Dear all Readers of College Confidential,
I decided to make an account after reading some of the misinformation on this form. There are a lot of posters who attempt to deter other potential applicants from applying. These users quote GPA and SAT scores, and attempt to show why he/she should not apply to Harvard. This is ludicrous. To me, it seems that such users are trying to dissuade others from applying 1. To reduce the competition to gain their own admission and (if they have already been admitted or their child is admitted) 2. Inflate their own self-egos by patronizingly telling others that they are not worthy enough to even be considered for admission.
I graduated from Harvard in the past few years, and even worked in the Admissions Office during my times there. Yes, take my advice with a grain of salt (I mostly did grunt work), but I did get to form relationships with current admissions officers and ask them about the process. I have been working as a private educational consultant since college graduation, and starting the new year, I will become an admissions officer at a liberal arts school in the South.
Folks, let me tell you the truth. Harvard is looking to build a class, and because it feels very secure about its academic standing in the world, does not care as much about GPA/SAT scores as you think. DO NOT think just because you have low grades that you cannot get in. We are looking for leaders and interesting people first and foremost. During my time there, I have met so many people with middling grades and class ranks-- but do you know what they all had in common? They were driven, interesting, passionate individuals with much to offer.
So, to anyone who is using this website and is dissuaded by an anonymous poster telling you that applying to Harvard is a waste of time. Ignore them. They do not want you to succeed. Apply because there is nothing to lose. Take a few hours to write the additional supplement. Work more hours to pay the application fee. (We waive the application fee for those with demonstrated need.) It is truly a lottery, and if you let some random internet poster scare you away from pursuing your dream then you are surrendering to their fearmongering. I studied at Harvard, and trust me, I know how random the whole process is and how "average" and "normal" we just really are.
↧