What's it take to get into Harvard?

Hey there everybody, totally earnest question. I know Harvard is a reach for most, but does anyone know the specific things they look for in applicant? Not just grades and test scores, but the nitty-gritty stuff - essays, recommendation letters, ECs, anything else?

Absolutely, happy to provide some insight into Harvard's admissions process. Of course, the admissions process can vary from student to student, but here are some key factors that Harvard considers:

Academic Excellence: Harvard looks for students with high grades in rigorous classes and strong SAT or ACT scores. However, academic excellence isn't just about grades and test scores, but also about intellectual curiosity and the desire to push the boundaries of knowledge.

Specialized Achievement: Harvard, like many top colleges, appreciates students who not only participate in various activities but have a focus or "spike" in their extracurricular achievements. A spike shows that a student has gone deep in a particular area (like math, writing, science, art, etc.) and excelled at a high level. This could take the form of high national or international rankings, publishing research, winning major competitions, or other significant accomplishments.

Personal Statement: Your personal statement should give admission officers a glimpse into who you are as a person, your personal growth, and your motivations. Strong essays are insightful, reflective, and display a strong command of storytelling and language.

Recommendation Letters: Strong letters from teachers and counselors can affirm your academic abilities and personal qualities. Ideally, they should highlight specific anecdotes and characteristics that stand out.

Additional Material: Harvard allows you to submit supplementary material (like a music recording, artwork, or research paper). Supplementary material can be helpful if it showcases a significant level of talent or accomplishment. However, only submit such materials if they genuinely enhance your application. Submission of supplementary material is optional.

At the end of the day, Harvard is looking for students who not only perform well academically but also bring something special to the table — whether that's an extraordinary talent, a unique perspective, or a strong commitment to their community. So, while there isn't a single formula to get accepted, exhibiting these qualities would make a competitive applicant. Please remember admissions processes are highly individual and unpredictable, given those are human decisions based on various factors.