<p>“There were also several changes in students’ intended concentrations,” continued McGrath. “While the numbers interested in the social sciences and the biological sciences increased only slightly, 179 listed the humanities, compared with 132 last year. The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences continues to attract more students. The number interested in engineering rose from 74 to 89, physical sciences from 64 to 82, mathematics from 52 to 64, and computer science from 14 to 22.”</p>
<p>So those are presumably accepted numbers. I just wanted to know if anyone has an idea if the ratio of accepted:applied is the same across “intended” concentrations.</p>
<p>And I know that Harvard doesn’t accept people to a specific concentration, but rather the College as a whole. I am just curious as to who else plans to study math!</p>
<p>Is the Harvard degree actually worth the money that you have to pay for it? My parents are both not the richest, but I think I have a good chance of getting into Harvard. How would a pre-med student from Harvard compare to, say, one of the SUNY schools in New York, where it would be about half as expensive?</p>
<p>Hi hittthelottery. That’s exactly my reasoning for considering the SUNY schools. I feel that med school only looks at GPA and MCAT scores. If this is true, why do you think that Harvard is so valued for their medical program if it actually does NOT help the applicants because of the artificially raised competition? </p>
<p>And my stats are as follows:
SAT: 2140 (700 M, 710 W, 730 CR), ACT: 31
GPA: 3.7+ (top 10%)
SATII : Math: 720, Chem: 740, Bio: 740</p>
<p>EC’s :
Member of Key Club, Interact, NHS, FBLA, Math club, and Future scientists club.
100+ volunteer hours at a soup kitchen
Unpaid intern at hospital (assisted nurses, answered calls, got prescriptions) </p>
<p>I also think that my essays were pretty well written, as both my teachers and my peers said that they evoked a sense of pity due to my financial status.</p>
<p>Only about 5 people in my school are applying to private schools outside of our geographic area, so it has been difficult trying to manage all the questions about what schools I’m applying to… luckily I have managed to keep it a relative secret, some of my teachers and close friends know but that’s pretty much it.</p>
<p>On another note: I am confused on what happens if we’re deferred… someone mentioned earlier sending an update? What if we don’t have any updates, do we just wait until April for their final decision?</p>
<p>^^And not to be a downer or anything, but NOBODY has a good chance of getting into Harvard, not even the perfect SAT-GPA-ACT-national president of activities - kids. Nothing against your positive stats, but seriously, NOBODY has a good chance. It’s a crapshoot at some point, even past the EC’s and scores.
If you’re looking to get into med schools, you should indeed be thinking more about how to get a great GPA and MCAT than the prestige of the undergraduate school. When you are looking at residencies and jobs, they’ll look straight at your med school info. Your undergrad degree is merely a means to an end. I would strongly consider an in-state school if that is a viable option for you. With that in mind, Harvard does provide spectacular opportunities for personal growth because of the atmosphere of brilliant people. I think that’s what draws many people to it - that’s what drew me, certainly.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions! Yea, I had a feeling that my SAT bio score would be a little bit of a problem. I’ll consider the other options you provided, because I really would like to avoid the harsh competition. As they say, fear no more the heat of the sun, ya know?</p>
<p>^Wow Jig: you have one of the most inappropriate user names I’ve seen in a long time. You really don’t even know its connotations do you? Let me give you a hint: google yourself</p>
<p>Harvard student? Can’t even pick a patently non-offensive username.</p>
<p>Your stats are actually quite low for a Harvard applicant; GPA, SAT, ACT, and SAT II scores are all below the accepted average. Of course, I don’t want to deter you from applying; I would just recommend retaking some standardized tests. </p>
<p>As for the username…that’s actually extremely offensive. Regardless of your race, people of all ethnicities/creeds can get offended by that name. If I were you, I would petition the mods for a username change (or just make a new account).</p>
<p>New development: my school just named me the inaugural scholar of the month (first person to receive award, in a school of ~2500). I know it’s a local and fairly insignificant (nominated by teachers and voted by council) award since I’m already valedictorian , but should I call admissions to fish for information on my application decision? Just wondering.</p>
<p>^IMO you can call and be vague about your potential update. Along the lines of “I have an update that may add to my application, but I’m wondering if it is still possible to update since I applied EA and the decision notification is soon?” That’s what I would do</p>
<p>Ugh, just found out that someone officially committed to Harvard based on soccer. How much will this affect my early chances? Will it make them defer me to see how he plays out over the next few months?</p>
<p>^^ I might call later today about the update. Thanks!!</p>
<p>Do you play soccer, too? Or does this someone go to your school and is your direct competitor in school? I don’t know that his application decision will adversely affect yours if you are truly a qualified Harvard applicant</p>
<p>I’m in panic mode at this point. What does it mean when an admissions officer emails you to ask for a phone call/skype even though you’ve already had an interview??? A few days ago, they called my guidance counselor and they told her that I was a strong applicant and had strong recommendations and asked her about my personality - my guidance counselor was gleaming after the conversation so this seemed encouraging. But now, to get an email too,…I’m feeling worried. Is my application so vague that this is necessary? Do they somehow distrust it? What does this mean? </p>
<p>oh god… I know precisely what’s bothering them… my pitiful extracurriculars. I wish they would just make their decision whatever it ends up being and not make me go through this.</p>
<p>Prospector7, I’m really curious what you consider to be “pitiful” EC’s. Elaborate?</p>
<p>WeIsCool, no I don’t play soccer and he isn’t near me academically (he’s got 3.5ish UW/W, I have 4.0 UW/4.6 W). But I don’t know how his status will effect me.</p>
<p>I did mock trial for 10,11, and 12 grade, I mentioned that I’ve played piano for 12 years and violin for 9 and taken lessons for both during 9th grade - and that’s the extent of my <em>legitimate</em> ECs. I mentioned that I did key club for 2 months and raised some money for a UNICEF fund in that time, and then mentioned that I did Model UN for 1 month. </p>
<p>I know that this is certainly not up to par for Harvard and is hardly up to par for any selective university, and I should probably be thankful that they didn’t dismiss me entirely because of it… but this is truly anxiety-inducing.</p>
<p>Those aren’t “bad” EC’s. I think quality trumps quantity, and instruments for over a decade certainly say quantity to me!!</p>
<p>Well, don’t get to anxiety-ridden: I believe I saw a thread where gibby quoted Dean Fitzsimmons in saying that Essays+LORs>EC’s. Best of luck with the interview, though! Let us know how it goes. :)</p>
<p>Today I was on my way home from a bookstore. It was getting pretty late, and when I glanced up at the sky (which was indigo-colored), I felt a brief moment of indescribable happiness. The kind of feeling you get when you’re young and wild and raring to go, it’s a Friday night, and you’re looking for complete and utter hedonistic abandon. </p>
<p>Then I remembered that I live in Nowheresville, USA. With my parents. And that I have no friends.</p>
<p>The struggle, guys. The struggle.</p>
<p>I’m so ready for college, Harvard or not…</p>
<p>So, what’s something you guys excited about?</p>
How much will this affect my early chances? Will it make them defer me to see how he plays out over the next few months?</p>