How I Got Into Harvard

Hey, all! Today I thought I'd share my personal high school trajectory and my 'journey' to Harvard University through the admissions process. The first thing I want to say is that I am an international student from the UK, I am first-gen, and I am from a low-income background so if that applies to you then definitely stay tuned. Secondly, I didn't apply to other ivy league schools but I would imagine that it would apply to the other ivies, and elite top schools!
I talk about how I found out about Harvard, my high school education, the application, my grades (A Levels, ACT scores - I took the SAT II subject tests but didn't submit them because they weren't too hot haha), the extracurriculars I did in high school, how I discovered what financial aid was, the Sutton Trust US Programme, and more.
Time Stamps:
Intro: 00:13
How I first heard about Harvard: 1:40
High School: 2:50
Sutton Trust US Programme: 4:05
ACT: 8:48
Essays and Application: 9:33
Extracurriculars: 10:10
Grades: 13:00
Applying to the UK: 14:10
Also, I was rejected by Oxford which I briefly mention but if you want to know more then leave a comment below and I can make a video about UK admissions etc.
This video isn't intended as a 'how to' but instead is more of a personal story. I am happy to make a how to if you want to see that :) Just let me know!
Useful Links:
(my essay can be found here) www.harvard-uka...
(the Sutton Trust US Programme I mentioned) us.suttontrust...

[@danutheonlydanu]

Thank you for watching and please leave questions below :) happy to help in any way

[@nabilasheona4036]

Any suggestion for the 2021 applicants during covid 19? Specially about the language test?

[@QueenOfPrinciple]

Do they give diversity grants to pay entire tuition?

[@smee99101]

I'm 13 rn and I wanna start looking and thinking about this I hope I come across this video in 4 years time THANK YOU!!!

[@imene7322]

Same girl I’m 13 and it’s my dream haha let’s both get in and we can be friends😂💕

[@AndreaGajic]

@@imene7322 same here lmao

[@elifozaydn4099]

I would give everything to be your age

[@imene7322]

Andrea. Gajić lmao😂😭💕

[@supernova_757]

@@elifozaydn4099 😂Seriously! I mean I want to escape this high school ages and you want to be of this age! Man!! I am hankering for an escape from this terrible,stressful high school life. Let's exchange our lives then. I mean I want to escape this life and get into Harvard. I know I will get into Harvard,but it's a few years time before I actually get there. And with all the experiences that I've had so far,I am ascertained of my future difficulties and all that I have to go through is going to be terrifying. That's why I hate this high school age and high school life. My Harvard life will be fabulous, but this high school....hate it. Anyways, I have a lot of patience. I can wait for a few more years before I get there.

[@yordanosamare9793]

Thank you Danu for being honest about it all and sharing the brightest side of things ... I am a low income international students without amazing extracurricular achievements too.

[@aasiraian9514]

Thank you for this video!! I have a similar situation! D: But this really brought up my courage to write a good essay and not be afraid of failure!! May God bless you for this!!

[@virajmehta2870]

Hello!! I am an international student from the UK applying to Harvard next year!! Your video has been super useful! Congrats on harvard! I just had a few questions. 1) What did you do for A levels and what were your predicted grades? How do Harvard calculate a GPA from A levels? 2) What kind of extracurriculars did you do and what advice would you give for writing the essays and supplemental applications? 3) Any other advice you would give to a prospective international applicant to Harvard from the UK? 4) Finally how many UK students are in your year at Harvard roughly? Thanks so much and congrats again!!

