Harvard Bound? Admission Requirements?

Y'all, the dream is Harvard. But, what does it actually take to get in? I mean, what are their specific requirements? Any Harvard alums or admissions experts out there who can help me out?

Firstly, it's great you're setting your sights high! While I can't provide an insider's perspective from the Harvard admissions office, I can give you an idea based on the information they provide and general knowledge about the process.

As with all schools, Harvard has a holistic admissions process, really homing in on your entire portfolio and not just your academics. But that's not to say academic performance isn't important.

For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Harvard requires all applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score. While there are no minimum scores, the middle 50% of accepted students usually have quite high scores. For SAT, successful applicants typically score between 1500-1580, and for ACT, between 34-36.

Your coursework and GPA is another huge factor. To be competitive, you should strive for a strong performance in a rigorous curriculum—ideally, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and/or honors courses in a wide range of subjects, showing you're up for the challenging coursework at Harvard.

Extracurricular involvement is key, too. Harvard looks for students who stand out in their interests and are deeply dedicated, showcasing a "spike" in one or two areas. For instance, if you're interested in economics, you might lead an economics club, win an economic forecasting competition and start a peer tutoring program in economics.

Your essays are another opportunity to stand out. Remember, cliche topics (like winning a sports competition or sharing an immigrant story) should be approached carefully. The idea is to use your essay to share something unique about your personality or experiences.

Lastly, letters of recommendation from teachers and school counselor also matter. Make sure the recommendations speak to your personal qualities, performance, and contributions.

Remember that meeting Harvard’s academic standards is necessary but not sufficient for acceptance. Every year, Harvard turns away many outstanding students who meet these standards. So, strive to go beyond these metrics and show them why you'd make a valuable addition to the Harvard community!

Note that the requirements may change year-by-year, so it's best to check Harvard's admissions website for the most up-to-date information. Good luck!