Harvard Rejection After Likely Letter: What Could Go Wrong?

It’s unlikely to see what I did there. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. That’s why it’s a likely letter and not a definite letter.

I am an alumni interviewer for Brown. A few years ago, I interviewed a student who was a recruited athlete and had a likely letter. I wrote a positive evaluation. Later, I learned that the applicant had been rejected. I never found out what happened and I still wonder about it.

Factors That Could Lead to Rejection

The good news is that while it is possible to get rejected after receiving a likely letter, it is relatively rare. However, there are scenarios where a student might slip up and jeopardize their acceptance:

Screwing Up Badly in High School

Here are some examples of serious mistakes that can happen during high school:

Screwing up badly in high school: This can include anything from failing a couple of key classes to making a major mistake like getting arrested for a felony.

These actions can dramatically affect a student’s chances of being accepted, even if they have a likely letter.

Failing Key Classes in Senior Year

Specifically, failing key classes during the senior year can be particularly damaging. Schools like Harvard look for students who can consistently perform well academically, and a sudden dip in performance can raise red flags.

Legal Issues

Getting involved in legal issues, such as being arrested for a felony, can also jeopardize a student’s chances. Admissions committees take a student’s character and integrity very seriously, and doing something illegal can be a major factor in a rejection.

In General, No

But in general, adapting to these situations is rarely the norm. The ball is typically in your court, and you must not fumble it... to mix sports metaphors.

Examples of What Can Go Wrong

For the most part, students who have received a likely letter from Harvard do not face these issues. But it does happen. Take the case of one student I heard about. This individual let their grades drop drastically and was kicked off their tennis team in high school, despite being a tennis recruit. As a result, they were not admitted.

This example is rare, but it underscores the importance of maintaining high standards and avoiding any significant missteps until the final decision letter is in hand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is possible to get rejected from Harvard after receiving a likely letter, it is an unusual occurrence. Most students who receive these letters are admitted. However, it is crucial to stay on track academically and avoid any major issues until your final decision is made.