What are my chances?

compmom
Mon, 13 Feb 2017 15:04:16 +0000

What do you mean when you say you did research with a Harvard researcher for two years? Can you be more specific? I just want to make sure you are not overstating this.

I would say that you come off as an overachiever who is involved in too many things. Do you ever relax?! I find the karate interesting, and the work with the superintendent. Some of your other EC’s are interesting too, but just too many of them to have depth, unless you are a person who doesn’t sleep!

I am also concerned about your essay, which would seem to be focused on impressing Harvard with some pandering to them and some bragging as well. I think you could have chosen a better topic.

You meet all the requirements for admission, on paper, and you know that, as others have said. “Character” is important and not sure you are demonstrating that (and the bump concerns me too, how anxious are you?) though you may certainly have it- we don’t know you.

Remember that admissions is primarily assembling a class and it is important how each individual contributes to the whole. I don’t know if applicants fully grasp that, and it is antithetical to the kind of ramped up, competitive kind of spirit you seem to demonstrate. Though your contributions through EC’s and your letters may very well show a wonderful generous kind of person who simply doesn’t shine through in this context.

Above all, please know that Harvard is just a school. It is not a trophy, and once in, you do the work, hang out, and generally live life as you would at any school. There are many great schools out there and you will surely get in to a place where you can thrive and succeed. Good luck!