* SAT/ACT scores: Exceptional scores are expected.
* Course rigor: Did you take the most challenging courses available at your high school? Did you take AP, IB, or honors classes?
* Extracurricular activities: What are your passions outside of academics? Do you have leadership roles and significant accomplishments in these areas?
* Letters of recommendation: Strong recommendations from teachers and counselors who can speak to your character and abilities are crucial.
* Essays: Your essays provide a chance to showcase your personality, experiences, and aspirations. They need to be compelling and well-written.
* Talent/Skills: Do you have any unique talents or skills (e.g., music, art, athletics) that you've developed to a high level?
* Background and context: Harvard considers your background and the circumstances you've overcome.
Even with outstanding grades, a competitive applicant pool means that other applicants will likely have similarly impressive academic records. The overall package—the combination of all these factors—determines admission. Having a 3.9 and 4.5 GPA significantly improves your chances, but it doesn't guarantee admission to Harvard.