What kind of students do Harvard want?

While the heart of the matter will always lie in academic promise, we prize candidates with special talents and with outstanding personal qualities; we are interested in students who excel in one or more extracurricular activities; and we seek a distinctive and diverse national and international student body.

What type of students does Harvard look for?

Harvard values well-rounded individuals who have actively engaged in extracurricular activities, demonstrating leadership, initiative, and a commitment to their communities. The university looks for candidates who have made a positive impact in areas that align with their interests and passions.

What is the personality of a Harvard student?

Harvard students are generous with their time, knowledge, and energy. They help each other out, even when they aren't guaranteed anything in return. They volunteer to share knowledge they possess when people are too afraid to ask for it.

What classes does Harvard want?

Four years of English with a strong writing component. Four years of mathematics. Four years of science, including biology, chemistry, physics, and an advanced course. Three years of history, including European and U.S. history.

What kind of average do you need to get into Harvard?

What GPA should I have? Applicants should be between 3.9 and 4.0 to be strong candidates for admission to this school. Having less than this will require compensating by increasing your SAT or ACT score.

5 Harvard Students Answer the Web's Most Searched Questions 👀

How can I increase my chances of getting into Harvard?

What are my odds of getting into Harvard?

Admissions Rate: 3.2%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are. The acceptance rate at Harvard is 3.2%. For every 100 applicants, only 3 are admitted.

How do I prepare my child for Harvard?

What is the most popular course at Harvard to study?

Who decides who gets into Harvard?

Applications are read by members of the forty-person Admissions Committee, and are considered very carefully in a series of committee meetings where a majority vote is required for admission. The entire process requires several months.

What are the Big Five personality traits Harvard?

What does Harvard look for in essays?

Essay topics include: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success.

What is Harvard impressed by?

Stellar grades, impressive extracurriculars and based on a recently published study, having deep pockets and a parent who either works or went there. Those last two are pretty important for Harvard's white students because only about 57% of them were admitted to the school based on merit.

What is the Z list at Harvard?

The Z-List is a special category of admission that allows Harvard to accept students who are the children of mega-donors or other highly influential people. Harvard University has a secret way of admitting students who have influential connections but low academic scores: the Z-List.

What does Harvard mostly focus on?

The mission of Harvard College is to educate the citizens and citizen-leaders for our society. We do this through our commitment to the transformative power of a liberal arts and sciences education.

What does Harvard look at when accepting students?

There is no formula for gaining admission to Harvard. Academic accomplishment in high school is important, but the Admissions Committee also considers many other criteria, such as community involvement, leadership and distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character.

What percent of kids get into Harvard?

Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 3%. Half the applicants admitted to Harvard University who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1490 and 1580 or an ACT score of 34 and 36. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.

What is the unhappiest job at Harvard?

What is the failing rate at Harvard?

The College's graduation rate is normally 98 percent, among the highest at American colleges and universities. Everyone admitted to Harvard has the ability to complete all academic requirements successfully.

What is the hardest degree in the world?

Law is officially the hardest subject to get a first class degree in, and involves more reading that you can imagine.

Can I realistically get into Harvard?

Harvard University is a highly competitive school with an acceptance rate of 4.64%. The Harvard Early Action acceptance rate was 7.9% for the class of 2026. Nearly 60,000 applicants applied for the Harvard class of 2025, a marked increase from just over 40,000 the previous year.

Is it expensive to go to Harvard?

It costs around $80,000 a year. However, Harvard offers excellent financial aid for those who need it. The aid is based on family income.

Why is Harvard so prestigious?

Founded in 1636 as Harvard College and named for its first benefactor, the Puritan clergyman John Harvard, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Its influence, wealth, and rankings have made it one of the most prestigious universities in the world.