I was deferred by Harvard, and I have essentially accepted rejection. I have the stats to make the first cut (valedictorian, 35 ACT, 800s on subject tests, 4.0 GPA), but given the caliber of Harvard applicants, I am certain that my application will be overshadowed by your typical ISEF finalist or IMO competitor.
Being an Asian male going into computer science makes matters worse. The only "hooks" I have are being low-income and first-generation, but I am sure that these will not neutralize the stereotypical Asian qualities seething from my application.
So here is the issue: my parents have very high hopes for March. Though I have accepted rejection, they have not. I am aware that Harvard accepts ~100 deferred applicants during the RD round, but this amounts to an acceptance rate of about 2-3% for deferred applicants.
Based on my situation, is it sensible to maintain a sliver of hope? Or should I let Harvard go?
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