[@danutheonlydanu]

hi! glad you enjoyed the video. some answers: 1. i did french, history, maths, as a full A level, Art for AS Level, self taught further maths AS Level and did the edexcel EPQ dissertation. I was predicted all A*s for A level, and Harvard didn't calculate a GPA they just used those grades because you're competing against people from your region (so everyone i was 'competing' against was from the UK region) 2. i played musical instruments all throughout primary school and high school so i did a lot of band (orchestra, jazz band, senior orchestra etc). i also had two jobs as a tutor, started a political art club at my school, did some public speaking and debate (but not a lot), attended church where i was an altar server and reader. for the essays you want to be as genuine as possible and find something to tell that hasn't been told through your application, e.g. there's no point talking about your diligence in academia bc your grades should speak to that. you could talk about a personal struggle, a family issue, something that really affected you in some way and you were compelled to confront something or change something in your life 3. research the Sutton Trust US programme and apply! if the deadline has already passed for that for you, then just do as much research as possible, try to email alumni from england, reach out to the Harvard Club of the UK, speak to head of sixth form in your school to help you prepare (you will need school support for references) 4. i would say roughly 20ish, although perhaps even as many as 25/30. many brits are rowers and get recruited as athletes, but there are definitely a good number of us who are low-income and from places other than london (i'm from a suburb of london). really hope this helps! lmk if you have other questions :)

[@ministarhd7066]

Viraj Mehta yo bro , was wondering Cus I was wondering if u have to do the SAT or nah over here I’m also from the UK . I’m 16 rn Nd I’m rlly confused on what I have to do . Do I juss do my A LVLs and apply or some shit

[@ministarhd7066]

seenandheard do you do everything in year 12? Or 13 or when do you start to apply and start SATs

[@gachaeris9732]

Viraj Mehta did you get in?

[@supernova_757]

@@ministarhd7066 That's what I was wondering about. When do you start all these SAT'S and apply for Harvard? Thinking about this sometimes drives me crazy. I mean you get into your 12th grade,and then you start your preparations for SAT....Won't it be stressful? It will be! And when do you submit your 12th grades marksheet if you apply in early action? Okay...this is getting super confusing...

[@sophiaapostolidou1039]

i just wanted to say thank you for giving me hope and strength to follow my dreams! if you are available i could use some help in my aplication process, i am a little overwelmed and as an international student i dont really know what to include.

[@affshafee.rahman]

Do you consider yourself someone with a spike, or a more rounded student? Ivies are known to admit students with a spike. If you do think you had a spike somewhere, may I what your spike was?

[@alexandrarachynska733]

Hello. I am planning to applay to Harvard this autum as international student. But, I can't understand one thing. HOW MANY ESSAYS do I have to write. I found information that there are CommonApp essay and Harvard specififc essay. Are these two seperate essays, or it is one essay. I would be reall glad if you answer my question.

[@hadilalraeeini2579]

Hello I’m an international student taking a gap year . Basically the common app essay is the general essay that will be sent to all of the universities that you’re applying to . Harvard and other unis have got different essays too. They’re called supplemental essays. So you’re supposed to do them all actually. Some are optional but I advise you to submit them . Goodluck !

[@justinlopez5083]

Im not an international student. However,I think its great u want to apply to harvard. Make sure that your english writing skills and speaking skills are on point.. because a lot of time international students get rejected because their communication skills and writing skills of the English language are lacking.

[@mohamadmansour3818]

I'm very happy that I came across this video !!!

[@emptysoul1986]

hey! i’m a senior in high school and want to apply as an international student from dubai. what extracurricular activities do you recommend for me to do as a person who’s into politics/international relations? thanks!

[@mir7956]

Shea 03 check Quora

[@fatimaalmisfer4352]

hi i also live in the UAE and to answer your question i would say do something you're passionate about and love

[@ayomade7496]

Maybe set up a political club in your school. A political newspaper to educate people or community volunteering to raise awareness.

[@katielast3535]

do you have any advice for someone that has always been serious about applying to top universities in the US but got rejected from the sutton trust programme? i feel like it’s impossible now for me to get into any of my dream schools because i swear literally everyone that gets in from the uk is either applying with the sutton trust programme or is from a really prestigious private school or something haha. do you know of any other free / low cost opportunities there are for british students applying to the states? im completely stuck now after being rejected😂

[@covers_con_ale]

Your video was really useful for me, thanks you so much, i felt so identified with you because I am an international student from Colombia (South America), i am from a low income background and i am first generation too. I am working on my application but i want you to advice me, what is better? To apply regular or early as an nternational student? I know you applied early, can you tell me your experience and if you know other experiences related to this?

