Academics:
* Rigorous Coursework: Taking the most challenging courses available to you is crucial. This means AP, IB, honors, or college-level classes in subjects you're passionate about and strong in. They want to see you push yourself academically.
* Strong GPA: While not the only factor, a high GPA demonstrates consistent academic excellence. Focus on understanding the material, not just getting good grades.
* Demonstrated Interest: Show sustained interest in a particular subject area. This could involve independent study, advanced coursework, or significant involvement in relevant extracurricular activities.
Extracurricular Activities:
* Depth over Breadth: Focus on a few activities where you can demonstrate significant commitment, leadership, and impact, rather than superficially participating in many.
* Meaningful Involvement: Harvard values genuine engagement. Choose activities that align with your passions and allow you to make a difference. Leadership roles are highly valued but not essential.
* Showing Growth and Development: Admissions officers look for evidence of growth, perseverance, and learning from experiences (both successes and failures). They want to see your evolution over time.
Personal Qualities:
* Intellectual Curiosity: Show genuine intellectual curiosity and a love of learning. Explore your passions outside of the classroom.
* Passion and Commitment: Demonstrate passion and commitment to your chosen pursuits. This could be reflected in extracurricular activities, personal projects, or community involvement.
* Leadership and Collaboration: Showcase leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and the ability to work effectively with others.
* Unique Perspective: Highlight what makes you unique and what you can contribute to the Harvard community. This might be your background, experiences, or perspectives.
Application Materials:
* Strong Essays: Your essays are crucial. They are your opportunity to tell your story, showcase your personality, and reflect on your experiences in a thoughtful and compelling way. Honesty, originality, and self-reflection are vital.
* Meaningful Recommendations: Seek recommendations from teachers and counselors who know you well and can speak to your abilities and character authentically.
* Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT): While test-optional, strong scores can still be beneficial, especially if your GPA doesn't fully reflect your potential.
In short: Harvard wants students who are intellectually curious, driven, compassionate, and possess a unique perspective. They want to see a record of consistent achievement, meaningful engagement, and authentic self-expression. Focusing on a few things deeply, rather than spreading yourself thin, is key. Remember that admission is highly competitive; focusing on what you can control – your effort and application – is the best strategy.