| Topic Name: |
Getting Into the Ivies |
| Message Name: |
More stuff |
| Date Posted: |
04/04/2001 |
| In Reply To: |
Could somebody please evaluate my chances of admission at an Ivy League school?
I have a 96% average (4.0 in terms of GPA) and I have never received a grade lower than 90% during my 4 years of high school, ranking in the upper 1% of my graduating class. I am the Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper and have served in student government. I have significant volunteering experience and recently completed a total of 1000 hours. Among my academic achievements, I received an excellence award from the Social Sciences Department (highest average) and numerous math awards. My SAT should be over 1400. If it helps, I am also enrolled in a Gifted program.
So how do I stack up? Any and all advice is appreciated!
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| Message: |
Hi,
Your focus on grades is awfully short-sighted. (This is not a criticism, more like a strategic suggestion.)
Personal achievements are a dime a dozen. Worldly achievements are few and far in between. Cleverness will get you in. BUT, remember, market yourself, but KNOW who your customers are.
My friends coming out of Harvard are making 60k. I went to a much lesser school, because Harvard did not offer me a cent in financial aid.
Just like my friends, I am also making 60k and I'm just 20 years old and living in sunny Southern California. 60k for a single guy with no attachments. Even though I turned down Harvard, I still feel like my life has been a dramatic success, given my rustic upbringing.
However, obviously, the Harvard name on your resume means that you will never starve, that doors will simply open up for you, and that opportunities will simply present themselves.
Most of all, a Harvard education is a near guarantee of success in life. It's better than winning the lottery.
I wish you luck. Know who you are up against and you will win. But also know that if you don't get in, the world is still yours to conquer. In all probability, you will still succeed wherever you head in life.
Thanks
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