Why is that I got denied from UCLA and Long Beach but I did get accepted to Harvard?

Question

I'm not joking or trying to brag. But I read that Harvard had a 91% reject percentage.

Answer 1

That is weird. I will assume that neither you nor your family have  special connections to get you into Harvard. That would be the most obvious answer.

You may have applied to Harvard earlier in their process than you did in the UCLA/Long Beach Process. The earlier you apply to a college the more chance you have of getting in.

Other than that it may just be dumb luck.There are only a small number of slots available in both colleges for people who don't have special things going for them. (legacy, minority, athlete, congressman's nephew, college professor's daughter, child of a rich guy who gives a donation, etc. etc.)

The people who decide on the rest make quick decisions that can be arbitrary. I'll bet many people in the admissions department just say, "Hey, they're all good. Let's just pick one and go to lunch!"

Answer 2

UCLA and Long Beach are harder for out of state applicants

Answer 3

Hey, all colleges look for different things. They can be surprisingly unpredictable. You'll never really know what they want. Theres no direct answer.

Be happy you got accepted! Congradulations! Make it big.  

Answer 4

Race, gender, essay, test scores.....?????

Answer 5

UC's tend to accept more people who live in cali, so if you don't that might be why... UC's also like to see improvement with grades, not just straight A students... they also love extracurriculars that students continue with, not just joining tons of clubs for the looks of it... and there are other factors... but Congrats!!