What up guys! Aiming for Yale isn't stressful enough, I'm dreaming BIG - Harvard. Does anyone have info on their admission standards? Should I focus more on GPA, SAT score, or extracurricular? Please share your thoughts.
Admission to Harvard is indeed a big dream and it's great you're setting your sights high. Now, let's break down what their admission process looks like.
Firstly, on GPA. A high GPA is essential. Most admitted students at Harvard have a GPA of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent, so you would want to aim close to, or achieve, perfection in your high school grades.
Next, we come to standardized tests. Starting from the 2024-2025 application cycle, Harvard requires all applicants to submit either the SAT or the ACT. Specific scores vary per year, but generally speaking, the majority of admitted students scored in the top percentiles. On the SAT, the middle 50% of admitted students score between 1490 and 1580. On the ACT, the middle 50% score between 34 and 36.
Extracurricular activities contribute significantly to your application as well. It's recommended you participate in around 8 to 10 activities, focusing on quality rather than just quantity. Harvard, like other top colleges, is normally not seeking "well-rounded" individuals so much as students with a defined specialty or 'spike', which refers to an area where the applicant has achieved substantial depth and success. This could be in any field like sports, music, research, volunteer work, etc. So, if you have an area in which you excel, you should definitely let that shine through in your application.
Admissions at universities like Harvard are highly competitive, but remember, there's no foolproof way to "game the system." Admissions processes are multifaceted, and there's no single determining factor for admission. Instead, they're considering the entirety of your achievements, experiences, and potential. The key is to consistently work hard, pursue your passions, and articulate your journey honestly and effectively. Good luck!
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