What are my chances of getting into Harvard?
I'm currently a high school junior and Harvard is my absolute dream school, but I'm really nervous about whether I actually have a shot. I've got a 3.97 unweighted GPA, scored a 1530 on my SAT, and I'm aiming to take a few more AP classes senior year. I'm pretty involved in debate and I volunteer at a local animal shelter, but I haven't won any huge national awards or anything like that.
Sometimes it feels like I need to have cured cancer or started my own nonprofit to even be considered. For the people who got in, what did your profiles look like? Does Harvard actually consider people like me seriously, or should I focus more on other reach schools instead? Honest advice and experiences would help calm my nerves!
Thanks in advance for any insight.
Sometimes it feels like I need to have cured cancer or started my own nonprofit to even be considered. For the people who got in, what did your profiles look like? Does Harvard actually consider people like me seriously, or should I focus more on other reach schools instead? Honest advice and experiences would help calm my nerves!
Thanks in advance for any insight.
1 week ago
•
5 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 1 week ago
Advisor
Your stats definitely place you in the running for Harvard, but it’s important to know that even for highly qualified applicants, Harvard’s acceptance rate is extremely low—last year, it was just over 3%. With a 3.97 unweighted GPA and a 1530 SAT, you’re academically competitive. Thousands of Harvard applicants have similar numbers, so it’s the other parts (your activities, essays, and recommendations) that help set you apart.
You don’t have to have a world-changing achievement or an Olympic medal to get in. What Harvard is really looking for is evidence of commitment, curiosity, and growth. Your involvement in debate and at an animal shelter matters if you can show how these experiences have shaped you. For instance, if debate helped you develop a passion for advocacy or public speaking, or volunteering at the shelter sparked an interest in animal welfare (maybe you organized a local drive or created adoption resources), those could be compelling angles for your application.
Lots of admitted students don’t have national awards or businesses. Some profiles look like yours: strong academics, genuine involvement, maybe leadership in a club or meaningful impact in a community. For example, one admitted student I worked with coached middle school debate, using their skills to mentor others. Another started a blog about volunteering, connecting teens with local nonprofits. Neither had flashy national recognition but showed real passion and initiative.
You should absolutely apply to Harvard if you feel it’s a good fit for you, but be sure to build a balanced list with other reach, target, and safety schools. Focus on shining a light on what truly makes you unique in your essays. Let your authentic voice come through about what gets you excited to learn and make an impact. Ultimately, what matters most is that you end up at a place where you can thrive, and there are many excellent options out there.
Keep aiming high but know that it’s normal to have doubts. What you’re doing already is impressive. Good luck, and don’t be afraid to put your hat in the ring!
You don’t have to have a world-changing achievement or an Olympic medal to get in. What Harvard is really looking for is evidence of commitment, curiosity, and growth. Your involvement in debate and at an animal shelter matters if you can show how these experiences have shaped you. For instance, if debate helped you develop a passion for advocacy or public speaking, or volunteering at the shelter sparked an interest in animal welfare (maybe you organized a local drive or created adoption resources), those could be compelling angles for your application.
Lots of admitted students don’t have national awards or businesses. Some profiles look like yours: strong academics, genuine involvement, maybe leadership in a club or meaningful impact in a community. For example, one admitted student I worked with coached middle school debate, using their skills to mentor others. Another started a blog about volunteering, connecting teens with local nonprofits. Neither had flashy national recognition but showed real passion and initiative.
You should absolutely apply to Harvard if you feel it’s a good fit for you, but be sure to build a balanced list with other reach, target, and safety schools. Focus on shining a light on what truly makes you unique in your essays. Let your authentic voice come through about what gets you excited to learn and make an impact. Ultimately, what matters most is that you end up at a place where you can thrive, and there are many excellent options out there.
Keep aiming high but know that it’s normal to have doubts. What you’re doing already is impressive. Good luck, and don’t be afraid to put your hat in the ring!
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years