Harvard REA Application: What Should I Know?

Hi guys! I plan to apply to Harvard under the REA (Restrictive Early Action) plan. What should I keep in mind when applying? And what can make my application stand out?

Hello! Applying under the Restrictive Early Action (REA) plan for Harvard is an exciting step. Here are some key points and tips to help make your application stand out:

1. Understand the REA restrictions: With REA, you cannot apply through an Early Decision (ED) plan to any other colleges. However, you can still apply under Early Action (EA) to other universities, as long as they don't have a Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA) policy. Double-check the policies before submitting EA applications elsewhere.

2. Demonstrate your "spike": Top colleges like Harvard value students with a highly developed specialty or talent. Make sure to showcase your unique skills, passions, and achievements in your application, refining your extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations to reflect your most notable accomplishments.

3. Essays: Your application essays should be genuine and showcase your personality, helping the admissions committee get to know you beyond your grades and test scores. Avoid cliché topics and make sure to convey your unique story. In the Harvard-specific supplemental essay, focus on an aspect of yourself that is not highlighted prominently in other parts of your application.

4. Tailor your application to Harvard: Research what makes Harvard unique and demonstrate your genuine interest and fit with the institution. It could be a specific academic program, extracurricular opportunity, or campus tradition that aligns with your goals and values.

5. Teacher recommendations: Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths, both academically and personally. Ideally, they should come from teachers who taught you in 11th or 12th grade in your core academic subjects. Request recommendations well in advance to give them enough time to craft a thoughtful letter.

6. Prioritize quality over quantity: Focus on 8-10 extracurricular activities that matter most to you and where you've achieved the greatest accomplishments or demonstrated leadership. As you list them in the "Activities" section, highlight the significance and impact on you and your community.

7. Optional standardized testing: Although Harvard adopts a test-optional policy, you may still submit standardized test scores if you believe they will present a more complete picture of your academic abilities. However, not submitting scores will not negatively affect your application.

8. Financial aid: Harvard has a robust financial aid program. If you intend to apply for aid, make sure to complete the necessary forms by the given deadlines (CSS Profile, FAFSA, etc.).

Lastly, keep in mind that applying early, like REA, can provide a slight boost to your chances of acceptance. However, it's essential to submit the strongest application possible. If you need more time to refine your essays, gather recommendations, or improve your extracurriculars, it may be better to apply Regular Decision.

Best of luck with your Harvard REA application!