How was the application process? How are you generally finding it?
The application process was not too bad. I had to apply through a website called the Common Application. I sent in my transcript of GCSE and A-Level grades, 2 personal essays, academic counsellor recommendation, two teacher recommendations, a list of about 10 extra curriculars and my ACT score.
It's really hard. Going from the British A-Level system to this is tough. I'm taking 4 classes at the moment and I'd say it's like taking 4 A-Levels at a time, except that there's constant testing and midterms so you have to keep on top of homework, papers and problem sets.
How expensive is it? Are there any bursaries/grants?
In America you don't apply for a course, but you just apply for admission to that college. Undeclared at the moment but thinking of concentrating in History.
Admission is need blind which means that they don't take your financial situation into account when they consider your application. If your family makes under $65,000 a year you essentially pay nothing. I have a full scholarship that amounts to around 70k and that including tuition, room, board (unlimited meal swipes in dining halls), and they pay for two return flights (although they will pay for one in subsequent years) and money for personal expenses. If you're an international on a full scholarship then you will probably have a term time work expectation of around $1500 a semester, where you work on campus and keep whatever money you get for yourself.
I've been here for two months and I'm still adjusting to a lot of things so I think I've passed the "omg everything is amazing phase" haha. It's a lot to adjust to university life and the workload, let alone being in completely different country. At first everything feels fine but then there are little things that just get to you. 3rd week in I was really craving blackcurrant juice and hobnobs. There's the honeymoon period, what am I doing here period, Americans are ****ing annoying period, and I think I'm doing ok period. I'm at the last one now.
What's the deadline for applications? I find the American application system very confusing and the impression I got was that you have to apply in the February before the year you want to start. So I'm thinking I've missed the deadline for a 2016 start. :/
What were your extracurriculars like? Did they ask for evidence of long-term commitment?
Also, you got in with A*A*B? D: I thought the standard was at least three As? I understand that they can't really compare the British system with the American one but I did think that you'd need similar grades to what's required by Oxford and Cambridge over here.
Do they have a view on resits (both within the two years and outside) or do they see it as a British oddity that they don't really understand?
I've been here for two months and I'm still adjusting to a lot of things so I think I've passed the "omg everything is amazing phase" haha. It's a lot to adjust to university life and the workload, let alone being in completely different country. At first everything feels fine but then there are little things that just get to you. 3rd week in I was really craving blackcurrant juice and hobnobs. There's the honeymoon period, what am I doing here period, Americans are ****ing annoying period, and I think I'm doing ok period. I'm at the last one now.
Which colleges are you looking at?
University of California, specifically Berkerley for CompSci. But that is dependent on my 1st year results so I'm cracking down right now
What were GCSE grades and AS levels when you applied? What were your SAT/ACT scores? How was the interview? Any tips you would give to someone about the essays? Where else did you apply in the US/UK?
Are there many other Brits at Harvard? If so, are they mostly from the likes of Eton, Harrow etc, or more normal backgrounds? How have you settled into uni? What's the general atmosphere like and is everyone else who gets in as exceptional as they are made out to be?
Cheers, hope you're having a blast - two of my friends just started at Harvard.