How to Get Accepted to Harvard
Harvard University is one of the best and most prestigious schools in the country. Despite popular belief, Harvard accepts students not just based on their academic prowess. Read on more to find out exactly what it takes to be accepted to Harvard University.
Academics
It goes without saying that to get into Harvard University, you must first have excellent grades. High A’s are the best grades, although getting high B’s are acceptable as well. Anything below that, such as low B’s to D’s, are unacceptable. Remember that you have to have good grades all throughout high school. If you need to hire a tutor or put in extra study hours to attain good grades, do it by all means.
Extracurricular Activities
Harvard University prizes a well-rounded student. This means that your extracurricular activity should reflect on who you are as a person. Athletics, volunteer work, leadership and activities that are relevant to your course choice. For example, if you want to be a vet, your record must reflect extracurricular activities that are relevant to your desired course.
SATs
You must take and have a high score in your SAT exam. Remember that Harvard University only takes the best, and a high SATs score is one of the things they take into consideration. Getting a high score in your SATs is definitely a good thing, so make sure that you study well for it!
Application
Start the application process before you graduate from high school. Keep in mind that Harvard’s tuition fee reaches $40,000 a year, so you should also start applying for financial aid or a scholarship.
Write a good essay. Do not hide behind a veil of modesty, and make the most out of your credentials. Make your essay sound confident but not bragging. Including a good human interest story at the heart of it never fails to tug on the heartstrings of the essay examiners.
If you come from a relatively well-to-do family, don’t be too specific on what your successful parents do. Sure, your mother may be in a prestigious law firm, but remember that by being specific, her accomplishments may be compared to yours. Your grades and performance may be deemed too average from the progeny of well-known parents. Being truthful but not being overly specific helps level the field.
Your recommendation letters should detail your development in learning, but at the same time highlight your accomplishments. Downplaying in your letters may seem like the modest thing to do, but if downplayed enough, could seriously hurt your chances.
Interview
Dress well and appropriately for your interview. Speak clearly. Be polite and gracious. Try not to veer into controversial issues and instead focus yourself on why you should be admitted in Harvard University. Don’t be nervous, and show an unbroken state of calm.
Backup Plan
No matter how assured you are that you are going to get into Harvard, you should apply to other schools and colleges as well. This is to ensure that you do have a college to go to should Harvard choose not to admit you. It happens more often than not, so it’s better to be prepared.