How To Get Into Harvard (by a Harvard student)

Jamaxmom
Wed, 21 Aug 2013 15:42:31 +0000

I’m happy truly or all of you who were accepted to Harvard by being genuine, well-rounded and by showing leadership, as well as amazing grades,test scores.and recommendations.
That said, the admissions process can surely be a “crapshoot” and no matter how well you do, or what you do, you may still be disappointed in the spring- my daughter’s experience is just an example.
This is not a sour grapes response, just a reality check for those who are applying, as I am still not sure why my D was not accepted for admission. For those who are interested, here
is her information:
36 ACT on first try (did not take SAT-was told it was unnecessary), 4.0 GPA (4.875 weighted), and 800 on both SAT subject tests(Chemistry and Math), mostly 5’s, and some 4’s on her 7 AP courses.
Valedictorian (one of 35-extremely bright and competitive high school).
As far as well rounded-participated in MUN all 4 years with numerous awards, was on the equestrian team all 4 years, as well as multiple clubs-French,Art,Science,English,etc, attended and led a religious youth group, and took
piano and singing lessons throughout high school just for fun (starting at 6 years of age). She realized her interest in math and chemistry, and became interested in engineering the end of sophomore year and did an internship and research the summer before her Senior year at a well known engineering college, and continued the research through her final year.
As far as leadership-she was captain of the equestrian team and Secretary General (like president) of MUN her senior year (MUN is the largest club at her large high school). Her sophomore year she was president of a religious youth group
For achievement, she was awarded several school and department awards, but her most notable were Champion of her equestrian league in all 3 categories of her division, as well as
the entire division championship her senior year. In science, she won both the county and state science fair in Physics (she lives in a very large state as well).
The typical number of hours of community service and volunteer work were accomplished at
pony camp, religious camp and also by tutoring.
And to top it off she was told by her Harvard interviewer he gave her the “best recommendation he had given a student in 12 years”, so we thought she had an extremely
good chance to be admitted. (FYI-her interviewer did not tell her about his recommendation until he noticed her name on the waiting list, and then contacted her to see if he could help her out any more if she planned to stay on the waiting list).
So for all you students out there who plan to apply-you may be extremely disappointed no matter how well you do, and remember there is about a 95% chance you will end up somewhere else. Make sure you apply to other schools you know you will be happy with, and Good LUCK!