<p>For those accepted into Harvard, could you just tell us how you managed to get in? Like what your academic/ECs/community service etc. credentials are. Thanks (:</p>
<p>Reading the decisions thread is helpful. But don’t try to emulate what others have done. Do what makes YOU happy and do it well.</p>
<p>I would agree with runnerxc. I was accepted, but I don’t think anything in my application could be replicated, honestly. Most of my app was super unique to me, which probably is the one thing that helps. In a pool that is so homogeneous, standing out matters more now than ever.</p>
<p>So what specifically did you guys do? I’m not sure whether the things I’ve done are considered ‘unique’ enough…</p>
<p>You need to uniquely stand out. There’s not one or a few “magic” application components that gets you accepted. It really just depends.</p>
<p>All the posters above me are wrong. There is a secret formula. I have it. 50 bucks. PM me.</p>
<p>Wow… The OP actually messaged me asking for the secret formula… I don’t think you should be applying to Harvard man.</p>
<p>There’s luck involved. Never forget that.</p>
<p>I was accepted and I’m not really super amazing at anything nor that unique. I had good grades, took the hardest classes, good test scores, and probably good recommendations because I was a nice to my teachers. But I’m sure most applicants were like that if not better. What may have stood out the most was my art portfolio and the fact that I listed compsci as my intended major, writing about how I wanted to combine the two subjects. Apparently, only 22 compsci majors applied and I’m sure not many of those were girls. So that may have made me unique. </p>
<p>But I enjoy art, computer science, and learning. I did what I wanted to do, always tried my hardest, and was an honest and respectful person. I think that stands out.</p>
<p>@Jyuunya - where did you hear/find the “22 compsci majors” statistic?</p>
<p>My daughter is a computer science admit also. Reading your story was identical to her. Good luck to you!!</p>
<p>[895</a> admitted through Early Action | Harvard Gazette](<a href=“http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2012/12/895-admitted-through-early-action/]895”>895 admitted through Early Action – Harvard Gazette)</p>
<p>“The number interested in engineering rose from 74 to 89, physical sciences from 64 to 82, mathematics from 52 to 64, and computer science from 14 to 22.”</p>
<p>Re the Harvard Gazette article, not sure if that means 22 applied or 22 were accepted, as the numbers in the paragraph above (re minority students) refer to those accepted.</p>
<p>I was unsure of the wording as well. Although, I do think a small number accepted does indicate that a small number applied.</p>
<p>Jyunnya:</p>
<p>I am going to submit an art portfolio to colleges as well. Any tips/recommendations/ways to create my art portfolio? (I am best at drawing and sketching)</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>