CHANCE ME - do i have a chance at harvard REA?
Wanted some bloody honest opinions. I know the chances are extremely low, but is it worth it? I'd like to apply Harvard REA, but I've heard horror stories of the high deferral rates and (of course) rejections. Honestly, H is the most interesting US uni I want to apply to though, which is why I'm so keen on doing so; but would still like a reality check. BTW I want to do international relations.
Demographics
Asian male (US citizen) but applying from another country (idk if that changes things), mid-income, no hooks, second-generation
Stats
GPA: IBDP 44/45 predicted
SAT: 1520, however H accepts separate math & r&w test scores making it (760 + 780)
ECs:
Order is not set but its like:
Service/research- led a team of 6 in financial literacy sessions in 3 rural schools (~300 students). also did a mini-research project, and recorded an average ~40% increase on student testing metrics.
Service/internship- Did fieldwork and research promoting factory-labour rights as an intern with an NGO; I authored a policy brief on silicosis/injury compensation gaps & it's used as NGO internal document
Politics symposium organiser- Organised 6 human rights symposiums for student exposure (experts eg. consul Generals, High Court lawyer, etc); Hosted guests+Facilitated talks
eco-ambassador- Selected for and participated in Columbia University Eco Ambassadors Lab on Plastic Pollution; engaged with top marine experts and created/published an interactive webpage on microplastics in a river near my hometown
debate competition founder- Organised first-ever Debate Competition in school on Human Rights (32 members); Trained junior debaters in 4 prep sessions; Co-Adjudicated the competition
service- Taught investment basics to underprivileged undergraduate students; Created investment presentations+games; Facilitated setup+management of ~15 demat accounts
sports- Competed Football+Volleyball+Basketball; Played football Varsity quarterfinals (2025) & semifinals (2026); Captain of basketball team
Leaf "Power,Policy & Progress" program participant- selected 600/3600+; did 5 weeks of activities and learnt about effective altruism; currently working on another project
internship- worked with my school's Dean of Admissions; Organised 5 schoolwide cultural events; Invited + Hosted new parents+guests; Emceed 2 events
MUN- Delegated 11 interschool MUNs (6 awards); Chaired 3 MUNs as Executive Board; Served Finance Head for 3 conferences (~350 participants) –Managed school+sponsor money
Honours: Honestly nothing too special, but I have like Very High Comm in JLI essay (twice), Cambridge Re:think Honourable mention, state debate bronze, student government (3 years), won an investment comp
So yeah, do I even have a chance? Should I even consider applying REA? Is there anything I should do rn (cuz i do have a bit of free time)? Pls be honest.