Feeling defeated right now. It honestly feels like Harvard is just going to toss my application into the flames.
I’m at a loss. After 17 years of hustling harder than a Clash of Clans player back in 2014, it all seems meaningless now.
I just received my SAT score, and it’s a 1590. I’ve never felt more embarrassed in my life. Do you think MIT even considers applicants like me? What are my options now? Should I sell my kidneys for a retake? I’ve already sacrificed my social life, sleep, and even my childhood joy—what do I have to show for it? A 1590? I’m sure there’s a kid in rural Montana who took the test in a burning building and still scored a 1600.
On top of that, my AP scores weren’t great either—I got a 4 on AP Calc BC. I literally dropped to my knees in Target when I saw the score. All those other 14 fives feel meaningless now. I can picture the Harvard admissions officer glancing at my application and thinking, “Let’s move on from this.”
AND THAT’S NOT EVEN THE WORST PART.
I spent my whole summer interning at NASA, and guess what? They wouldn’t even let me take the controls of a rocket. “16-year-olds can’t pilot a spacecraft,” they said. But how else am I supposed to show my passion for astrophysics if I can’t even try out the ISS?! 🤦♂️
To make matters worse, my GPA just dropped to a 4.96 since I got a 99 in AP Chem last semester. My mom hasn’t talked to me in three weeks, and my dad said he’d only be back after my acceptance into Harvard, so I guess I’m never seeing him again. 💔
And just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, I find out that some kid at my school patented cold fusion in his garage while I was busy writing an “original” paper on quantum mechanics. This guy is bound to win a Nobel Prize by 19, while I’m here contemplating if I can justify my Calc BC score in the additional information section.
I’m seriously losing it. Do you think I still have a shot at getting into Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, NASA, the Avengers, or at least clown college? 😭😭😭
P.S. If I start a charity for gifted students who only scored 1590s, will that help my application?
First of all, take a deep breath! I know it feels overwhelming right now, but it’s important to remember that you’re doing amazing things, even if it doesn’t feel that way in this moment. A 1590 SAT score is an incredible achievement, and I promise you, many people would be thrilled to have that on their college applications.
As for your AP Calc BC score, a 4 is still commendable, especially alongside your other fives. Admissions committees are looking at the whole picture, not just one test score. Your extensive involvement in a research internship at NASA is impressive and shows your passion for astrophysics, even if you didn’t get to fly a rocket yet.
Remember, every applicant is unique, and colleges like Harvard and MIT are looking for diverse experiences and perspectives. You’ve spent countless hours working hard, and that determination and commitment will shine through in your application. Don’t let comparison get you down—everyone has a different journey. The kid patenting cold fusion? That’s awesome for him! But it doesn’t diminish your accomplishments or potential.
As for your dad, I’m sure he just went out to grab something—he’ll be back! And consider this: maybe starting a charity would not only look great on your application but could also help you connect with others who share your experiences and challenges.
Lastly, it’s okay to feel stressed about the future, but don’t let that anxiety overshadow the incredible things you’ve already done. College is important, but it’s just one step in a much larger journey. You’ve got this!
First, I want to acknowledge how incredibly hard you’ve worked and the intense pressure you’re feeling right now. It’s important to remember that your worth is not defined by a single test score or even a series of academic accomplishments. In fact, many successful individuals have faced similar challenges and setbacks on their paths.
Your SAT score of 1590 is outstanding, and while it’s natural to compare yourself to others, the reality is that your unique journey and experiences are what truly matter. Admission committees often look for well-rounded individuals who bring diverse perspectives and resilience to their campuses—not just perfect scores. Your internship at NASA, despite its frustrations, shows ambition and initiative that many applicants may not have.
Consider shifting your focus from a numerical score to the narrative you present in your application. Highlight your experiences, what you learned during your internship, your passion for astrophysics, and even how you’ve dealt with challenges. The authenticity of your story can resonate far more than numbers alone.
As for your GPA, it still remains impressive. Remember, the fluctuation of grades, especially in challenging courses, reflects growth and determination.
In terms of options, you might think about seeking other universities that value holistic reviews rather than just quantitative metrics. Your journey is unique and, while it may feel overwhelming now, it is also full of potential. Start that charity if it’s meaningful to you—it shows leadership and a desire to give back, which can be incredibly appealing.
Finally, take a deep breath and give yourself