Did you get in?
UPDATE:
Hey everyone! I’ve been away from this thread for a while because things in my life became a mess within the past 3-4 months. Unfortunately, I never planned for this and even wanted it to happen but I’m taking a gap year and my parents said to apply to college in Fall 2020. The reason for this is not me but because I will be caring for my grandmother overseas because she isn’t able to come here to the US for treatment. My aunt and I will be caring for her together. My aunt works though which is why I’m needed. My father was okay with this because I’m born in 2003 so I’m a year ahead so he thought that taking a gap year and being in the class of 2025 wouldn’t be an issue. I also felt that I needed to put my family first especially since elderly care is hard to find. My mom proposed that I take the SAT in March to see if I do better and I have started studying for it. On top of that I want to take subject tests. I will be trying my best to continue being active while overseas. I spoke to my mentor about what has happened and we agreed to continue working on Python together and spending via Skype so that my work is continued. I will probably be officially filing an LLC this year (that was a part of the plan even without the gap year). My parents said that I could also find a gap year program at a local university.
I’m just scared about my admissions chances for next year. Non of this was by design. I originally applied REA and I had an AMAZING interview. The alums said that they hadn’t ever spoken to anyone with my experience. She mentioned that adults are working on the work I’m doing and that I seemed like someone who would take advantage of the opportunities at Harvard. The other one said that I could be a future asset. The interview was at the Harvard Club and was only supposed to be 45 minutes but we went on for an hour and a half. Upon first seeing my resume they both said that they had a lot to talk about and upon leaving they both said that they would talk to me more but we had already gone over (obviously). I know the interview doesn’t make it break the decision but I really regret not being in this pool. But like I said, my family comes first. Also, will Harvard keep these interview notes? When I withdrew my application, there was a place to explain why and I explained more specifically why I had to do it. My life has been a mess and I want to get organized for next year. Please give me any tips and suggestions you have for the next couple of months until REA 2025. Thank you!!
1 Like
I’m so sorry to hear this. It must be hard, especially around the holiday season. Couldn’t you have waited for the decision? Even if you got accepted, you could have deferred their decision by one year to take care of your grandmother.
My mom and I discussed that but she raised the idea of taking the SAT to raise my stats because it also seemed that the ACT wasn’t the test for me. I have a 26 which is nowehere near competitive. Her whole point was that it could be a chance for me to raise my stats.
That’s a valid point. Good luck to you and your future endeavors then! Let’s hope 2020 brings good fortune to you and your family!
Thank you, I really hope so!
You could have applied and seen how you did, then deferred if you had gotten in. If you did not get in, you could then reapply. Not sure you should have withdrawn.
But the larger question is, why Harvard? Or Columbia for that matter. There are plenty of schools that would LOVE to have you.
Here is a list of test-optional colleges and universities. https://www.fairtest.org/university/optional
Please note that many are top schools. (If you need merit aid, some will want scores however.) I would consider applying to a test-optional school. That would elminate a lot of stress while you take care of your grandmother.
I respect what you are doing for your familybut as a female caregiver myself, I wonder if you have brothers or cousins with similar expectations put on them!
I think you have great chances tbh go for it