Choosing between Harvard waitlist acceptance with a gap year requirement (z-list) that would place me in the Harvard College Class of 2022 or attending UChicago Class of 2021. Obviously Harvard is Harvard, but I have no idea what to do during a gap year, I feel like I would be wasting my time.
Is this a retarded question? Is the correct choice so obviously Harvard? If so - any suggestions on activities that I can pursue to meaningfully fill this gap year?
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I'd take Harvard and do a social voluntary year abroad. This way you can potentially learn a new language, broaden your horizon and mature quite a bit in the process. Should all put you in a major advantage to you peers. "Losing" one year doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.
Both are fantastic schools, but I would take the gap year and choose Harvard.
I agree with the above - Doing something like volunteering abroad would be both impactful and broaden your horizons. Second the notion that 1 year does not mean anything in the long-run.
Harvard. Its not close. Do you have any hobbies, passions, exceptional skills? Even if you take a low paying job doing something you like, your life will be enriched.
Fuck having a "normal" experience. You only get one life.
Harvard College alum and current Harvard Business School student here. I knew (through social circles) a disproportionately high number of legacies at Harvard College who came in through the Z-list and was close to a few of them. Of the top of my head, some things they were involved in during their gap year included language study immersions abroad, internships (in law and in finance), exploring computer programming/learning to code, working on a start-up, etc. Some of them were also involved in some kind of service/volunteer activity as well. I cannot name a single one who said they regretted the decision.
These are some great ideas, thanks very much! I'm particularly interested in working some sort of internship, and was wondering if you/others have any advice on getting gap year internships specifically in law or finance as someone who isn't traditionally "connected" to these fields (family members hold STEM related jobs)? If I don't have any inside help, would these options be possible?
Also, although I was accepted through the z-list, I'm not related to/hold legacy with Harvard whatsoever, but I have heard that it is primarily used for legacy admissions.
A quick question - why HBS after Harvard college?
I can't speak for him, but I'm guessing it's because it's one of the top 2 business schools in the world.
would do gap year. in 10 years, nobody cares if you did a gap year, they only remember you went to Harvard. Sad truth in life.
you can check the advice on "what to do in gap year" from the other guy that got his Harvard offer rescinded. He's got a gap year too.
Do the gap year for sure, its one of the things I look back and wish I had done. One year means so little in the scheme of things and its a great opportunity to mature a bit more and really get the most out of college.
Personally, I'd go learn another language while volunteering somewhere in South America.
Wait, you know you're on the "z list"? I have a regular upper middle class friend with zero connections who got into UChicago but is required to take a gap year. He's obviously not a celebrity/legacy kid.
He's pumped. A year off allows you to have fun, get a job, go tutor/mentor some inner-city kids, visit friends at other colleges & party while not screwing up your GPA! You'll get to college with something on your resume and slightly more mature. Win/win.
I believe the z-list is the name Harvard uses for kids that get off the waitlist in this fashion (required to take a gap year). I'm -as you put- "a regular upper middle class" kid with no special connections to Harvard.
When I've heard it, z-list is in reference to connected legacy-trust fund-celebrity offspring on a list who don't really have the stats to qualify. There's no contempt or mockery of authentic kids asked to do a gap year. I think this must be getting more & more common as the elites finesse their stats for US News.
I'd take the gap year. Your parents can't say shit to you during that year.
Harvard. If you need the money, work. If not, travel and volunteer. I know you're anxious to go off to college but enjoy your time to explore!
Just to provide an update - I've decided to accept Harvard's offer. Thanks to everyone for their time!
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