[@katiemulcahy5967]

I am currently in Year 12, desperate to go to Harvard University, however, I was checking the Sutton Trust website and some criteria said that I'd need at least 8 GCSEs at a 7/A, although I tried and continuously try very hard I consistently get Cs and Bs. I apply to all of the criteria except this one so would I end up not qualifying? and congrats for getting into your dream school!

[@danutheonlydanu]

i think it's definitely worth emailing them (i think they should have their email address on the website) because they know everyone's journey is different. i'd encourage applying based on what they say

[@ines1568]

heyyy! did u get in?

[@tejalpatil8117]

Thank you for the video. I'm an Int'l applicant from India and I really the insight you provided! :) I can't find your essay though. Would you mind sharing what you wrote (common app & supplement) about roughly? Also, since (I believe) a lot of internationals tend to be wealthy, about how many internationals, at Harvard, come from low income background? Or have you met other internationals with similar low-income background?

[@danutheonlydanu]

thank you! my essay: www.harvard-ukadmissions.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Danu-Mudannayake-essay.pdf as for your question about low-income, i do feel that there are a good number of international students with low-income backgrounds, and i would say that of the 150ish international students at least 2/3 would be on some form of financial aid. at harvard the statistic is that 1 in 5 people are on full financial aid (which is a lot)! and another great thing is that harvard is 'need-blind' (they don't look at your financial background before selecting you, so if you are selected they make sure to give you an aid offer that works for you). i will say there are definitely wealthy international students, but there are also a tonne of us who are not wealthy (my best friends from different countries e.g. sri lanka, greece, korea are all on full scholarship). hope that helps (just woke up so i'm sorry for the lack of clarity haha)

[@eminikolsx7254]

@@danutheonlydanu I am from Greece as well and my dream is to study in The US. Maybe you could interview your friends from the other countries as well? If you can,of course

[@srishtiagarwal5597]

Hey tejal i had some questions i am also an aspirant ....can i talk to u ??

[@vishumalik3061]

How to get full scolarship for harvard ? Can you please tell me ? I'm really looking for it .and congrats too.

[@김대홍-n3c]

Vishu Malik I am pretty sure that Harvard pays everything for you if your family income is lower than 65000 USD, and require about 10% of your family income if it is between 65k ~ 100k USD. This applies to all students.

[@vishumalik3061]

@@김대홍-n3c thnku soo much for telling me this . It relieves me. Now , I can fully focus on my goal.

[@srishtiagarwal5597]

Vishu malik i had some questions regarding getting into harvard ....i am also an aspirant from india can i talk to u

[@teer1ze663]

why did you sign up for the Sutton Trust US Programme if Harvard has a financial aid system?

[@fay-qp7cn]

hi Danu! your videos help a lot but i've got AAB predicted grades should I just not bother with Harvard?

[@elinelias339]

Did you bother?

[@mindenergy8839]

@@elinelias339 the great mysteries of time eh?

[@khanoramulifho9644]

how do you prepare for the exams .....study tips pls .....thank you

[@fizunnaharfiza8967]

I am a bba 1st yr student and i want to apply for mba in harvard or any other ivy university for my masters in future ...how should i start my preparation and are the requirements for that...

[@pinkish7092]

I will go to Harvard in Jesus name

[@bibleprophecies3843]

Do not use Jesus' name in vain!

