Janice Lozano
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and its admissions process is notoriously rigorous and selective. While academic excellence is a key criterion, with a focus on intellectual curiosity and academic rigour, Harvard also values well-rounded applicants who can demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a commitment to their communities through extracurricular activities. The university seeks to create a diverse cohort, and as such, considers applicants' personal qualities, character, and backgrounds in addition to their academic achievements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Academic Prowess | Strong academic performance, intellectual curiosity, dedication, and ability to handle rigorous coursework |
| Standardized Test Scores | SAT or ACT scores are important but not the sole determining factor |
| High School Performance | Rigor of coursework and GPA |
| Advanced Courses | Track record of challenging oneself with advanced courses and exceptional performance |
| Intellectual Vitality | Passion for learning, research projects, academic competitions, or independent study programs |
| Extracurricular Activities | Leadership, initiative, and community involvement |
| Leadership | Holding positions such as club president, team captain, or student government representative |
| Personal Qualities | Impactful essays, unique personal circumstances, and impressive extracurriculars |
| Diversity | Support for BIPOC, low-income, and first-generation applicants |
What You'll Learn
Academic excellence
A track record of challenging oneself with advanced courses and demonstrating exceptional performance is highly valued. Harvard recognises that academic excellence goes beyond grades and test scores. They seek applicants who exhibit a genuine love for learning, with a passion for their field and the ability to think critically and analytically. This can be showcased through academic competitions, research, or independent study. Harvard wants to see intellectual vitality and curiosity, with applicants actively pursuing intellectual growth and exploration beyond the classroom.
Harvard admissions require top academic performance, with a high GPA, reflecting nearly perfect grades and a history of excelling in challenging courses. Admitted students often score highly on the SAT or ACT, but this is not the only factor. Harvard values an upward trajectory that shows improvement and resilience, demonstrating growth and perseverance. Rigorous coursework and advanced classes are also important, with applicants encouraged to enrol in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate programmes to showcase their academic curiosity and drive.
Harvard admissions officers evaluate an applicant's overall high school performance and the trends in their academic journey. They look for consistent excellence or an upward trajectory, demonstrating an applicant's potential for growth and their ability to handle the rigorous academic environment at Harvard. Strong recommendation letters from teachers and counsellors are also required, showcasing an applicant's academic abilities and character. These letters can highlight specific examples of an applicant's strengths and the impact they have made, providing a more holistic view of their academic excellence.
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Extracurricular activities
Harvard University is one of the world's most prestigious educational institutions, and its admissions process is notoriously rigorous. While academic excellence is a cornerstone of the admissions evaluation, Harvard also considers a range of other factors, including extracurricular activities.
Harvard values well-rounded applicants who have actively engaged in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a commitment to their communities. The university seeks candidates who have made a positive impact in areas that align with their interests and passions. Simply participating in extracurricular activities is not enough; Harvard looks for individuals who have taken on leadership roles, such as club president, team captain, or student government representative, indicating a willingness to take responsibility and drive change.
Harvard also values uniqueness in its applicants, and this can be demonstrated through extracurricular activities. The university is not just looking for well-rounded students but a well-rounded class with a diverse range of interests and backgrounds. This could include being ranked nationally in a sport or competition, or holding a unique and impressive position of responsibility. For example, a Stanford student who gained admission to Harvard was involved in a sport so niche that it wasn't even named.
Harvard also gives a hand up to BIPOC, low-income, and first-generation applicants, recognising that some of these applicants may not have had access to certain extracurricular activities, such as Varsity athletics. The university aims to create a diverse cohort and actively works to level the playing field for applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.
When evaluating an applicant's extracurricular activities, Harvard looks for notable achievements and significant contributions. Whether it's in athletics, the arts, community service, or any other area, demonstrating excellence and a dedication to one's passions is essential. Applicants should showcase how they have pursued their interests with distinction and made a positive impact in their chosen fields.
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Leadership and initiative
Harvard University is one of the world's most prestigious educational institutions, and its admissions process is known for being highly selective. While academic excellence is a key criterion, the university also considers a range of other factors, including leadership and initiative.
Harvard seeks students who demonstrate leadership qualities and a willingness to take initiative. This can be exhibited through extracurricular activities, community involvement, and personal qualities. The university looks for individuals who have taken on leadership roles and made a positive impact in their communities. Holding positions such as club president, team captain, or student government representative indicates a strong ability to lead and motivate others, make decisions, and drive change.
Harvard values applicants who have actively pursued leadership opportunities and made a meaningful difference in their chosen fields or areas of interest. This could include starting a new club or initiative, organising events or projects, or taking on a mentoring or tutoring role. Demonstrating initiative and a commitment to continuous improvement is essential. The university wants to see that applicants are willing to step up and take responsibility, showing a drive to make a positive impact beyond their own personal achievements.
Furthermore, Harvard looks for students who exhibit intellectual leadership and a genuine passion for learning. This means actively pursuing intellectual growth and exploration beyond the classroom. Whether through research projects, academic competitions, or independent study programs, applicants should showcase their intellectual curiosity and drive to expand their knowledge. Harvard seeks individuals who are likely to contribute to the academic community and drive intellectual discourse on campus.
