<p>Read these profiles of accepted/rejected students who are now college freshmen. Basically a mediocre transcript is a death blow to practically any applicant. “A shocker?” Really? Harvard rec’d almost 30000 applications from the world’s best students. How many students in your own high school are better scholars than you? I urge you to consider my advice above.</p>
<p>You’re only hope – ONLY HOPE – is if you can play D-1 American football at the top 5 BCS level or better. In particular, if you are a field goal kicker with impressive stats at or above the 30 yard line, then you will move near the top of the pile. Your Academic Index will be marginal, but you will get in if you can make a difference in . . . SPORTS!! That is the dirty little secret of the Ivies: they love love love athletes. So, get out and start kicking the ball!</p>
<p>Well, if you mean “one B a year in my very worst subject,” plus international awards, your shot increases. If you mean, as T2 gets at, you are not one of the best handful of students in your high school, yes, you are in trouble.</p>
<p>I don’t think Harvard is going to excuse 1 B a year with subpar SAT scores. Just saying. Now if you had all A’s in the most rigorous curriculum/AP classes and were top ranked, then you might have a tiny bit of leeway on your SAT scores.</p>
<p>ok, so i AM a state-level tennis player! (and the schools swimming champion) does it raise the chances a little more then?
and T26E4, i totally get you.</p>
<p>@OhioMom 2000-something is not unforgivable. One B a year and 2000 something isn’t one of those sets of numbers that’s an automatic “no.” Obviously much less likely, etc. etc., but not so bad that it’s worth saying it’s not worth applying/it’s inexcusable. @OP are you eligible to be athletically recruited?</p>