Chance me 2010

sweetandlow
Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:40:21 +0000

The thing with the Ivies is that they have a ****load of kids who are smart applying. They mostly want people who they know are going to make an impact in the world. They want people who are passionate and sure of themselves and where they want to go in life. The Ivies don’t want to teach you really, they want to set you up with the connections and skills to make a positive impact in the world. That’s why they don’t always pick the very smartest kids or the ones who’ve been preparing since they were 5; they want real people with concerns, opinions, and a global perspective that isn’t limited to one socioeconomic niche. They want students who are going to be good Alumni, and they have the luxury of picking a class that will be the best possible and some of those kids won’t have the best grades.
Anyway, if you really know yourself and have been through things that having really impacted you, and you know exactly what change you want to make in the world then apply.
You have nothing to lose and if you really show passion in the essays, interview, and in your extracurriculars then you may just have a chance.
I’d recommend applying to your top choice Ivy, which might not be Harvard, look around at all of them, pick one, and apply. It might be a reach but despite what people say, if you have a good (not mind-blowingly amazing) academic record you may have a chance.

And to dolcevalse:
Your friend probably had nothing interesting about him except for good grades and SATs. If he had showed passion for something and stated what change he wanted to make then he would have probably gotten in. They have 30000 kids just like him, so why would they want another smart kid who doesn’t want to really do anything? Grades don’t get you in.