What does it take to get into Harvard? Here is a sneak peak. — The Ivy Institute

Written by The Ivy Institute, a college admissions consulting firm.

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, attracting top students from all over the globe. As such, the admissions process is highly competitive, with only a small percentage of applicants being admitted each year.

So, what does it take to get into Harvard? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are certain factors that admissions officers consider when evaluating applications.

Academic Excellence

First and foremost, Harvard seeks students who have a demonstrated track record of academic excellence. This means high grades, rigorous coursework, and strong test scores. According to Harvard’s admissions website, the middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1460–1570 and ACT scores between 33–35.

But it’s not just about the numbers. Admissions officers also look for students who have taken challenging courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, and who have excelled in extracurricular activities that demonstrate intellectual curiosity and passion for learning.

Extracurricular Activities

Speaking of extracurricular activities, they play a crucial role in the admissions process at Harvard. The university seeks students who are not only academically talented but also well-rounded individuals who have a variety of interests and experiences.

This could mean participating in sports, music, theater, community service, research, or any number of other activities. The key is to demonstrate leadership, initiative, and impact in your chosen pursuits.

Personal Qualities

In addition to academic and extracurricular achievements, Harvard also looks for students who possess certain personal qualities, such as integrity, character, and resilience. These qualities are often revealed through essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews.

The admissions committee wants to see evidence of students who have overcome challenges, who have a sense of purpose and direction, and who are committed to making a positive impact in the world. This could mean pursuing a particular career, volunteering in a community organization, or engaging in activism.

Diversity and Inclusion

Finally, Harvard values diversity and inclusion and seeks to create a community of students who come from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The university actively seeks to admit students from underrepresented groups, including students of color, first-generation college students, and low-income students.

Harvard also looks for students who will contribute to the university’s culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. The admissions committee seeks students who will be active and engaged members of the Harvard community and who will take advantage of the many opportunities available to them.

In conclusion, the admissions process at Harvard is highly competitive, but it’s not impossible to get in. By focusing on academic excellence, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and diversity and inclusion, students can increase their chances of being admitted. It’s important to remember that the admissions process is holistic, meaning that all aspects of a student’s application are considered. So, if you’re interested in attending Harvard, start preparing early, stay focused on your goals, and be true to yourself.

Good luck!

For additional help, The Ivy Institute is one of the top college admissions consultants in the country.

Contact us today to work with admissions officers with experience from Harvard, Penn, Columbia, and many other top colleges.

Originally published at https://theivyinst.org on February 26, 2023.