Academics, ECs, etc and chances

<p>Wondering if anyone knew what is usually the average GPA, SAT score for Harvard? And do ECs really have to be amazing? Basically, do you have to be super amazing, like Math Olympiad or have literature awards, etc to get in? Or would you still have high chances of getting in with 3.7 GPA UW, high sat scores (2300?), and good ECs but nothing spectacular (classical music awards - interlochen, tanglewood, state competition prizes, carnegie hall, lots of community service and president of a service club...)?</p>

<p>From what I've learned, with those stats, all one has is a 9% chance of getting in, and about a 5% chance if your a male from NY like me :(</p>

<p>From what I get from the Untangling the Ivy League 2006, Verbal Range: 700-800, Math Range: 700-790, 96% in top 10% of high school class. ACT Verbal Range:30-35, ACT Math Range:30-35. Hope this clarifies some things.</p>

<p>Yeah, but even with much better grades, the chances are still around 9% unless you have a great hook.</p>

<p>what would be a "great" hook? Accomplished musician? Living abroad for most of one's life? Great in athletics? etc, Some examples???</p>

<p>Exactly, an accomplished musician who played in carnegie hall or something, an athlete who is top 5 in the state, one who has published his/her own book, or even one who became a finalist of the Intel Talent Search Contest. There are many more unique things, but think along those lines. However, I don't think living abroad for most of one's life is a "great" hook. Getting good grades will not cut it. But please I suggest you don't just take my words for it, I'm still learning more myself, for as you can see, I am new to this site myself.</p>