What are the admission requirements for Harvard?
I'm starting to put together my college list and Harvard is a school I'm really interested in, but I've been having trouble finding a clear rundown of what they actually require for admission. I know it's super competitive, but beyond grades and SAT/ACT scores, what exactly does Harvard look for? Are there certain classes you have to take or activities you should have?
If anyone who's applied could list out the requirements, or share what their profile looked like when they got in (or didn't), it would help a lot. I'm a junior right now taking mostly APs with a 3.9 GPA and participate in debate and orchestra, but I'm wondering if that's enough or if I need to do more. Would love some honest feedback from people who know the process.
If anyone who's applied could list out the requirements, or share what their profile looked like when they got in (or didn't), it would help a lot. I'm a junior right now taking mostly APs with a 3.9 GPA and participate in debate and orchestra, but I'm wondering if that's enough or if I need to do more. Would love some honest feedback from people who know the process.
6 months ago
•
69 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Harvard has a holistic admissions process, so there isn’t a simple checklist, but there are certain academic and extracurricular foundations you should know about.
For academics, Harvard expects strong performance in a rigorous curriculum. This usually means taking the most challenging courses available to you (AP, IB, or advanced honors classes), especially in core subjects: English, math (through calculus if possible), science (at least biology, chemistry, and physics), social studies/history, and a foreign language for several years. They don’t require a specific number of APs, but most admitted students have maximized their school's course offerings.
The SAT and ACT are now optional, but if you have a high score (usually 1500+ SAT or 34+ ACT for competitive applicants), it can help support your application. However, impressive grades (like your 3.9 GPA) and a rigorous course load remain crucial.
Beyond academics, Harvard looks for students who are deeply engaged and show leadership or achievement outside the classroom. This can be in academics (e.g., debate trophies), the arts (your orchestra participation), athletics, research, or meaningful community service. What matters is quality and impact over quantity. For example, someone who started a STEM outreach program that made a measurable difference in the community or led a section of their orchestra and arranged a concert series would stand out more than someone who dabbles in many clubs without depth.
Essays and recommendations are also very important. Harvard wants to understand your character, your intellectual curiosity, how you’ve grown, and how you contribute to your community. Thoughtful, original essays and strong recommendations from teachers who know you well can make a big difference.
For reference, a recent applicant who was admitted had taken 12 APs, scored 1560 on the SAT, led their debate team to nationals, and started a local nonprofit. But it’s not just about statistics—it’s about showing who you are and how you’ll contribute at Harvard and beyond.
You’re already in a solid position with a 3.9 GPA, AP classes, debate, and orchestra. Instead of trying to add a long list of new activities, aim to go deeper in what matters most to you or where you can have the biggest impact. For instance, could you take on more responsibility in debate or orchestra, launch a new project, or further challenge yourself academically? That kind of initiative is what helps applicants stand out at Harvard.
In summary: be yourself, strive for excellence and depth, and let your genuine passions show through your application materials. Good luck—it sounds like you’re on the right track!
For academics, Harvard expects strong performance in a rigorous curriculum. This usually means taking the most challenging courses available to you (AP, IB, or advanced honors classes), especially in core subjects: English, math (through calculus if possible), science (at least biology, chemistry, and physics), social studies/history, and a foreign language for several years. They don’t require a specific number of APs, but most admitted students have maximized their school's course offerings.
The SAT and ACT are now optional, but if you have a high score (usually 1500+ SAT or 34+ ACT for competitive applicants), it can help support your application. However, impressive grades (like your 3.9 GPA) and a rigorous course load remain crucial.
Beyond academics, Harvard looks for students who are deeply engaged and show leadership or achievement outside the classroom. This can be in academics (e.g., debate trophies), the arts (your orchestra participation), athletics, research, or meaningful community service. What matters is quality and impact over quantity. For example, someone who started a STEM outreach program that made a measurable difference in the community or led a section of their orchestra and arranged a concert series would stand out more than someone who dabbles in many clubs without depth.
Essays and recommendations are also very important. Harvard wants to understand your character, your intellectual curiosity, how you’ve grown, and how you contribute to your community. Thoughtful, original essays and strong recommendations from teachers who know you well can make a big difference.
For reference, a recent applicant who was admitted had taken 12 APs, scored 1560 on the SAT, led their debate team to nationals, and started a local nonprofit. But it’s not just about statistics—it’s about showing who you are and how you’ll contribute at Harvard and beyond.
You’re already in a solid position with a 3.9 GPA, AP classes, debate, and orchestra. Instead of trying to add a long list of new activities, aim to go deeper in what matters most to you or where you can have the biggest impact. For instance, could you take on more responsibility in debate or orchestra, launch a new project, or further challenge yourself academically? That kind of initiative is what helps applicants stand out at Harvard.
In summary: be yourself, strive for excellence and depth, and let your genuine passions show through your application materials. Good luck—it sounds like you’re on the right track!
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years