<p>So I know that Harvard says they participate in holistic review, which means that they look at everything as a whole when rejecting or accepting you. So does that mean Ec’s, essay, additional recs, can make up for not amazing grades. Example: Asian male in over represented state who doesn’t face adversity. If he has awesome essays, additional rec from professor at top tier school, unique ec’s and more than one of them on an international level would he still have a solid shot at HYPSM with the following grades: </p>
<p>GPA: 3.87
SAT: 2230
SAT 2: 730 french, 780 french with listening, 600 Bio (not reported), 790 Math 2, 750 Chem
AP’s: 6 total (most rigorous courseload): scores=4 5’s and 2 4’s.</p>
<p>Holistic means holistic…with the caveat…since you are Asian, you will be competing against other Asians who have perfect/highest GPAs and almost perfect test scores compared to you…as well as most have won national and international competitions in music, science, math, arts, etc…
along with other obvious BIG TIME extracurricular activities…</p>
<p>…so, you have to compare yourself within the context of your ethnic background…</p>
<p>…unfortunately for you, the MOST competitive Asian students who have been accepted to the HYPS schools will have almost perfect academic statistics along with one or two ‘WOW’ factors…most serious contenders will not have any weaknesses in their application…</p>
<p>…now, if you really want to stand out as an Asian…become a highly recruitable athlete at the Olympic level…that will truly trump most other “common” extracurricular prowess that most Asians seem to possess…</p>
<p>My EC’S are not typical of Asians, in fact, I don’t think I’v ever seen what I have done with my EC’s on college confidential before. I don’t have awards for my things because my international things are not contests, but rather stuff I have done on my own. I won’t really have any major awards per say, but I will have a lot of different EC’s, especially compared to Asians. So that being said, with those types of unique EC’s at an international level, wouldn’t I have a higher shot than another Asian who may have higher grades, but EC’s in the science/math/arts field?</p>
<p>No matter how unique your ECs are…all top schools are foremost and most importantly “academic” institutions that want to accept the best and “brightest” of the lot…the aforementioned schools DO NOT have to sacrifice their highest standards if they don’t have to…if you know what I mean…</p>
<p>…just do your best and pursue what you are TRULY passionate about…and don’t get caught up in the chase for acceptance to “certain” schools…schools don’t define you…you define yourself.</p>
<p>Alright. Thanks. that helped get my mind out of a razzled state I guess. I have a ridiculous amount of AP Summer work and i couldn’t focus at all.</p>
<p>You are welcome. I know you will do fine. Best wishes and good luck. P.S. please have some fun during the summer as well…I know, it’s easier said than done.</p>
<p>I am just wondering about your Bio score. How can you not reported? I mean, when you submit other scores from College board, admission officers will also see your Bio score right?</p>
<p>for certain schools yes, they will see all your scores (like columbia, and yale and cornell). Other schools, like harvard and stanford, you can choose what you send</p>