Do I seriously have a shot at Harvard?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
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<p>I received a package from Harvard a few weeks ago regarding Financial Aid, Fee Wavier, and their application, when I haven't contacted them at all. Letter states that I was contacted due to academic achievements. (Collegeboard?) Along with a letter informing me of an Open House in NY, which I have attended and signed in for.</p>

<p>Background: Asian American
In the lowest income bracket (under 15k w/ 4 people in household)
My high school graduation rate for economically disadvantaged students is 56%
Planning to take 4 AP Examinations in June.
Passed AP English and AP Physics with 3s</p>

<p>SAT
CR - 600
Math - 660
Writing - 540</p>

<p>School's SAT avg is roughly 1000 with 3 sections.</p>

<p>My essay revolves around African American and Hispanic gang violence, and how my family was physically and mentally affected throughout those years, and how I've grown from that. </p>

<p>I'm planning to take SAT Physics/Math 2/Lit in December for the Harvard requirements.</p>

<p>As of right now I don't think I have any chance for Harvard whatsoever. One of my teachers have told me it wouldn't hurt to try, since I have a fee waiver. Also, because of the fact of my general location/situation that colleges take into consideration.</p>

<p>I believe that there's a certain amount of consideration, but I don't believe that it can bring me so far as to go to Harvard. I would also be the only student (or one of the very very few) in my year applying for Harvard.</p>

<p>Do I seriously have a shot at Harvard?
Or am I shooting into a dark room..without a loaded gun?</p>

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<p>This one is tough. This is a long reach... a very long reach, even considered against your background. If you seriously want to give it a shot go ahead, but I wouldn't spend to much time on it just to be disappointed in the end. Your SATs indicate that, at this present moment, you are just not ready to cope with college workload. If I were you and really wanted to Harvard, I would wait a year, really push up those scores and then hit them with essays and recommendations focusing on your background. </p>

<p>Also, it doesn't really seem like you would like to attend Harvard - merely apply because they send you a package. If you choose to apply you should believe 100% in your success otherwise you will fail. Lets wait what the more experienced CCers say... Good luck nonetheless</p>

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<p>I currently do want to attend, my question is in regards to not being 'too hopeful' in terms of this long shot.</p>

<p>Thanks for your input, and I hope for more.</p>

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<p>It's always possible. However, among the the hundreds of results I've seen, I've never seen an unhooked candidate accepted with your low of SAT score.</p>

<p>What's your GPA, unweighted and weighted, and your rank?</p>

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<p>Honestly, I think not.</p>

<p>Your SAT scores are WAY to low for Harvard. Besides, the low-income ghetto high schooler spots will be taken by African-American and Hispanic students, not Asian-American ones.</p>

6

<p>Ouch!</p>

<p>Oh my, the whole unfairness/stupidity/ridiculousness of it all.</p>

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