What's the GPA requirement for Harvard?

Hey everyone, hope y'all are hanging in there. I've had Harvard on my dream-list for a while and I'm trying to understand the reality of my chances. Anyone knows what's the typical GPA Harvard looks for in their applicants? Also, do they weigh it differently for AP or IB courses? I get that Harvard must be super competitive, so even if it's a harsh reality, hit me with it. Thanks in advance, guys!

Hey, so here's the breakdown. Harvard University is unquestionably one of the most selective universities in the world, and it consistently ranks among the top in terms of acceptance rate. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshmen class at Harvard was 4.18, and over 93% of incoming students had GPAs of 3.75 and above.

However, keep in mind that Harvard's application evaluation process is extremely holistic, meaning they look at much more than just your GPA. Your coursework, achievements, extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, and potential to contribute to their community are all crucial parts of your application.

When it comes to AP and IB courses, yes, they definitely matter. By taking rigorous courses like these, you're showing Harvard that you're not shying away from a challenging curriculum, which speaks volumes about your academic resilience. So, Harvard will value your willingness to take challenging coursework, and this can effectively raise your GPA in their eyes, as they will recalculate GPAs to include the weight of these more challenging courses.

Of course, you'll also need to stand out in your essays, extracurricular activities, and other areas, but in terms of GPA, a strong record in challenging courses is key to presenting a competitive application. I hope this is helpful, even if it's somewhat daunting. Best of luck!