Elissa

Harvard, Class of 2021

DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS:

Going into the application process, I was pretty stressed. I really didn’t feel prepared to choose schools that were right for me out of the seemingly-endless options. I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of applications, each with many forms, essays, and deadlines that I couldn’t keep track of. It was also a struggle simply to find time during the pressurized third semester of the IB diploma program. Getting a college prep tutor was a big relief in terms of gaining an overview and keeping track of everything that needed to happen. It helped me use the little time I had most effectively.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IF YOU COULD?

After I found out I got accepted into Harvard, I stopped applying to other schools. I had already applied to several others, so I still had choices, but I wish I had continued applying just to keep all the options open.

WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE TO UPCOMING SENIORS/CURRENT JUNIORS?

Get ahead in whatever you can, while you can. If you are like me, you don’t realize how much time applications are going to require, so any time you can gain yourself for when application season hits will help out.

OF WHICH ASPECT OF YOUR APPLICATIONS ARE YOU MOST PROUD?

I think my essays really showcase me as a person, helping to create the image of a complete human, as opposed to a collection of numbers.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR NEXT FALL?

 Everything. I really can’t narrow it down. I’m excited to gain the knowledge and the skills to actually have real impact on the world. I’m excited for the adventure of living somewhere new with new people. I’m excited to prepare myself for my own future life. The list is endless.

IF YOU WERE IN CHARGE OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS FOR A DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? 

I think I would really push for more interviews. I think that is one of the few ways that an admissions counselor can get a sense of applicants in their entirety rather than as numbers and a collection of awards or hours of activity. I would push away from the standardized test scores and look more towards the letters of recommendation, personal essays, and activities.