Harvard

[prussell94]

I was just interested if anyone knew what marks someone would have to get in universities like Harvard and Oxford.

[Ontario Loyalist]

I was just interested if anyone knew what marks someone would have to get in universities like Harvard and Oxford.

Those universities have websites, so that's a good place to start. There's also books out there about getting into Harvard, I suppose they exist for Oxford as well.

Here's my free advice:

1) Perfect grades

2) Excellent references

3) Get involved in school programs, clubs and demonstrate leadership qualities

4) Volunteer and work outside of school

[Mr.Canada]

Plus a hell of a lot of money. No student loans. You need lots of hard cash or forget it.

[bush_cheney2004]

Plus a hell of a lot of money. No student loans. You need lots of hard cash or forget it.

Patently false. Harvard admissions includes the usual resources for loans and grants:

http://www.extension.harvard.edu/2008-09/r...inaid/admitted/

[August1991]

Patently false. Harvard admissions includes the usual resources for loans and grants...

I disagree b_c. I'm more with Mr. C.

Harvard's undergraduate tuition is about $30,000 and other expenses make the total about $50,000 annually. Their website claims that families earning between $120,000 and $180,000 would only have to contribute 10% towards these costs - say $15,000. In general, Harvard understandably expects that parents will make a sizeable contribution to their child's education costs. If anyone is contemplating going to Harvard, they should expect their parents to contribute a large portion of the family's (after tax) income.

As to acceptance, as someone once explained it to me, there are three groups of students at Ivy League colleges: children of Alumni, those with exceptional SAT scores and people who are "interesting" or have done "interesting things". Undergraduate students at Harvard, Yale, Princeton are "overachievers".

Graduate studies at Harvard are an entirely different issue. There are many scholarships or research contracts available and parents income doesn't figure into the calculation.

Frankly, I would advise Prussell to apply to a good Canadian university for undergraduate studies, and live in residence. (Assuming Prussell is Canadian, through his (or his parents taxes), he has already paid for the education. It's unfortunate that our tax/education system amounts to a barrier to trade.) And then, depending on results, apply for graduate studies abroad.

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Oxford? The UK charges exorbitant tuition fees for foreigners. And unless you've gone to the right public school, your chance of an undergraduate admission is slim.

Edited January 25, 2009 by August1991

[bush_cheney2004]

Harvard's undergraduate tuition is about $30,000 and other expenses make the total about $50,000 annually. Their website claims that families earning between $120,000 and $180,000 would only have to contribute 10% towards these costs - say $15,000. In general, Harvard understandably expects that parents will make a sizeable contribution to their child's education costs. If anyone is contemplating going to Harvard, they should expect their parents to contribute a large portion of the family's (after tax) income.

This is true for many American undergraduate programs...few get an absolutely free ride. Means tested grants and loans will extract family contributions, but financial aid is available...even for Harvard. My sister attended Yale with such aid (Pell Grant).

As to acceptance, as someone once explained it to me, there are three groups of students at Ivy League colleges: children of Alumni, those with exceptional SAT scores and people who are "interesting" or have done "interesting things". Undergraduate students at Harvard, Yale, Princeton are "overachievers".

Unremarkable.....as there are are "overachievers" in partial and fully funded scholarship programs throughout the United States.

Graduate studies at Harvard are an entirely different issue. There are many scholarships or research contracts available and parents income doesn't figure into the calculation.

More points for me....

Frankly, I would advise Prussell to apply to a good Canadian university for undergraduate studies, and live in residence. (Assuming Prussell is Canadian, through his (or his parents taxes), he has already paid for the education. It's unfortunate that our tax/education system amounts to a barrier to trade.) And then, depending on results, apply for graduate studies abroad.

He/she should apply to the institution that best meets objectives and means.

[Molly]

A good friends boy was offered a full ride scholarship to Harvard based on very good (but not extraordinary) marks (A's and B's), excellent references, maturity and leadership qualities.... and very fine hockey skills.

He turned it down as a poor fit and terrible timing.

[August1991]

A good friends boy was offered a full ride scholarship to Harvard based on very good (but not extraordinary) marks (A's and B's), excellent references, maturity and leadership qualities.... and very fine hockey skills.

Good point about the sports thing. I think that falls into the category of "done something interesting".

American colleges love Canadian (particularly women) hockey players.

[RB]

I was just interested if anyone knew what marks someone would have to get in universities like Harvard and Oxford.

above what they are asking. good luck.