<p>After seeing so many brilliant students deferred from Harvard EA, I keep wondering what that extra something is that merits an EA acceptance letter. </p>
<p>Some say that it's a "hook", but this isn't always the case, since winners of prestigious competitions are often deferred and then rejected.</p>
<p>Some say that it's "character" that often gets you in, but many of the deferred students have amazing stats, national awards, and amazing personalities, from what I've seen.</p>
<p>Some say it's just luck, that sometimes, we can't control the decisions of admissions officers.</p>
<p>So what do you think is that extra something that is required for an EA acceptance? Please don't include hooks such as URM status, legacy, or athletics; most of us know about these already.</p>
<p>Ugh, I hate it when people bold the words "YOU" as in what do YOU think! Oh well. Just my pet peeve. Not a big deal.</p>
<p>Anyways, I think that any passion you can convey to them will help. We need an operational definition of "passion" so here:
A "passion" is an extra curricular activity that you have devoted an ample amount of time to, in which you are sucessful, and perhaps have something significant to back it up.</p>
<p>For example lets say your passion is speech. If you are the state champion in speech, founded a speech club and performed a public speaking service as a volunteer for a while, than it is a legitimate passion you can use to spark Harvard's interest.</p>
<p>One thing I should mention, not all passions are equal. I like to run. I run everyday. I'm in track and I ran a marathon. Still, according to most people on this site, it won't help me much. I am going to use something I am equally good at and enjoy instead.</p>
<p>So bascially, choose an interesting passion well. Write an essay on it. Show them that you love what you are doing and you'll be fine.</p>
<p>Well, Harvard isn't going to accept anyone who has ever been devoted to one thing. I'm sure most, if not all, applicants have one true passion that they can argue and convey. The problem is, what you find passionate and necessary, they may not. Things like Intel Finalist, TASP, or USAMO, they are rare and on a national level. They show that not only did you pursue something for a long time, but you also went beyond to a degree that many (besides the select 100 or 40) students ever make. Make yourself stand out, be recognize. Show your confidence and passion, and hopefully Harvard (and any Ivy, in my opinion) will agree, thus accepting you.</p>
<p>LOL, another elitist CC thread...you certainly don't need any national level caliber to get into Harvard. I know several people that were accepted EA and they are normal for the most part albeit high test scores and GPA. Just be genuine and amazing things can happen.</p>
<p>Well, Sorry EAD, I didn't mean to sound elitist. I meant it on the terms that would address his question: Something that will nearly ASSURE admissions into Harvard--the REAL hooks. But, of course, you can get into Harvard for just being you.</p>
<p>for me:
1. sufficient test scores.
2. high class rank.
3. recommendations which highlight DIFFERENT aspects of my character and accomplishments; i ended up sending seven recommendation letters.
4. great essay with a lot of voice-- DIFFERENT style and topic.
5. decent interview.</p>
<ol>
<li>I sent 2.</li>
<li>And a fairly formulaic essay, though I think it revealed more about me with less direct exposition than most essays do.</li>
</ol>
<p>I think if you have the absolute top scores and grades then you have a good chance of being able to sell them on passion or whatever. Otherwise, it's simply a numbers game: so many applicants for so few spots that the decisions can be somewhat arbitrary, and/or vary year to year, region to region, etc. in ways that are not arbitrary.</p>