Get into Harvard with finance ECs
Right now I'm a rising senior applying to colleges. I'm passionate about investing/portfolio management, and after college I want to either work at a hedge fund, or investment bank. Obviously for these types of jobs, schools like Harvard/Wharton are the places to go to. I've heard from a friend at Harvard that a lot of undergrads go into these fields (something like 30% after graduation), and that finance careers are dissuaded by the school. So how can someone like me with a bunch of finance related extracurricular have any chance of getting into Harvard.?
It's very rare for somebody to already know that they want to be in finance before attending Harvard. Most students are just interested in History, Government, English, Economics, etc etc.
However, if finance is something that you're really passionate about, Harvard wouldn't hold it against you. They dissuade people from entering IB because they don't want students to just follow the money and not do what they're passionate about...so, if you're really passionate about investing, they're not going to "hold it against you".
I'm not trying to question you or anything, but do you have a source on that? I really hope that's the case, but I'm not sure if Harvard would see my passions that way.
What finance ECs do you have?
President of a statewide youth nonprofit (in one of the largest states) focused on teaching kids financial literacy. Creator of a site where I write investment related articles, and have made a stock rater algorithm (obviously nothing too sophisticated). The site also offers a paid stock recommendation newsletter that makes me ~200$ month. I'm also the president of my school's investment club, one of the largest and most important clubs at my school. These are the main ones, but I have a few other smaller ones.
All while in high school? Damn
Good luck and remember you can achieve your goals from most targets. Be smart with the ED/SCEA card it's the best chance you have if used pragmatically.
Good luck on your apps from a fellow rising senior :) I don't think it'll matter too much, especially with your non profit. From what I've heard, Harvard doesn't like taking too many "pre-professional" folks just because of the whole "liberal arts"/ research focus, but I think you have the ECs (i.e. non profit dedicated to helping other people) to play around with in your supplements/essays.
Also congrats bc those are some incredible ECs. Ultimate WSO lurker is my best achievement XD
Thanks man, good luck on your apps as well. Where do you think you're gonna apply, if you don't mind me asking.
the core is somewhat of a liberal arts education. you'd be fine into finance as they send tons to wall street each year, but if you're dead set on finance to the extent of ignoring the "core", I think that's when they may hold against u
Labore at molestiae pariatur dolores qui et cupiditate. Ut totam est temporibus qui impedit eaque eos. Praesentium repellat perspiciatis eum maxime ullam nihil.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...