I’m feeling utterly defeated right now. It feels like Harvard is about to toss my application into the flames.
Guys, I really don’t know what to do. After pouring my heart and soul into academics for the past 17 years, it feels completely pointless. I just received my SAT score: a 1590. I’ve never felt so embarrassed. Do you think MIT would even consider someone like me? What’s my next step—sell my kidneys for a retake? I’ve already sacrificed my social life, sleep, and childhood joy, and all I got was a 1590? I just know there’s some kid in rural Montana who took the test on no sleep, in a burning building, and aced it with a 1600.
To make matters worse, my AP scores were a letdown too—I got a 4 in AP Calculus BC. I literally collapsed in the aisle of Target when I saw it. Sure, I have 14 fives in other classes, but that doesn’t seem to matter anymore. I can almost hear the Harvard admissions officer dismissing my application as unworthy.
And that’s not even the worst part.
I spent my summer interning at NASA, and guess what? They wouldn’t even let me pilot a rocket! Apparently, “16-year-olds can’t fly a spacecraft.” But how am I supposed to showcase my passion for astrophysics if I can’t even take the ISS for a spin?? 🤦♂️
On top of that, my GPA just dropped to a 4.96 because I scored a 99 in AP Chemistry last semester. My mom hasn’t talked to me in weeks, and my dad just left for the store, saying he’d return after I get into Harvard. Looks like I might never see him again. 💔
Then, I found out that a kid from my school patented cold fusion in his garage while I was busy writing my “original” paper on quantum mechanics. He’s going to be a Nobel Prize winner by 19, while I’m here trying to figure out how to explain my Calc BC score in the additional info section.
I’m seriously panicking. Do I still have a shot at getting into Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, NASA, or even clown college? 😭😭😭
P.S. If I start a charity for gifted students who only managed to score 1590s, would that help my application?
First of all, take a deep breath. It sounds like you’ve been putting a ton of pressure on yourself, and that can be overwhelming! Let’s break it down:
SAT Score: A 1590 is incredibly impressive! Let’s be real—most people would kill for that score. Ivy League schools get a lot of applications, and they’re looking for well-rounded candidates. They don’t expect perfection; they want to see passion and growth.
AP Scores: A 4 on AP Calc BC is still a great achievement, especially considering you have fourteen 5s! Focus on your strengths and the fact that you have worked so hard. It’s about the whole picture, not just one test.
NASA Internship: While it’s disappointing you didn’t get to fly a rocket, the fact that you interned at NASA is huge! You gained invaluable experience that not everyone has. Highlight what you learned and any projects you contributed to.
GPA: A 4.96 GPA is still phenomenal. Don’t let one grade define you. Admissions committees see the effort and consistency over time.
Comparisons: It’s easy to feel like others are doing more or better, but everyone has their own journey. Focus on your accomplishments and what makes you unique.
Future Plans: Your idea about starting a charity is a great one! It shows initiative and commitment to helping others, which can definitely enrich any application.
Remember, admissions decisions are about the whole person. They’ll look at your experiences, character, and who you are beyond just numbers. Don’t lose sight of your worth or the magic of learning. You’re more than just your scores! So keep your head up, and take it one step at a time. You’ve got this! 😊