<p>So… is there any prevailing opinion on how the Ivies (or similar institutions) feel about magnet high schools? I’m wondering because I go to a rigorous magnet school for math and science (specifically marine and environmental science); several hundred students apply each year and approximately 50 are accepted. Although we do not have specifically designated AP courses, all classes are taught at an Honors or AP level or higher (a bunch of my classes also count for college credits). </p>
<p>I was feeling worried looking around here and seeing all these people with 2400s and 4.0s getting rejected (I have a 2340 and a 3.9 [well, actually a 98 since that’s how my school records it… also unweighted, my school doesn’t do weighted] though I believe I’m top of my class). But then I logged into my Naviance account and saw…</p>
<p>Harvard- 2250
Princeton- 2295
Cornell- 2100
Brown- 2250
etc.</p>
<p>Those are the average scores for students from my school that were admitted to the above universities for the past few years (my school is relatively new). They seem a bit lower than I would’ve expected (and I know Harvard has a 2400 in that average, so the other 1-2 students that have gotten in must’ve been a decent amount lower to bring it down). Out of all the students in my school that have gotten into Ivies, I can only think of one who had extremely notable ECs (of the youngest Nobel prize winner ever type, if you know what I mean :P) and one other who was an URM. The rest all just seem to be average students. </p>
<p>I know it’s hard to judge what got people in based solely on numbers… but do any of you guys think the rigor and status of my high school could play a significant role in admittance at these institutions? My school is extremely hard, so I’m hoping it’s been worth it lol</p>
<p>Also, a few more (sort of unrelated) questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I’m a fairly talented artist… would it be beneficial to submit an art supplement to show I’m well-rounded, or should I not bother if I’m not actually applying to an art program (and haven’t won any really major awards for my art)?</p></li>
<li><p>I’m having the worst time deciding between two teachers for a letter of recommendation (and already have another teacher writing one). Is it bad to exceed 2 letters, or should I go for it if I know all three letters will be outstanding?</p></li>
<li><p>Harvard has brought back SCEA of course… does anyone know if Harvard significantly leans towards outright rejection or towards deferral to RD? (judging by when they used to have it, I mean)</p></li>
<li><p>Every freshman in my school must complete a research project and present it at the end of the year at the school’s freshman research expo (judged mostly by professors and researchers from Rutgers and Drexel). I won 3rd place in Plant Science and Researcher’s Choice for Best Project. Should I put this on my application, or should I not because it’s not outside of my school and everyone had to do it?</p></li>
<li><p>I saw on the thread where people post if they are accepted, rejected, or waitlisted a section about “hooks.” It says something like “URM, first generation, etc.” Hmm… etc. What are some other hooks? </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Sorry to anyone who read this obnoxiously long post haha. And thanks sooooo much in advance to anyone who can offer any answers! :)</p>
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