Switzerland County senior accepted to Harvard

(VEVAY, Ind.) – A Switzerland County senior is getting the rare opportunity to attend Harvard University. 

Harvard has an acceptance rate reportedly around 4 percent and data shows that less than 2,000 applicants get accepted out of 54,000 admissions received.

John Sweeney decided to apply but figured it wouldn't go anywhere.

“I expected that I was going to be rejected,” Sweeney told The 812.

Sweeney got quite the surprise last week when he received an email that he was accepted.

“It came as a shock, but it was overwhelmingly exciting,” Sweeney said.

He added, "I'm officially committed there, and I'm grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way."

Sweeney has a 4.27 GPA and was recently named a National Merit Finalist, which is given to only 15,000 seniors nationwide and based on academic performance.

He's involved in the Switzerland County High School Band where he has won solo ensembles, is a Student Council Officer, member of the Business Professionals of America and serves on the Swiss Wine Festival board. 

The senior is also on pace to graduate from Ivy Tech with an associates degree next month.

John also received numerous acceptances to other prestigious universities including Notre Dame, Northwestern and IU Kelly School of Business. 

His plans are to study Pre-Law and hopes to be a judge one day and also hinted at the possibility of government/politics in the future.

He asked us to share a few words that he has for others: