<p>there is nothing wrong with asking what Harvard might like. it shows that you have direction. anything constructive and challenging will help your chance of getting in to Harvard or other top schools. Having said that, in general it will help you a very small amount in the context of your overall achievements, grades, focus, awards, ecs, etc. It would not help disproportionately. Kind of like getting 20 tickets to a lottery instead of 19. Every ticket helps but generally still good to think of Harvard as a bit of a 7% chance lottery (if you meet the general criteria for the school). Don’t be discouraged. I paraphrase AdCom of MIT - work hard, do what you enjoy, be nice to other people and you have done all that you can really do.</p>