[@siyapatel120]

Hello! I’m currently a freshman in the u.s. and I’m thinking of doing IB in 11th grade? Do you think that would affect my chances of getting into my dream school? (MIT and Harvard) I’m also curious to know what classes you took in high school, and if taking A LOT of AP classes really helps in your application...? I play flute and I’m thinking of joining marching band and participating in all district, could that increase my chance of getting in? (I got into Symphonic band in eight grade :)) I’m taking biology 1 honors English 1 honors world history honors math 2nhinirs and math 3 honors, for electives I’m taking Spanish 1 and band 3 honors? Can you give me some advice if those are good classes? Thank you

[@danutheonlydanu]

Hi! I am so sorry it took so long for me to respond. I'm not very familiar with IB because I went to a regular public school in the UK that didn't offer it, so I would speak to a guidance counsellor to see what they suggest. In high school, for my A Levels (last two years) I took French, History, Maths, Further Maths, Art, and the dissertation class. I have personally heard a lot of people at Harvard speak about taking AP exams (I am not familiar with AP and don't really know what it is but I do know a lot of people took them). You should definitely make the most of all the opportunities available to you! If joining the marching band is one of them then I would do it. I would say, and I know it sounds cheesy, but just give everything your all and find things you are passionate about. Really just try to demonstrate your passions because I do think these kinds of schools (Harvard, Yale, etc) want students who are passionate, have leadership skills, and go above and beyond. I hope that helps and please feel free to ask more questions!

[@david-liorusa6422]

Did you apply early decision ?

[@hehehee7317]

Did you apply to other schools?

[@danutheonlydanu]

not in the US - i applied to 5 schools in the UK via UCAS :)

[@edenmichaelhazard4009]

Like like like like

[@amruthavudathu9934]

the first youtuber i've seen from the UK talking about the US application! thank you so much

[@ami.esselink5546]

This is succhhhhh a useful video thank you so much. I also really like your accent its kinda like a mixture of an American and British accent its kinda like how I speak but this was such a good video thank youuuu

[@walwal9847]

heyy what about predicted grades, like my gcses were 8 9s and 3 8s but I changed sixth forms and go to really hard independent sixth form where predicted are very harsh rather than optimistic so I am at B for biology and English literature but A for history for my predicted grades. do you think I have a chance, what were your predicted, and how much emphasis are predicted grades given as opposed to achieved gcse grades

[@danutheonlydanu]

excellent question! my predicted grades were all A*s and i actually underperformed (oops) and got 3 As and 2 A*s i think. i would say that highlighting the difference between your two schools and mentioning that the new sixth form is different to your old school would be a good place to start. perhaps you could explain this in your essay, or in the other areas of the application that let you input written responses. another key thing is to talk to your referees from your school, and see if you might even be able to get a reference from your old school. they can speak to your work ethic and ability and will seem credible! that way you can get them to comment on your adjustment and be specific about how predictions work at your school. hope this helps :)

[@tejalpatil8117]

Thank you for the video. I'm an intl applicant from India and I really liked the insight you provided! :) I can't find your essay though. Would you mind sharing what you wrote (common app and supplemental) about roughly? Also, (I believe) a lot of internationals tend to be wealthy, so about how many internationals, at Harvard, are low income? Or have you met other internationals with similar low-income background?

[@faisaparveenali9285]

Can anyone please tell me if learning something at home counts? For example do I HAVE to join an art club, or is it OK if I get really good at it at home? I also know 7 languages but learn only 3 at school. Rest I have learnt at home. Does that count? Please tell me, I'm just 13 and really want to get into Harvard! I'm actually from India... Also, we have some clubs at school. Can anyone please recommend what good clubs can get me into Harvard if I am interested in art, reading, writing and coding? Or can I just learn them at home? Also, I don't have AP classes in my school. What should I do?

[@supernova_757]

Yes, it does! Learning something at home all by yourself counts. To give you an idea, I'd been for quite some time contemplating to learning python all by myself at home, not because I want to show over smartness, but because I have interest in programming and I do not want to limit myself if my school does not provides the course of python programming. I believe AP classes are not as necessary as it sounds. You can join any club which suits you best! Newspaper club might work for you. Also, joining clubs to learn something is not neccessary. If you're confident enough to say you can learn and master in it by yourself with the aid of internet and other sources, then you absolutely do not need to join any clubs. Join only when you really feel the need of clubs. Do not do anything just to get into Harvard. Follow your passion, dear. Harvard is looking for real passionate students. As stated above, I am quite interested in coding too, so I'll set off with my plan of learning python in 2 years very soon. I hope this clears all your queries!

