Examples of successful Harvard applications

Does anyone know where I can find some examples of accepted Harvard applications? I'd like to get a feel for what kind of students get in and what their applications might look like.

While it's difficult to find entire accepted applications, you can still get a sense of what successful Harvard applicants do in different aspects of their application. Here are a couple of resources to help you understand what kind of students get accepted and gain insights into what makes their applications stand out:

1. Essays: Many websites, blogs, and articles showcase successful college essays from Harvard applicants. Remember that your essay should be unique and personal to your own experiences, so use these as inspiration, not templates. Simply search for "successful Harvard essays" on your favorite search engine, and you'll find plenty of resources to explore. CollegeVine also offers an essay guide that includes a few Harvard essay examples.

2. Extracurricular activities: Successful Harvard applicants usually have a well-developed "spike" in their extracurriculars, meaning they're highly accomplished in one or a few areas. You can look up past admissions statistics and profiles to get a feel for the types of accomplishments that catch Harvard's attention, but keep in mind that each admissions cycle is unique. One way to explore extracurriculars is to look up profiles of current Harvard students on social media platforms and see what they have shared about their activities prior to attending Harvard.

3. Forums and discussion boards: Websites like College Confidential and subreddits related to college admissions often have threads where accepted students share their stats, activities, and general advice. While these may not always provide detailed insight into their applications, they can still help you understand the caliber of students who get accepted to Harvard.

Note that even with these references, there's no guaranteed formula for gaining acceptance to Harvard or other highly selective colleges. It's important that your application reflects your genuine interests, values, and accomplishments, rather than trying to imitate someone else's success. Focus on building a strong and unique profile that demonstrates your passion, commitment, and growth in the areas that interest you most. Good luck!