<p>Just tell me!! What do I need to get into Harvard? I'm a current high school sophomore who will do anything. What are they looking for? What do I need? I'll find a way to do it.</p>
<p>I count as Hispanic, so that should help me. I get mostly As (maybe one or two Bs), but I fear for my ECs. Just how radical and "spectacular" do they need to be? </p>
<p>Thank you! I really want to make this happen. :) </p>
<p>-npumpkin</p>
<p>Slam dunk if your dad is a millionaire willing to make a big donation. </p>
<p>If you’re not rich, then you’re in the same boat as tens of thousands other applicants: you need very good grades, very good SATs, interesting ECs, a compelling essay – and luck!</p>
<p>As to how good your stats need to be – check out the Harvard thread where accepted/rejected/deferred students post their stats and ECs.</p>
<p>there is no answer to this question.</p>
<p>There is no clear-cut path or set of instructions. If there were, lots of people would follow the instructions and be accepted!</p>
<p>You need to do the best job you can in high school, doing what you love.</p>
<p>Have a well-rounded set of applications. If you have the stats, include Harvard as a wild, crap-shoot reach. It’s a crap-shoot for everyone.</p>
<p>And include other schools that you can afford and love.</p>
<p>1) Get a 4.0 UW. Aim for a 4.5 Weighted.
2) Minimum of 2300 SAT. more is better
3) Take the hardest courses in HS(as many Ap IB honors)[tied into #1]
4) Play the French horn for a minimum of 7 years.
5) Publish in several journals that are nationally recognized.
6) Start a charitable foundation to give cows to tribes in Africa
7) Overcome cancer, any kind will do.
8) Write an essay that is at once long and short, full of meaning and depth and poetry.
9) be president of every club and organization you can find.
10) Be adopted by a US president. </p>
<p>ten easy steps to a 10% chance at Harvard</p>
<p>make sure that you are the son of a diplomat, or royalty of some country. Then you are guaranteed. Or your dad can donate like 2 mill.</p>
<p>ESSAY IS HUGEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Just went to an info night with Harvard. They stressed the essay over and over and over again. Because most people who apply have great grades, great EC’s and great test scores. So the essay sets you apart.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for all the advice! (Even the sarcastic bits.) I know getting into Harvard is an incredible challenge, but hey, it’s worth trying, right? I go to a really competitive prep school, so getting a 4.00 UW is basically out of the question. Not even the valedictorian gets it. How much do you think they’ll take that into account (the difficulty of my school)?</p>
<p>They will definitely take it into account (that is where your class rank comes in).</p>