What is Harvard really looking for in their applicants?
I'm trying to get a better sense of what Harvard actually wants to see in students they're admitting. I know there's talk about stats, extracurriculars, essays, recommendations and all that, but sometimes it feels like there's some secret formula.
Is it all about perfect grades and crazy achievements, or does personality and uniqueness count just as much? If anyone who's been through this can share what they learned about what Harvard values (or if you know someone who got in), it would really help me figure out what to focus on as I get ready for senior year.
For context, I'm pretty good academically (top 5% of my class), and I do debate and some volunteering, but nothing super wild. Not sure if that's enough, or if I need to change up my approach before application season.
Is it all about perfect grades and crazy achievements, or does personality and uniqueness count just as much? If anyone who's been through this can share what they learned about what Harvard values (or if you know someone who got in), it would really help me figure out what to focus on as I get ready for senior year.
For context, I'm pretty good academically (top 5% of my class), and I do debate and some volunteering, but nothing super wild. Not sure if that's enough, or if I need to change up my approach before application season.
2 weeks ago
•
10 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
Harvard is definitely known for its extremely competitive admissions, but there isn’t actually a secret formula—they look at the full context of each applicant. While strong academics are important (and most accepted students are at or near the top of their class), you don’t need perfect grades or national awards in everything to be a compelling candidate.
What Harvard really wants are students who stand out in authentic, meaningful ways. They’re looking for intellectual curiosity, leadership, creativity, initiative, and genuine impact. This doesn’t have to mean curing diseases or founding nonprofits as a teenager. It often means pursuing your interests deeply and showing a clear drive to learn and contribute.
They’re also interested in what they call “personal qualities.” This is where personality, character, and unique experiences come in. Admissions officers want to see evidence of resilience, open-mindedness, empathy, and integrity. For instance, if you’ve faced a challenge and responded in a thoughtful, proactive way, or if you’ve genuinely influenced people around you, that can be powerful—whether it happened in your school, family, or local community.
A great example: one accepted student wrote about organizing debate workshops for underclassmen to build confidence in shy students. They didn’t win national debate titles, but their application showed initiative, care for others, and a unique approach to leadership. The key was going deeper in an area they cared about, rather than stacking up a huge list of activities.
For essays and recommendations, Harvard values authenticity and reflection. Instead of trying to fit a specific mold, focus on telling your story in a way that shows what drives you. Recommendations that highlight your character or intellectual excitement matter a lot too.
Being in the top 5% with debate and volunteering is already a strong foundation. If you have a particular interest or idea, try making a tangible impact with it, even if just on a small scale. The admissions team isn’t asking for wild achievements, but for signs that you’ll thrive on campus and contribute to the Harvard community in a distinctive way.
In summary: yes, academics and activities matter, but don’t underestimate the value of your personal story and what makes you tick. Focus on depth, authenticity, and impact, not just on building a resume.
What Harvard really wants are students who stand out in authentic, meaningful ways. They’re looking for intellectual curiosity, leadership, creativity, initiative, and genuine impact. This doesn’t have to mean curing diseases or founding nonprofits as a teenager. It often means pursuing your interests deeply and showing a clear drive to learn and contribute.
They’re also interested in what they call “personal qualities.” This is where personality, character, and unique experiences come in. Admissions officers want to see evidence of resilience, open-mindedness, empathy, and integrity. For instance, if you’ve faced a challenge and responded in a thoughtful, proactive way, or if you’ve genuinely influenced people around you, that can be powerful—whether it happened in your school, family, or local community.
A great example: one accepted student wrote about organizing debate workshops for underclassmen to build confidence in shy students. They didn’t win national debate titles, but their application showed initiative, care for others, and a unique approach to leadership. The key was going deeper in an area they cared about, rather than stacking up a huge list of activities.
For essays and recommendations, Harvard values authenticity and reflection. Instead of trying to fit a specific mold, focus on telling your story in a way that shows what drives you. Recommendations that highlight your character or intellectual excitement matter a lot too.
Being in the top 5% with debate and volunteering is already a strong foundation. If you have a particular interest or idea, try making a tangible impact with it, even if just on a small scale. The admissions team isn’t asking for wild achievements, but for signs that you’ll thrive on campus and contribute to the Harvard community in a distinctive way.
In summary: yes, academics and activities matter, but don’t underestimate the value of your personal story and what makes you tick. Focus on depth, authenticity, and impact, not just on building a resume.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years