<p>Do normal smart kids (ex. Those with 2300+ 4.0+ loads of APs and solid extracurriculars), but nothing geniunely AMAZING (such as USAMO USABO USACO USAPHO INTEL) and that sort of stuff get into Harvard?</p>
<p>First off: Normal is not 2300 SAT, 4.0 GPA, loads of APs and solid extracurriculars. That is indeed extra-special, even though many students do achieve that result. </p>
<p>Second: At that level, much is subjective – especially in the areas where nuance comes into play: essays, extracurriculars and passion. </p>
<p>One of my favorite College Admissions quotes is from “Acing The College Application” by Michele A. Hernandez:</p>
<p>"You represent an investment for the college. Like any investor, colleges seek an aggressive return on their investment. Therefore, they look for students who are active, show leadership, and have demonstratable skills in a specific area such as music or sports – in short, those who will make a difference, those who will be remembered for years.</p>
<p>Colleges look for students who show initiative and passion. Those are the two mantras you need to repeat over and over as you fill out our application. Think passion and intellectual depth. If there is one single area that Admissions Officers are looking for above all others, it is intellectual firepower. Though there are many valedictorians, there are few that show a deep and sincere love of learning. Those are the ones that are accepted most often into the most selective colleges."</p>
<p>I’m not sure if the kids that Michele describes would be considered “normal”, but those students are the ones who are accepted most often into Harvard.</p>