Ok, so my question is very specific to me, but how many Bs on my transcript is ok for me to still be able to be considered in the Harvard Admissions Process? I will have 4 Bs on my transcript: Freshman-1 B (Honors Algebra II/Trig), Sophomore-2 Bs (Honors Precalculus and Honors Chemistry) Junior (Honors Physics w/Calc). I have taken my fair share of APs and I plan to heavily brand myself as a humanities student. Can subject tests or a high SAT score cancel these out? My essays and extracurriculars are also very strong.
There is no magic number, and admissions is holistic. That said, the average unweighted GPA of accepted students has traditionally been in the 3.94 range.
Ok thank you! I know that Harvard is a reach for everybody, I just wanted to know if my application would even be considered or if they would simply toss it out because it didn’t meet their requirements.
Your grades don’t preclude admission, especially if you took the most rigorous classes in your school, but remember that the vast majority of students, even with perfect grades and scores, are not admitted. You should develop a healthy list of colleges, including a few targets and likely schools that you’d love to attend. Good luck!
If you are a top student at your school, like a valedictorian, Bs are no issues.
There’s no magic number. But as you drop below the level of most applicants, the stronger/more outstanding your story needs to be.
From the latest CDS, 93% had a 3.75 or higher. Below that level, and even at the lower end of that range, you probably need something, or a few things, very special.
Nothing even will “cancel out” grades. It may provide a strong story in part of your portfolio, to go along with a weaker portion related to grades. But grades will always be extremely important.
Also be aware that high SAT and subject test scores will be relatively common among Harvard applicants. Very few of them get admitted.
Thousands will have nothing less than an A. And with rigor and the right balance of ECs and stretch, in and out of the hs. Be very aware just how tricky this is. If you’re from a highly competitive area, with lots of top performers who apply, it’s all the tougher, that much harder to overcome.
It’s hopeful to hear some kids do get in with Bs. A big chunk will be athletes or others with connections. The reality is you have to know a lot about the college, what it wants and looks for, to nail your whole application.
We don’t know what you think it means to “brand” yourself. But you’re dealing with a context where they can expect strengths all around- not just in one area. And the idea is what you “show, not just tell.” So be as informed as possible and be realistic.