1776 · July 9

Hey everyone, I'm a rising senior who will apply to Harvard this fall. Pls chance me

GPA: 3.4/4.0 UW (idk about W)
SAT: 1550 (800 English, 750 Math)
SAT IIs: 800 US History, 800 World History

ECs:
International Geography Bee champion (gold medalist) and third place (bronze medalist)
US Geography Olympiad semi-finalist
Three-time featured TEDx Talks speaker
President of Model UN (2019-2020), Outreach Director of Model UN (2018-2019)
Best delegate (first place) or equivalent at MUNUC, UTMUN, CASC (major MUN conferences)
Coached middle school Model UN students, lead organizer for two MUN conferences for middle school students and head chairperson for one high school MUN conference
Intern for State Representative and Mayor Pro-Tem of my city
Met with the US Senator for my state and my Congressperson to discuss US foreign policy
Potentially could get invited to the second Democratic presidential debates (this is still only a possibility)
Aircraft pilot for over 5 years, over 10 hours of flying experience on the Cessna-172, Cessna-182, and Piper Cherokee
Minor volunteering experience at food banks and a local flood prevention organization

Rec letters: I have two teachers who really liked me, I was passionate about their subjects plus I got A's in their classes. My pilot instructor and the state representative are also more than happy to write letters of rec for me.

Other Info
Race/ethnicity: Asian (rip)
Citizenship: Canadian
Intended field: International Relations
Legacy: Yes, mom went to Harvard Medical School
Location: Michigan, USA

I know my GPA is terrible, but I have super strong SATs and ECs. What are my chances for Harvard or other Ivy Leagues? Thanks!

NCKris · July 9

No one can predict chances for schools with <10% acceptance rate. Having said that, I think you are a competitive candidate, if you write good essays and submit a compelling application. You have very unique ECs. Give it a shot SCEA, which has higher chances than RD.
I don't think you will be considered a Legacy (parents or grandparents from Harvard college -UG only)

skieurope · July 9

Legacy: Yes, mom went to Harvard Medical School

Not a legacy. Only UG counts for Harvard.

My pilot instructor and the state representative are also more than happy to write letters of rec for me.

You should limit your extra LoR's to 1, and then only include 1 if the extra letter will contain some new, interesting information that would not otherwise be conveyed. More does not equal better.

Your main issue is your GPA. Harvard is going to only admit those who can perform at the Harvard academic level. Based on the Common Data Set, only 1.38% of accepted students had a GPA in your range, and my guess is that they were recruits for a headcount sport or had a major hook. There's no harm in applying, but make sure you have some matches and safeties as well. Good luck.

lookingforward · July 9

I think you need to go back and try to understand what H looks for, what holistic means, whether a professional degree factors as legacy, and think about why being a pilot or attending a debate would be a tip. Or how a letter from your flight instructor is going to be perceived.

"Teachers who know you well and who have taught you in academic subjects (preferably in the final two years of secondary school) typically will provide us with the most valuable testimony. Whenever possible, teachers should tell us about your non-academic interests and personal qualities as well as academic potential." That's straight from the horse's mouth and I personally believe kids who want a tippy top should be very familiar with the colleges' wants before deciding to apply or when.

Chance Me- Harvard 2024 EA/RD

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