<p>I am just wondering what is more important when applying to an Ivy like Harvard:</p>
<li><p>Perfect grades, all 5s on APs, Honours, College courses, etc</p></li>
<li><p>Impressive ECs (ie founder/president of successful clubs, research, mentorship, varsity sports, etc)</p></li>
<li><p>Unique or Uncommon ECs (ie horror author, screenplay writer, professional artist, founder of non-profit organization, etc)</p></li>
<li><p>Hooks (ie URM, professionally published, lived in 5 countries, fluent in 4 languages, etc)</p></li>
<li><p>Other (you tell me)</p></li>
</ol>
<p>None of the above.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Good enough grades - mostly A's, hardest curriculum your school offers, perhaps some indications of looking for opportunities learning beyond your high school if your interests aren't met there. Some top students will get accepted purely on academic grounds, but it will be for work way beyond AP level.</p></li>
<li><p>Good enough SAT scores - for most students minimally 650 with 700+ in at least some areas. </p></li>
<li><p>EC's of some sort - preferably in line with your interests, not just a huge laundry list. Unique ECs such as you mentioned are a definite plus. </p></li>
<li><p>Hooks help: sports the most probably, legacy approximately doubles your chances (still only 20% though), world class musicianship etc., URM is obviously a boost but not a guarantee</p></li>
</ol>
<p>While Harvard will always accept some top academics, but what they are really looking for is smart interesting people who will be leaders in their fields. Identifying future leaders is an art not a science, but it doesn't require being president or founder of a bunch of clubs nor does it require perfect grades.</p>
<p>Thank you, that's really good advice.
Now to prove I'll be the leader in my field...</p>
<p>yea being a recruited athlete is the best hook for sure. also don't forget that your essays count for A LOT.</p>