In addition to formal leadership roles, Harvard values applicants who demonstrate initiative and leadership in their daily lives. This could include volunteering, community service, or other activities that showcase a commitment to social responsibility and positive change. The university wants to see that applicants are engaged citizens who care about their communities and are willing to take action to make a difference. Overall, Harvard seeks well-rounded individuals who possess not only academic excellence but also the leadership skills and initiative to make a meaningful impact during their time at the university and beyond.
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Personal qualities
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world, and its admissions process is known for being highly selective. While academic excellence is a crucial factor, Harvard also considers various personal qualities when evaluating applicants.
Harvard seeks students who exhibit intellectual vitality and a genuine passion for learning. They look for individuals who have actively pursued intellectual growth and exploration, demonstrating a strong intellectual curiosity and the ability to think critically and analytically. This can be showcased through academic competitions, research projects, or independent study programs that go beyond the classroom.
The university values well-rounded individuals who have actively engaged in extracurricular activities. They look for applicants who have taken on leadership roles, demonstrating the ability to motivate others, make decisions, and drive change. Harvard wants to see that candidates have made a positive impact in areas that align with their interests and passions, whether in athletics, the arts, community service, or other fields.
In addition to leadership and extracurricular involvement, Harvard considers an applicant's personal qualities and character. They seek students with a unique profile, whether through personal circumstances or extracurricular activities that set them apart. Demonstrating uniqueness, impressive achievements, and a moving essay or story can help an applicant stand out.
Harvard also prioritizes creating a diverse cohort, and they give special consideration to BIPOC, low-income, and first-generation applicants. The university aims to level the playing field for these applicants, recognizing that they may not have had access to the same opportunities as others. As a result, Harvard's admissions process is nuanced and complex, evaluating applicants based on a combination of academic excellence, personal qualities, and their potential to contribute to a diverse and dynamic student body.
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Admissions criteria rankings
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world, and its admissions process is highly selective. While there is no single formula for gaining admission, several key criteria are considered in the evaluation process. The university seeks well-rounded individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual vitality, and a commitment to their communities.
Academic Accomplishment
Academic prowess forms the cornerstone of Harvard's admissions evaluation. The university seeks students with strong academic records, including high school performance, standardised test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), and rigorous coursework. However, academic excellence goes beyond just grades and test scores. Harvard values intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and analytical abilities. Applicants should showcase a passion for learning and a track record of challenging themselves with advanced courses and exceptional performance.
Leadership and Extracurricular Involvement
Harvard values individuals who have actively engaged in extracurricular activities and demonstrated leadership skills. The university looks for candidates who have held positions of responsibility, such as club president, team captain, or student government representative. These experiences indicate an ability to motivate others, make decisions, and drive change. Harvard also seeks applicants who have made a positive impact and significant contributions in areas that align with their interests and passions, whether in athletics, the arts, community service, or other fields.
Personal Qualities and Character
In addition to academic and extracurricular achievements, Harvard considers personal qualities and character traits. Admissions officers evaluate applicants' intellectual vitality, initiative, and drive. They look for individuals who exhibit a genuine passion for learning and actively pursue intellectual growth and exploration. Essays and personal statements play a crucial role in showcasing an applicant's unique story, circumstances, and personal qualities that set them apart from other candidates.
Diversity and Inclusion
Harvard recognises the importance of creating a diverse cohort and strives to make higher education accessible to a wide range of students. The university gives special consideration to BIPOC, low-income, and first-generation applicants, understanding that they may not have the same access to resources and opportunities as other candidates. As a result of this commitment to diversity, it can be more challenging for applicants from overrepresented racial or demographic groups to gain admission, even with perfect grades and test scores.
Ranking System
Harvard's admissions process involves ranking applicants on a scorecard, with rankings ranging from 1 (Summa Potential) to 5 (Achievement or Motivation Marginal). Less than 1% of admits are ranked 1, and they are considered "Genuine Scholars" with near-perfect scores and unusual creativity. The majority of admits (90%) fall into the 2 (Magna Potential) category, with superb grades and high test scores. A rank of 3 (Cum Laude Potential) is given to applicants with excellent grades and is typically reserved for VIP applicants. Ranks 4 and 5 indicate good and average students, respectively, with decreasing chances of admission.
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Frequently asked questions
Harvard seeks students with a track record of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity. While there are no fixed formula or cut-off scores for admission, the university values strong standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT, high school academic performance, GPA, and rigorous coursework.
Although there are no minimum scores required, Harvard admits mostly fall within the 98th to 99th percentile range of test scores. For instance, a score of 2 on a 1-5 ranking system indicates superb grades and mid to high 700+ SAT scores per section.
Harvard values well-rounded individuals who have actively engaged in extracurricular activities, demonstrating leadership, initiative, and a commitment to their communities. The university looks for candidates who have made a positive impact in areas that align with their interests and passions, such as athletics, the arts, or community service.
Harvard seeks students who exhibit intellectual vitality, a genuine passion for learning, and the ability to think critically and analytically. They value individuals who have actively pursued intellectual growth and exploration beyond the classroom, such as through research projects, academic competitions, or independent study programs.
Harvard aims to create a level playing field for applicants from diverse backgrounds. They give special consideration to low-income, first-generation, and BIPOC applicants, recognizing that some may not have access to the same opportunities as others. As a result, the admissions process may be more competitive for Asian and White applicants, even with perfect grades and test scores.
