What qualities does Harvard value most in applicants?
I’m starting to plan out my application for next year and I keep hearing about how selective Harvard is, but I still don’t quite understand what they’re looking for. I know good grades and test scores are important, but is there something specific that makes someone stand out to them?
Are they more interested in leadership, unique talents, or community service? I participate in a couple clubs at my school (including debate and robotics), but I’m worried that without some sort of huge accomplishment, my chances are slim. How much does personality or passion for a subject weigh into their decisions?
If anyone who’s applied or been accepted could share what you think helped or what you’ve heard from admissions officers, that would really help me figure out where to put my energy over the next year.
Are they more interested in leadership, unique talents, or community service? I participate in a couple clubs at my school (including debate and robotics), but I’m worried that without some sort of huge accomplishment, my chances are slim. How much does personality or passion for a subject weigh into their decisions?
If anyone who’s applied or been accepted could share what you think helped or what you’ve heard from admissions officers, that would really help me figure out where to put my energy over the next year.
6 months ago
•
252 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Harvard’s admissions process is holistic, meaning they consider a broad range of qualities beyond just academics. Of course, high grades and strong test scores help you clear the academic bar, but those are just the baseline for consideration. What really makes an applicant stand out is a combination of intellectual curiosity, initiative, and personal depth.
Harvard looks for students who have shown genuine passion and drive in some area of their lives. This could be leadership (like founding a club or leading a project), deep commitment to a particular activity, or even an unusual talent—musical, scientific, athletic, or artistic. It’s not about being a well-rounded student who does a bit of everything, but rather being someone who has gone deep into their interests and made a real impact. For example, someone in robotics who started a summer camp for younger students, showing both leadership and commitment to their field, could really grab attention.
Personality and passion matter, especially in your essays and recommendations. Admissions officers want to get a sense of how you think, what you care about, and how you might contribute to campus life. They value resilience, curiosity, and authenticity. If you love debate, think about a moment that challenged your thinking or sparked real growth, and share that story. Or, if you’ve invented something in robotics, talk about the passion, obstacles, and lessons behind that experience instead of just listing accomplishments.
Community service is one way to stand out if it’s authentic and sustained, but it’s not the only path. Impact matters more than hours logged. Are you making a difference in your school, neighborhood, or somewhere else that matters to you?
Ultimately, Harvard is looking for students who will bring unique perspectives to their community and who are likely to make a mark in college and beyond. Focus your energy on deepening one or two interests—look for ways to show real initiative, whether that’s leading, creating, or mentoring. And when you write your application, use your authentic voice to show why those things matter to you. Quality and depth beat quantity every time at this level.
Harvard looks for students who have shown genuine passion and drive in some area of their lives. This could be leadership (like founding a club or leading a project), deep commitment to a particular activity, or even an unusual talent—musical, scientific, athletic, or artistic. It’s not about being a well-rounded student who does a bit of everything, but rather being someone who has gone deep into their interests and made a real impact. For example, someone in robotics who started a summer camp for younger students, showing both leadership and commitment to their field, could really grab attention.
Personality and passion matter, especially in your essays and recommendations. Admissions officers want to get a sense of how you think, what you care about, and how you might contribute to campus life. They value resilience, curiosity, and authenticity. If you love debate, think about a moment that challenged your thinking or sparked real growth, and share that story. Or, if you’ve invented something in robotics, talk about the passion, obstacles, and lessons behind that experience instead of just listing accomplishments.
Community service is one way to stand out if it’s authentic and sustained, but it’s not the only path. Impact matters more than hours logged. Are you making a difference in your school, neighborhood, or somewhere else that matters to you?
Ultimately, Harvard is looking for students who will bring unique perspectives to their community and who are likely to make a mark in college and beyond. Focus your energy on deepening one or two interests—look for ways to show real initiative, whether that’s leading, creating, or mentoring. And when you write your application, use your authentic voice to show why those things matter to you. Quality and depth beat quantity every time at this level.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years