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How do I get into Harvard?
Not anything generic, but just what activities are good
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Tony’s Answer
Hello Ganeshsai,
To begin with, have you decided what you'd like to pursue at Harvard? Is your interest leaning towards sciences, arts, engineering, or perhaps medicine?
After you've chosen a study field you're passionate about at Harvard, your next move is to evaluate your academic performance in subjects relevant to your chosen field. Ivy League institutions like Harvard set high academic standards for their prospective students, so it's crucial to aim for top-notch grades, ideally placing you within the top 5% of your class. Remember, Harvard is a highly competitive institution, so only the cream of the crop make the cut.
In addition to your academic performance, Harvard's admissions officers will also take into account any extracurricular activities that showcase your enthusiasm for your chosen field. Internships, volunteering, and other similar pursuits can greatly enhance your application. So, be sure to engage in such activities and keep a record of your involvement. This could potentially place your application at the forefront, increasing your chances of admission.
To begin with, have you decided what you'd like to pursue at Harvard? Is your interest leaning towards sciences, arts, engineering, or perhaps medicine?
After you've chosen a study field you're passionate about at Harvard, your next move is to evaluate your academic performance in subjects relevant to your chosen field. Ivy League institutions like Harvard set high academic standards for their prospective students, so it's crucial to aim for top-notch grades, ideally placing you within the top 5% of your class. Remember, Harvard is a highly competitive institution, so only the cream of the crop make the cut.
In addition to your academic performance, Harvard's admissions officers will also take into account any extracurricular activities that showcase your enthusiasm for your chosen field. Internships, volunteering, and other similar pursuits can greatly enhance your application. So, be sure to engage in such activities and keep a record of your involvement. This could potentially place your application at the forefront, increasing your chances of admission.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Ganeshsai
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Ganeshsai,
What activities are "good" will also depend on what you want to study. If you want to e.g. get into medical school you'll need some internships or volunteer activity in a medical setting. If you want to get into law school, that wouldn't be very meaningful.
So, first look up the admission requirements for the major you want to persue. If they want lots of volunteer hours or internships, get those done.
If nothing specific is required you fall back on the general: a hobby, something that demonstrates leadership, some volunteering that demonstrates giving back to the community, a job, an internship.
Don't engineer it too much though. The admission committee wants to know you, as an authentic person. Nothing is more boring than having to read hundreds of applications when everybody tries to have the same "perfect" extracurriculars.
Also don't take on too many things. It's better to be involved in 2 things over a longer time and have a meaningful impact, than being in 5 clubs for a short time with no impact.
Whatever you do in your spare time can be useful especially if you can talk about some inspiration or some lesson you got from that activity.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
What activities are "good" will also depend on what you want to study. If you want to e.g. get into medical school you'll need some internships or volunteer activity in a medical setting. If you want to get into law school, that wouldn't be very meaningful.
So, first look up the admission requirements for the major you want to persue. If they want lots of volunteer hours or internships, get those done.
If nothing specific is required you fall back on the general: a hobby, something that demonstrates leadership, some volunteering that demonstrates giving back to the community, a job, an internship.
Don't engineer it too much though. The admission committee wants to know you, as an authentic person. Nothing is more boring than having to read hundreds of applications when everybody tries to have the same "perfect" extracurriculars.
Also don't take on too many things. It's better to be involved in 2 things over a longer time and have a meaningful impact, than being in 5 clubs for a short time with no impact.
Whatever you do in your spare time can be useful especially if you can talk about some inspiration or some lesson you got from that activity.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
Thank you for giving me advice.
Ganeshsai
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
WOW, now thats a question. I was just in Boston, stayed at the Charles Hotel on Harvard Campus.
Community service, athletics, music, theater, or any other passions and commitments that students pursue outside of school. High school students who get into Harvard tend to have leadership positions when applicable.
Here is a link with great information:
https://www.collegeadvisor.com/resources/harvard-clubs/#:~:text=Academic%20%26%20Pre%2DProfessional,-There%20are%20over&text=The%20%E2%80%9CAcademic%E2%80%9D%20groups%20are%20primarily,the%20same%20field%20of%20study.
Community service, athletics, music, theater, or any other passions and commitments that students pursue outside of school. High school students who get into Harvard tend to have leadership positions when applicable.
Here is a link with great information:
https://www.collegeadvisor.com/resources/harvard-clubs/#:~:text=Academic%20%26%20Pre%2DProfessional,-There%20are%20over&text=The%20%E2%80%9CAcademic%E2%80%9D%20groups%20are%20primarily,the%20same%20field%20of%20study.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Ganeshsai