What are the key things I need to do to get admitted to Harvard University?
I’m currently a junior in high school and Harvard has always been my dream school, but lately I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed. Looking at their acceptance rate and the profiles of students who get in, it feels pretty intimidating.
I’ve done well in my classes and have a strong GPA, but my extracurriculars are pretty standard (some clubs, a varsity sport, and a few volunteer things). I don’t have any national awards or anything. Is that necessary to have a shot? Also, what are Harvard admissions counselors really looking for in essays and recommendations?
If anyone has tips, personal experiences, or can break down what admissions at Harvard actually look for (besides just perfect stats), I’d really appreciate it. What are the most important parts to focus on?
I’ve done well in my classes and have a strong GPA, but my extracurriculars are pretty standard (some clubs, a varsity sport, and a few volunteer things). I don’t have any national awards or anything. Is that necessary to have a shot? Also, what are Harvard admissions counselors really looking for in essays and recommendations?
If anyone has tips, personal experiences, or can break down what admissions at Harvard actually look for (besides just perfect stats), I’d really appreciate it. What are the most important parts to focus on?
6 months ago
•
41 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 6 months ago
Advisor
The process to get into Harvard can seem daunting, but breaking it down step-by-step makes it more manageable. Harvard looks for students who excel academically, but also stand out for their individuality, contributions to their communities, and potential to have an impact.
First, strong academics are important—Harvard wants to see rigorous coursework (APs, IBs, honors, or dual enrollment if available) and top grades. You don’t need to have a perfect GPA, but consistent performance in challenging classes is key. High standardized test scores, while now often optional, can still be a plus if you think they would strengthen your application.
Your extracurriculars do not need to be filled with national awards to matter. What’s more important is depth over breadth: have you made a significant commitment in your activities? Have you shown initiative, leadership, or growth? Let’s say your varsity sport is tennis—maybe you started a free weekend clinic at your local park for younger kids, or led a school fundraising project through your club. Actions like these, even at a local level, show impact and leadership. Harvard values passion and initiative, not just prestige.
In your essays, they want insight into your thought process and what drives you as a person. Don’t worry about trying to seem "perfect"; instead, be authentic. Reflect on specific moments that changed how you see the world or handle challenges. For example, instead of a broad story about your club, you could write about a single tense meeting where you had to mediate a disagreement, what you learned about yourself, and how it changed how you lead.
Recommendations go a long way if they are personal and detailed. Choose teachers who know you well, ideally from your junior year, and can speak to your curiosity, resilience, or unique contributions to the classroom. A great letter will illustrate specific moments or projects when you made an impression.
Beyond stats, Harvard is also searching for students who will enrich their campus community. Focus on showing who you are, what matters to you, and how you’ve made a difference—big or small. One former applicant’s story: she didn’t have national awards, but she wrote candidly about growing her town’s food pantry, describing a small but transformative moment with a family she met there. That realness and reflection is what set her apart.
So, to sum up: keep working hard in classes, deepen your involvement in activities you truly care about (quality over quantity), use your essays to reveal your authentic self, and seek out thoughtful recommendations. If you can communicate a clear sense of who you are and what you’ll bring to campus, that’s just as important as the numbers.
First, strong academics are important—Harvard wants to see rigorous coursework (APs, IBs, honors, or dual enrollment if available) and top grades. You don’t need to have a perfect GPA, but consistent performance in challenging classes is key. High standardized test scores, while now often optional, can still be a plus if you think they would strengthen your application.
Your extracurriculars do not need to be filled with national awards to matter. What’s more important is depth over breadth: have you made a significant commitment in your activities? Have you shown initiative, leadership, or growth? Let’s say your varsity sport is tennis—maybe you started a free weekend clinic at your local park for younger kids, or led a school fundraising project through your club. Actions like these, even at a local level, show impact and leadership. Harvard values passion and initiative, not just prestige.
In your essays, they want insight into your thought process and what drives you as a person. Don’t worry about trying to seem "perfect"; instead, be authentic. Reflect on specific moments that changed how you see the world or handle challenges. For example, instead of a broad story about your club, you could write about a single tense meeting where you had to mediate a disagreement, what you learned about yourself, and how it changed how you lead.
Recommendations go a long way if they are personal and detailed. Choose teachers who know you well, ideally from your junior year, and can speak to your curiosity, resilience, or unique contributions to the classroom. A great letter will illustrate specific moments or projects when you made an impression.
Beyond stats, Harvard is also searching for students who will enrich their campus community. Focus on showing who you are, what matters to you, and how you’ve made a difference—big or small. One former applicant’s story: she didn’t have national awards, but she wrote candidly about growing her town’s food pantry, describing a small but transformative moment with a family she met there. That realness and reflection is what set her apart.
So, to sum up: keep working hard in classes, deepen your involvement in activities you truly care about (quality over quantity), use your essays to reveal your authentic self, and seek out thoughtful recommendations. If you can communicate a clear sense of who you are and what you’ll bring to campus, that’s just as important as the numbers.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years