1730 ok for harvard?

ttan
Fri, 30 May 2008 20:59:52 +0000

Whoo finally got home.

I’d like to remark on LionHeaded~

I’m not saying that SATs are not important, but rather that they shouldn’t be the focus of high school. This is ESPECIALLY true of underclassman (until, I believe, March of Sophomore Year). Instead of starting too early on the SAT, more important things should be focused on, such as finding your passion, discovering what you want to major in, getting experience for what you’d like to be, etc.

And I’m not sure if you are aware, but there is an instance when a 1700 SAT got into Harvard. Sure, it sparked an uproar, but it has happened. Rohin will most surely score substantially higher than this, but the point remains- history has demonstrated that extraordinary ECs balance out SAT.

I agree with you on the fact that part of High School is about getting into the college you want. However, it should not consume everything you do in high school. I’ve run into far too many people who do things simply because they want it on their transcript. You shouldn’t do something for such a selfish reason, but rather because you actually want to and are passionate about it. My philosophy, as mentioned above, is to do what I love and find ways for that to get me into the colleges I want. For this very reason, that is why I have become heavily involved in DECA, Swimming, Cello, and so many other things. How can you succeed if you don’t do what you love? It is because of my passion for these things that I have put in countless hours and immense devotion, and have come out successful. It is also because of this passion that I have emerged a competitive applicant. (at least I would consider my self one)

Also keep in mind that Rohin has his entire high school life in front of him, and that if he takes on SATs and all these other things too early, he will burn out and have nothing left for when it matters. Your argument is far more applicable for Juniors, but you must remember that the person who asked us for advice is just beginning high school.

Again, maybe I’m misunderstanding you, but that’s just what I feel. You have your opinion (which I respect you for), I have mine. Nothing personal here, we’re all here to help each other =)