Transfer from a community college to Harvard?

Is it feasible to transfer from a community college to Harvard? What are the chances and what should I aim for to make myself a competitive applicant?

Transferring from a community college to Harvard is indeed feasible, though the chances will inherently be quite slim as Harvard's transfer acceptance rate is notably low. That said, there are steps you can take to strengthen your application.

The first thing to remember is that, just like for high school students, your grades will matter a lot. That means not only earning many high grades in challenging courses but also taking the right kinds of courses. Ideally, your course selections should align with the major you want to pursue at Harvard. For instance, if you plan on majoring in a science, math, or engineering field, your transcript should show solid grades in higher-level STEM courses.

Harvard also values academic rigor, so taking complex and challenging courses at your community college and performing exceptionally well will reflect strong academic prowess. Nevertheless, this isn't only about the number or level of classes--your overall performance, as reflected in your GPA, will be critical. Your aim should be for a GPA as near to a 4.0 as possible.

Extracurricular activities are also crucial. Harvard values students who make an impact, whether on campus or in their communities. You will want to show not only involvement but also leadership and initiative. Quality matters more than quantity here, so a few activities where you've taken on a large, impactful role can be more meaningful than a laundry list of clubs and organizations.

Moreover, like all other applicants, you would need to submit compelling essays and strong letters of recommendation. Your essays should provide insight into who you are as an individual, your motivations, and your ambitions. Your recommenders should ideally be people who have been directly involved in your academic journey and can vouch for your potential at Harvard.

Lastly, you may have a bit of a unique advantage in that you have a more diverse perspective and set of experiences being a transfer student. Make sure you leverage this advantage in your application to tell a narrative that distinguishes you from traditional applicants.

All these make you a competitive applicant but do remember that acceptance is never guaranteed, and it's important to apply to a variety of institutions. Good luck with your journey!