The Harvard Admissions Mystery Unveiled

Getting into Harvard is notoriously difficult, with an overall acceptance rate of around 3%. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach when reviewing applications, considering academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and life experiences.

Harvard requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, with the exception of cases where these tests are not accessible. In such cases, applicants can submit alternative standardised test scores, such as IB or GCSE results.

Harvard also requires applicants to submit two teacher recommendation letters, short-answer supplemental questions, and a range of other supporting documents, including transcripts and reports.

The admissions committee does not use quotas of any kind and there is no ideal Harvard applicant.

Academic achievement

Harvard University's admissions process is holistic, meaning that while academic achievement is important, the admissions committee also considers many other factors, such as community involvement, leadership, distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character.

Harvard requires applicants to submit their high school transcript, and while there is no single academic path expected of all students, the strongest applicants take the most rigorous secondary school curricula available to them. An ideal preparatory program includes four years of English, four years of maths, four years of science, three years of history, and four years of one foreign language. Harvard recommends applicants take four years of maths courses in high school, focusing on conceptual understanding, higher-order thinking, and using mathematical reasoning to critically examine the world. Examples include rigorous and relevant courses in computer science, statistics and its subfields, mathematical modelling, calculus, and other advanced maths subjects.

Harvard applicants should also meet, or exceed, the university's high school curriculum expectations. This includes enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or Honours courses for most subjects, when available. Taking college courses while still in high school is also viewed favourably, as is engaging with Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platforms such as Khan Academy, Coursera, or Udemy.

Harvard requires SAT or ACT scores to meet its standardised testing requirement. However, in exceptional cases, one of the following can be substituted:

• IB Actual or Predicted Scores
• GCSE/A-Level Actual or Predicted Results
• National Leaving Exams Results (externally assessed) or Predictions

Harvard has an overall acceptance rate of ~3.4%, with the Regular Decision acceptance rate at 2.6%. The Early Action acceptance rate is 7.5%, and international students have an admit rate of 1.8%.

Extracurricular activities

Harvard offers a vast array of extracurricular opportunities for students to explore. With over 450 student organisations, there is something for everyone. Students can join one of the seven orchestras, tour the world with an a cappella group, or write for the student newspaper. For those interested in sports, Harvard boasts 42 Division I intercollegiate varsity teams, along with numerous club and intramural sports. The university also has an extensive community service program, with more than 120 service initiatives in the Greater Boston area.

When applying to Harvard, students are required to submit a brief description of their extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped them. This allows the admissions committee to gain a holistic understanding of the applicant and their potential contributions to the Harvard community.

Harvard values diversity and seeks students from a range of backgrounds with unique perspectives and experiences. Extracurricular activities play a significant role in demonstrating a student's interests, passions, and impact beyond the classroom. While there is no ideal Harvard applicant, a well-rounded profile with meaningful extracurricular involvement can enhance a student's application and increase their chances of admission.

Personal qualities

Harvard University's Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach to evaluating applications, and personal qualities are an important consideration. The Committee aims to get to know the person behind the numbers and understand their character. While academic achievement is crucial, Harvard also seeks students with strong personal qualities, special talents, and unique perspectives.

Harvard values students who demonstrate intellectual drive and curiosity. They are interested in individuals who are passionate about learning and possess a strong motivation for academic pursuits. This is reflected in their emphasis on enrolling a diverse student body with varied life experiences.

Extracurricular activities play a significant role in showcasing an applicant's personal qualities. Harvard looks for evidence of impact, initiative, and leadership in these pursuits. They want to see how students have challenged themselves, grown through experiences, and demonstrated their potential. Whether through community service, research projects, sports, or other endeavours, applicants should highlight how they have made a meaningful difference and exhibited the traits they will bring to the campus community.

Essays are another crucial aspect of the application process, providing a window into an applicant's personal qualities and character. Harvard requires five short-answer supplemental essays, each with a 150-word limit, in addition to the Common App essay. These essays should align with the prominent qualities highlighted in other application components and showcase a clear intention and coherence. They should be written in a personal, genuine, and reflective style, providing vivid anecdotes and glimpses into an applicant's inner thoughts and values.

Letters of recommendation also play a role in evaluating personal qualities. Harvard requires two letters from teachers in different academic disciplines, providing insight into an applicant's classroom interactions, intellectual growth, and response to criticism and feedback. Additional letters from individuals who know the applicant well, such as counsellors or mentors, can further amplify the themes presented in the application.

In summary, Harvard University seeks students with strong personal qualities who will contribute to the campus community and make a positive impact in society. They look for evidence of intellectual curiosity, leadership, initiative, and a holistic fit with their values and traditions. Through extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation, applicants have the opportunity to showcase their unique qualities and how they align with Harvard's ethos.

Standardised test scores

Harvard requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores to meet its standardised testing requirement. In exceptional cases, where these tests are not accessible, other standardised tests can be considered, such as IB Actual or Predicted Scores, GCSE/A-Level Actual or Predicted Results, or National Leaving Exams Results (externally assessed) or Predictions. However, students with access to the SAT or ACT tests are still expected to take them and submit their scores.

There are no specific cut-off scores for admission to Harvard. Instead, the admissions committee evaluates applicants' highest composite scores and any other scores they choose to share. The average SAT score for admitted Harvard students is between 1500 and 1580, while the average ACT score range is 34-36. To be in the top 25% of applicants, a composite SAT score of 1580 or a composite ACT score of 36 is recommended.

It is important to note that Harvard values academic excellence alongside other criteria such as community involvement, leadership, and distinction in extracurricular activities. Thus, while standardised test scores are important, they are not the sole factor in the admissions decision.

Additionally, Harvard offers fee waivers for the SAT or ACT to domestic students from low-income families. For international students facing financial hardship, the admissions committee encourages them to apply and submit results from other standardised tests to which they have greater access.

Letters of recommendation

Harvard requires two letters of recommendation from teachers in different academic subjects who know the applicant well. These letters should provide insight into the student's character, values, and academic abilities. Additionally, applicants can submit optional letters of recommendation from individuals outside of school who can offer valuable insights.

To ensure a comprehensive and tailored letter, it is recommended that applicants provide their recommenders with a "brag sheet". This document summarises the applicant's achievements, skills, experiences, and personal qualities, allowing the recommender to write a more personalised and compelling letter.

The letters of recommendation play a crucial role in highlighting the applicant's strengths and unique qualities, which is essential for increasing their chances of acceptance to Harvard.

Frequently asked questions