Harvard dreamers, assemble: What do I need to get in?

Hey everyone, Harvard has always been my dream school and I'm trying to do everything right to boost my chances. Can anyone shed some light on the requirements or what else I can do to make my application stand out?

Harvard, like many highly selective colleges, takes a holistic approach to admissions. This means they look beyond just your grades and test scores. While grades and test scores are certainly important, holistic admissions take into account many different factors to understand the full breadth of your experiences, potential and how you might contribute to the Harvard community.

Speaking of grades and test scores, it's vital to keep your academics in top shape. In terms of GPA, strive for as close to a 4.0 as possible; Harvard's average GPA for admitted students is approximately 4.2. Admissions officials also give importance to the rigor of your high school courses, so keeping a challenging lineup of AP or IB classes looks favorable. As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, Harvard is also requiring standardized test scores again, so a strong SAT or ACT score is important as well.

Outside of numerical values, it's critical to focus on developing a 'spike' - a highly developed specialty or passion. Harvard seeks students who have shown exceptional dedication and achievement in a particular area. This might mean advanced research in a field of study, leadership in a community initiative, or achieving high ranks in extracurricular activities. Displaying a spike in your application can provide evidence of your potential to make a significant impact in your field of interest.

Regarding extracurricular activities, it's better to be deeply involved in a few activities, preferably reaching leadership positions or accomplishing significant achievements, than to have a shallow involvement in numerous activities. Tier 1 and Tier 2 extracurriculars, such as winning a national award or being student body president, are especially impressive to colleges of Harvard's caliber.

Additionally, your application essays and recommendations should be compelling and insightful. They offer an opportunity to showcase your personality, your intellectual curiosity, how you've overcome challenges, and how you've contributed to your community. Try to be as authentic as possible. Avoid overused topics unless you can present a unique perspective.

Finally, though demonstrated interest isn't a significant factor for Harvard, it's always a good idea to gain as much knowledge about the school as possible. This can help you highlight in our application how you would fit into the campus community and take advantage of the academic and extracurricular opportunities at Harvard.

Remember, there's no guaranteed formula to get into Harvard. It's more about building a well-rounded and compelling application that truly represents who you are and what you've been involved in. Good luck with your journey!