[@faisaparveenali9285]

@@supernova_757 I'm programming too! I've learnt a lot really

[@supernova_757]

@@faisaparveenali9285 That's superb! I'm counting on you! You've got this. Believe in your dreams and Harvard will open their gates for you. By the way, Harvard is my dream university too. Hope to see you there one day!

[@mohamedjama5494]

did you take the SAT subject tests?

[@gachaeris9732]

Do these tips work for Canadian students?

[@thilinaampana1002]

Hey i am from srilanka . It's country south to india. I have a question . In srilanka high schools dont use GPA system . What i need to put in the Commen app's GPA slot . 2 . And colleges asking for high school test reports and transcripts . Do we need to send them . If yes how. Did you send your school test report And we have A levels like in uk

[@basmakadriadnane4641]

I'm an international student and I have a question about the American admission process. If you don't have the opportunity or the money to course the IB program due to geographical or financial problems, can this factor affect negatively your chance to enter to the University? Is the IB program a huge factor that can take a lot of importance when looking your admission, or it's just something that may help your application but not define it?

[@emilybennet8900]

Hi. I am exactly in your situation right now (your previous situation) and really admire you. I really like to be like you. Can I send you a quick small summary of my CV and you tell me if I got a chance to apply to Harvard or not. Just a quick yes or no answer. I would not take more than 5 minuets of your time. I would really appreciate it if you would help me.

[@marjona3125]

hi I desire to study there and I attempt to enter this university. however I didn't have any activity diploma or certificate. please give me some advise what should I do to be student of that university. by the way I am a foundation year student of MDIS.

[@AnkiPulido]

Hi, thank you for your video, because the videos that I've seen before about International Students in the Ivies are with IB. I am an Int Student from Cartagena, Colombia, the students from my country in harvard aren't low income (almost I don't know about any low income student from Colombia in Harvard). In my school we don't have IB or AP class, we have the same class to all the course. My teachers don't speak english (only the english teacher). Do you know somebody (applicant as International Student) from Colombia?

[@danutheonlydanu]

hi! so nice to meet you :) i don't personally know any Colombian students but i found this fb group facebook.com/harvardcolombia/ i'm sure if you reach out to them they could help you with specifics. it is definitely true that a lot of students from abroad tend to be wealthier, but i do believe many international students are on a significant amount of financial aid solely because american college is so expensive compared to elsewhere. let me know if i can do anything else to help :)

[@AnkiPulido]

@@danutheonlydanu Thank you very much for your response :) What do you think about the SAT score? Some blogs and websites say that you have "chance" depending on your SAT score, but some videos say that the SAT score is less important in the application. Also I want to know if the race (I am Latina) and the country where you born, have importance or if it does not matter.

[@danutheonlydanu]

@@AnkiPulido no worries at all! the application is very holistic, so as long as your SAT score isn't super low, it should be fine. i took the ACT (not the SAT) so i know that as long as you're above a 30 on the ACT you should be fine. they definitely care a lot about the rest of the application (essays etc). and they do take into account where you are from, mainly i think to make sure they have a diverse class :)

[@cakey7708]

What are you majoring in?

[@danutheonlydanu]

i initially started out in engineering (mechanical), moved into filmmaking, switched into neurobiology and then switched back to filmmaking haha. i also studied mandarin freshman year to junior year so i got a language citation in mandarin :)

[@cakey7708]

seenandheard from what I heard y’all don’t need to stick to your intended major right? Then how do you choose what to study or what exams to take for GPA

[@gachaeris9732]

seenandheard can I get in if I want to major in law

[@victori44rtemis]

@@gachaeris9732 Law isn't offered as an undergraduate degree in the US, only as a postgraduate degree at the Law schools of some US universities. Therefore, it isn't possible for your intended major to be law at undergrad, and if you study it at postgrad you'd be applying directly to a law school, so they'd know what your intended field of study is.