<p>Harvard, being the most prestigious school, (I think) really likes plain smart people with the exception of extracurricular activities. Like EVERY college, Harvard loves ECs without doubt. But half of the people (it seems, but probably wrong statistic) that are granted admission to Harvard have lower than a 4.0 GPA. You may think "What?~!!" Yes, people admitted to Harvard do have 4.7 & up GPA, but MANY of them have 3.7~4.0 GPA. Isn't it amazing? But having a 4.0 GPA and expecting to get into Harvard is NOT for everyone. EVERYONE that is admitted to Harvard do have 3.8 GPA have 2300 or higher SAT with about five SAT2 that scroe 800. This proves that Harvard does look for many just "smart" people. Maybe, they are from extremely rigorous high schools and that's the only reason that they get low GPAs. Well, who says colleges don't like plain smart people with some good EC's?</p>
<p>sure. it's harvard. why won't they like SMART people?</p>
<p>By far one of the most insightful threads I've seen on CC. Ever.</p>
<p>Busted: Colleges don't like plain smart people.</p>
<p>You should join the Myth Busters.</p>
<p>Captain Obvious</p>
<p>I don't really understand this post</p>
<p>Actually this is what they look for in candidates:</p>
<p>Admission requirements:</p>
<pre><code>* Interview required
* Essay(s) required
* SAT Reasoning or ACT with writing Required
* SAT Subject Tests Required
</code></pre>
<p>Considered:</p>
<pre><code>* Alumni Relation
* Character/Personal Qualities
* Class Rank
* Application Essay
* Extracurricular Activities
* Geographical Residence
* Interview
* Racial/Ethnic Status
* Recommendations
* Rigor of secondary school record
* Standardized Test Scores
* Talent/Ability
* Volunteer Work
* Work Experience
* Academic GPA
* First generation college student
</code></pre>
<p>They don't consider intellect as a criterion for admission.</p>
<p>The thread title made me laugh a lot.</p>
<p>Wait, wait, wait, this is a ridiculous statement. Harvard? Liking...smart people? OUTRAGEOUS! Next you'll tell me is that high SAT scores are better than low ones.</p>
<p>vicissitudes,
VERY "INSIGHTFUL" indeed, stats copy/pasted directly off College Board's "official" college analysis list. </p>
<p>In fact, EC's actually weigh much more than sats, gpas, and class rank all combined. Academics only account for around 25% of the college admissions criteria. The other 75% or more: ECs, ECs, ECs...plus a bit of unusual/superbe talent/achievement (like being nominated for academy award, winning the olympics gold medal, or being elected mayor of your city<< actually that has happened at place recently, an 18 year old winning city election).</p>
<p>An 18 year old is running to be on the school board in my district. If he gets elected he plans on attending Rutgers so he can serve his term while in college.</p>
<p>Keke...you caught me. :o</p>