While many colleges do want a great academic record, GPA is not the only factor to gain acceptance into Harvard. Rigorous coursework is looked upon in the best light. While you may have a 4.0 GPA, if that 4.0 is based off of work in basic Business Math and English, and History courses, you probably will not have much success. If a student takes Advanced Placement courses in Math, English and Science, as well as other subjects, he may fare better. Typically, students who get accepted into Harvard graduate in the top 10 to 15 percent of their class.
Harvard, like most universities and colleges in the United States require you to take an aptitude exam. The two main types are ACT and SAT. SAT I refers to the general admission test required by most universities and SAT II refers to the Subject Tests. Harvard requires three additional SAT Subject Tests aside from the general exam; there is no preference between the SAT I and ACT. Students should take the ACT by mid-February and/or the SAT I and II by mid January. According to Admission Consultants, the 2009-2010 statistics for entry-level Harvard freshmen indicate SAT scores averaged around 2080 to 2370 and ACT scores ranged from 31 to 35.
Academic scores and tests are not enough to get into an elite school, such as Harvard. With so many bright students graduating from high school and so much competition,you should be able to stand out from the crowd. Good grades and test scores may not be enough to get in. Besides having an outstanding academic record, Harvard looks at students who demonstrate excellence in areas such as community service, sports or other extracurricular activities. For example, an athlete who breaks state records for his high school football team, scores well above 2000 on his SAT and has a perfect GPA from Advanced Placement courses may have a good chance of getting accepted.
Teachers who know you well, especially within the last two years of high school should submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. They provide the most valuable information to admissions officers who are navigating through thousands of admissions applications. Though not necessarily required, an interview can be arranged between Harvard and a representative within your local community.
Because of the high expense of tuition at Harvard, many students will need some form of financial aid. Harvard has an established deadline of March 1st. Before you are even accepted, you should submit your financial aid forms (if needed) by that deadline before the school year begins. The university makes its decision in April and students are notified. Prior to the start of the school year, students who are admitted will receive information on the amount of financial aid, if any, they will receive.