Harvard EA?

[hsgraduate2017]

I am considering applying to Harvard EA, but to be honest, I am not quite sure if I am the type of student Harvard is looking to admit EA. Does Harvard ever admit a decent number of smart involved high-scoring kids who don’t have a crazy hook (winner of int’l competition/legacy/lab research/recruit athlete)?

Also, what does Harvard like to see someone express in their Common App essay?

Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[gibby]

Does Harvard ever admit a decent number of smart involved high-scoring kids who don’t have a crazy hook (winner of int’l competition/legacy/lab research/recruit athlete)?

Yes

What does Harvard like to see someone express in their Common App essay?

Authenticity. Intellectual vitality. This from a Princeton Admissions officer, but Harvard looks for the same thing

QUESTION: You hear admission officers and counselors talk about how important the essay is and how it shows that you are not just a test score. The importance, however, is still not clear. What exactly does an admission officer think as he goes about an applicant’s essay? What does he look for? What works in the applicant’s favor?

ANSWER: Your ability to write well is critical to our decision because your writing reflects your thinking. No matter what question is asked on a college application, admission officers are looking to see how well you convey your ideas and express yourself in writing. It is our window to your world.

Your command of the English language, whether or not you are a native speaker, is important because you will be asked to write extensively when you get to our campuses.

The best applications come from students who have spent time writing their essays, editing their work, and refining their message.

In other words, you can write a wonderful essay about any topic. You can also write a horrible essay about the same subject. It all depends on what you say and how you say it. If you google “50 successful harvard application essays - SlideShare” you can view sample essays.

[psywar]

@hsgraduate2017 I think some of my son’s most powerful writing was in response to Princeton’s short answer questions. He was honest, vulnerable, authentic. A reader would “know” my son after reading his responses. I think being interesting and relatable is critical to elite admissions and your essays are the main vehicle of getting across “you”.