<p>Hi guys :) Just curious as to how the Harvard admissions committee actually works. I'd really appreciate any general insights, as well as answers to the following questions.</p>
<ul>
<li>Does Harvard use a specific Academic Index system, or a 7-point system on Extra-curriculars and other parts of your app? I've heard about these, but never from official sources. Anyone care to elaborate?</li>
<li>What are the different stages of processing the application, and how do those committees work?</li>
<li>How involved is the Dean of Admission in each applicant's acceptance, and how much of it rests on the regional admissions officer (how do I find out who that is?).</li>
<li>Does Harvard give an idea on a timeline for reading applications? Say, they give apps their first reading from Jan 1 to Feb 15, then end their committee sessions on Mar 15?</li>
<li>What are the recommended dates for application updates? Would the second week of March probably be too late?</li>
<li>Would anyone have any links to resources that actually outline it, or do none of these accounts officially come from the admissions office itself?</li>
<li>How often are likely letters sent out, and are international applicants more likely to get them?</li>
</ul>
<p>Some of these, to me, seem like obvious questions that I've rarely heard answers to. To other anxious/curious applicants: please do add more questions. Thanks everyone. Happy waiting! :)</p>