<p>without having read all of the banter in between the first post and now, i’d say a 3.6ish applying to harvard from amherst has a shot … it’s certainly been done before. But, the lack of EC’s is what may keep you out. A 3.6 will probably be on the lower end of GPA’s for Harvard admits, though most students in this range probably had something exceptional beyond just the GPA. </p>
<p>Take this hypothetical situation - two students, both from top colleges apply as transfers to harvard. One has a 4.0 but with very minimal EC’s. The other has a 3.7, but is heavily involved in research and has assumed several leadership roles throughout campus - qualities that would clearly be beneficial to the Harvard campus. Which one would you say has a better shot? I’d put my money on the second student. Unfortunately, the OP is like the second hypothetical student, but with very minimal EC’s and a lower GPA.</p>