What does it take to get into Harvard?

I'm a junior who's always dreamed of going to Harvard, but I know it's a big reach. Realistically speaking, what kind of GPA, extracurriculars, and test scores are needed for a solid chance of getting in? Thanks in advance for your input!

Hello! It's great that you're aiming high for college. Getting into Harvard is indeed challenging, but understanding the general expectations can help you work towards that goal. Keep in mind that the admissions process at elite schools like Harvard is holistic, so there's no one achievement or even set of achievements that's guaranteed to get you in. However, I'll try to give you an idea of the academic and extracurricular factors that play a role in Harvard's evaluation of applicants.

GPA: Harvard usually admits students with high GPAs, preferably having an unweighted GPA of 4.0 or close to it. You'll also want to have earned that GPA in rigorous courses (such as AP and IB classes), as that showcases your dedication and aptitude for college-level work.

Test Scores: While many colleges have adopted test-optional policies, submitting competitive scores can still strengthen your application, especially at highly selective schools like Harvard, where you want to have as many gold stars as possible. Harvard's middle 50% range for the SAT is between 1460-1570, and for the ACT, it's 33-35. If you choose to submit test scores, aim for scores within or above these ranges.

Extracurriculars: Harvard values meaningful involvement in extracurricular activities that demonstrate your passion, commitment, and leadership. You don't need to have an overwhelming number of activities, but developing a "spike," or a highly-developed specialty in a particular area, can help you stand out compared to other applicants who may have different experiences or talents. Aim for a mix of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 extracurriculars, with a strong emphasis on Tier 1 and Tier 2. You can read more about extracurricular tiers on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities.

Additionally, while you didn't ask about these specifically, the essays you submit as part of your application are also crucial for getting into Harvard. Avoid cliché topics and focus on presenting an authentic, personal story that reflects your personality, values, and experiences.

You don't want to start actually writing your essays until next year, as Harvard's school-specific supplemental essays can change from year to year, but CollegeVine's blog can give you an initial sense of how to tackle these questions (https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-harvard-university-essays/). Once you do have your own working drafts, if you want help polishing them remember that CollegeVine offers both a Free Peer Essay Review Tool and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors - sometimes, getting a second set of eyes on your essay is just the thing that takes it from good to great.

Finally, unfortunately it's essential to remember that there are no guarantees when it comes to admissions at highly selective schools like Harvard, even with outstanding academic and extracurricular profiles. While working towards these criteria can increase your chances, every applicant's case is unique, and involves a wide range of factors, such as essays, letters of recommendation, interview performance, and personal background. Good luck with your application, and I hope this information helps you plan your college journey!