What does Harvard look for in a potential student?

I'm really interested in Harvard, but it's a bit intimidating. What are the essential requirements for an applicant? Aside from the GPA and test scores, what else do they value in aptitude or experiences?

Harvard University, like many Ivy League schools, has a highly competitive admissions process and holds high standards for applicants. Minimum GPA or test score cutoffs are not published by Harvard, but you can look at the academic profiles of the middle 50% of admitted students for an idea. High grades and test scores—the average SAT range is 1490-1580 and average ACT scores range from 34-36—are typical, but keep in mind these are middle 50% ranges, so there are students who fall above and below.

In addition to a student's academic performance, Harvard places a great deal of emphasis on the individual's character and personal development—this is often shown in the personal essay and recommendation letters. Admission officers want to see a well-articulated passion or 'spike' in the student's extracurricular activities alongside their academic achievements. They're looking for students who have demonstrated exceptional ability and involvement in a particular area or areas that align with their academic and career goals. Often, students successful in Harvard's admissions process have participated in Tier 1 or 2 extracurricular activities, such as winning a prestigious national award, leading a state or national-level organization, or achieving a high national ranking in a competitive field.

Furthermore, Harvard is interested in students who have shown the ability to bring about positive change or make a meaningful impact in their community. This can be reflected in community service initiatives, leadership roles, or innovative projects the student has undertaken.

Putting together a successful application to Harvard goes beyond just strong academic performance—it is about demonstrating depth of character, commitment to growth, and potential to make significant contributions both on and off-campus. Your essays will play a crucial role in portraying these qualities, so ensure you take ample time to write, revise, and perfect them.

Lastly, be aware that applying Early Action to Harvard can slightly increase your chances of acceptance. If Harvard is your top choice and you have a strong application ready by November, then applying EA might be a good strategy. Keep in mind though, this is not a binding plan, so you would still be free to apply to other schools and make your final decision in the spring.