<p>I know that no one “ticket in” really exists, but is there single factor an otherwise average applicant could get in with? Aka, cured cancer, wrote a best selling book, etc. Please share!</p>
<p>Depends what you mean by “average”…</p>
<p>Well, I guess barely above average? as in top 20% or so, a few decent EC’s, good SAT’s.</p>
<p>I’ve heard that Harvard values recs, so perhaps stellar (and I mean stellar) recs could sway the adcoms’ decision. Not a guarantee, however.</p>
<p>And I think that an “average” applicant to Harvard would be at least top 10% with a 2150-2200+ SAT score, and solid ECs. However, these factors help you fit into the applicant pool. You still need other things to stand out.</p>
<p>1) Being a minority who has a compelling personal story and great recommendations to back up character. (“What a Nice Person That My Son/Daughter Should Marry” Ticket)</p>
<p>2) Being very, very, very well connected with recommendations from the right people. (“Insider Trading” Ticket)</p>
<p>3) A phenomenal, easy-and-entertaining-to-read essay. (“For Being the Coolest and Most Enjoyable Application Ever” Ticket)</p>
<p>4) Being better that everyone else in one area. (“Because I Can’t Crochet At All But You Are the Best In the World, and That’s Just Random” Ticket)</p>
<p>Do you have what it takes? No, I didn’t think so. 
Take your chance with the rest of us!</p>
<p>does one have to declare a major while applying? i’d guess a strong interest in some obscure area of study would certainly help…</p>
<p>Being really good at a sport and getting recruited will certainly help.</p>
<p>Compromising photographs of William Fitzsimmons.</p>
<p>Hmm, blackmail? Probably anyone’s best shot.</p>
<p>in the past it has been suggested that <em>ahem</em> being “friendly” with the eh male or female adcom, depending on your sex or his/her sexual preference… lol jk jk… REALLY TOTALLY JOKING!! >< am i the only one who’s often afraid to joke because often afraid that an adcom or some other super duper important person might be strolling around… ??</p>
<p>Haha, no, I think we all share in that feeling yubi :o</p>
<p>Why does Harvard place such emphasis on recs? Teachers bull**** those the whole time.</p>
<p>If we knew, a larger portion of the applicant pool would be getting in.</p>
<p>The adcoms can probably tell the difference between a BSed rec and a genuine rec.</p>