【Harvard University Admission Preparation Guide】 – A Parent’s Guide to Successful College Admission for Your Child

This text serves as a comprehensive guide for students aspiring to gain acceptance into prestigious universities in the United States, with a particular focus on Harvard University. The insights provided are drawn from current data and examples, which are subject to change each year, and are intended to support parents in assisting their children with the college admissions process.

Now, let us delve into the specifics of Harvard University.

1. Introduction
Harvard University holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and is widely regarded as one of the most esteemed universities globally. Harvard is renowned for its excellence across various academic disciplines, particularly in the realms of academic prowess, leadership, and the potential to make significant contributions to global society. If your child aspires to attend Harvard, let us examine the specific preparations required.

2. University Admission Statistics and Application Requirements
a. Recent Admissions Statistics (as of 2023)

– Total number of applicants: 56,937
– Total number of accepted applicants: 1,965
– Acceptance Rate: Approximately 3.5%
– Average Freshman SAT Score: 25%-75% range is 1500-1580
– Average Freshman GPA: 4.2

3. Importance of Consideration Factors in Admission Decisions
a. Academic Factors
– High school grades and curriculum rigor
– Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
– Essays
– Recommendations

b. Non-Academic Factors
– Extracurricular activities
– Personal characteristics and leadership
– Alumni relations
– Community service and societal contributions

4. Academic Preparation
a. Recommended High School Curriculum
– English: 4 years
– Mathematics: 4 years (including advanced mathematics)
– Science: 4 years (including physics, chemistry, biology, etc.)
– Foreign Language: 4 years
– History & Social Science: 4-5 years

b. Academic Qualities Valued by Harvard
Harvard places a high value on a passion for and curiosity about academic challenges, as well as original thinking. It is not solely about achieving high grades, but rather about demonstrating depth and breadth in academic exploration and perseverance in scholarly inquiry.

c. Application Requirements
– SAT/ACT scores (TEST REQUIRED)
– Essay: Content that reveals the student’s personality and aspirations
– Recommendations: Reliable evaluations from teachers or counselors

5. Extracurricular Activities and Leadership
a. Types of Extracurricular Activities Preferred by Harvard
Harvard favors activities that showcase the applicant’s passion and depth. Examples include scientific research, art projects, and volunteer activities, where quality takes precedence over quantity.

b. Importance of Leadership Experience
Leadership is a crucial element that Harvard highly values. Experiences in leadership roles within student councils, clubs, and volunteer activities demonstrate the applicant’s organizational and responsibility skills.

6. Financial Aid and Scholarships
a. Harvard’s Financial Aid Policy
– Harvard offers full financial support to all students in need.
– For households with an income below $85,000, tuition is fully waived.
– Average financial aid amount: approximately $67,990

b. Financial Aid Application Process and Key Deadlines
– Submission of CSS Profile and FAFSA is required
– Application deadlines: Early Decision – November 1, Regular Decision – January 1

7. Additional Materials: Profiles of Three Successful Applicants
Student Profile 1: A
– GPA: 4.0/4.0
– SAT: 1580
– Extracurricular Activities:
– National Science Olympiad 1st Place: Solved complex problems through scientific thinking and participated as a member of the national team. Also achieved top ranks in international competitions.
– President of a local volunteer organization: Planned and led various volunteer activities to positively impact the community, especially organizing successful science camps for low-income students.

Student Profile 2: B
– GPA: 3.95/4.0
– ACT: 35
– Extracurricular Activities:
– International Mathematics Competition Winner: Demonstrated outstanding performance in both team projects and individual sections, gaining international recognition for mathematical creativity and logical thinking.
– School Music Competition Winner: As a piano major, excelled in performances and participated in various concerts representing the school and community.

Student Profile 3: C
– GPA: 4.0/4.0
– SAT: 1570
– Extracurricular Activities:
– Physics Research Project: Conducted advanced physics research under the guidance of a local university professor and published a paper in the school science journal. Gained attention for original and experimental approaches.
– International Science Fair Award: Advanced to the international finals with a project that combined chemistry and biology, receiving recognition for originality and practicality.

8. Additional Essay (Additional Essay)
The following required five short answer questions invite you to reflect on and share how your life experiences and academic and extracurricular activities have shaped you, how you will engage with others at Harvard, and your aspirations for the future. Each question can be answered in about 100 words.

Question #1: Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that have shaped who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard? (Max.: 150 words)

Question #2: Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue. How did you communicate or engage with this person? What did you learn from this experience? (Max.: 150 words)

Question #3: Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are. (Max.: 150 words)

Question #4: How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future? (Max.: 150 words)

Question #5: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you. (Max.: 150 words)

9. What Harvard Ultimately Wants to Know Through Additional Essays
Harvard seeks a comprehensive understanding of how each applicant’s diverse backgrounds and life experiences have contributed to their growth as individuals with values and how they can contribute to the community. Specifically:

Values of Diversity and Inclusivity
The first question (diverse life experiences) asks how the applicant’s unique backgrounds, identities, values, etc., can contribute to the Harvard community. Harvard values not just being ‘different’ but considers how such ‘differences’ can help the community grow together.

Critical Thinking and Communication Skills, Collaboration Attitude
The second question (disagreement situation) assesses how open-minded the applicant is in resolving issues that arise from conflicting opinions and evaluates communication and leadership skills. This shows that the university seeks students who can collaborate well, flexibly use critical thinking, and maturely coordinate opinions even in conflict situations.

Self-Growth Process and Initiative
The third question (extracurricular activities, work, family responsibilities) provides an opportunity to show how the applicant has grown through experiences outside of academics and what core values or competencies they have built. This aims to understand how the student has expanded their sense of responsibility through various roles.

Future Orientation and Vision
The fourth question (using Harvard education) checks how specific the applicant’s future plans are and how they want to connect the Harvard experience to social or academic development. Harvard expects responses that consider the values of ‘leadership and public service’ that it aspires to and connect them with personal academic and personal aspirations.

Personal Charm, Human Aspects
The fifth question (things roommates might want to know) is an item that lightly showcases the applicant’s human side, unique tastes, personality, and interpersonal style beyond academic ability. It also serves to check how the applicant will blend with diverse people in the Harvard environment and their communication style.

In summary, Harvard looks for students who, while possessing unique and diverse backgrounds, have clear goals, flexible and collaborative communication skills, and the ability to grow with others, demonstrating “intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, acceptance of diversity, collaborative attitude, and responsibility,” aligning them with the kind of talent Harvard seeks.

10. Conclusion – How to Prepare Over the Four Years of High School?
This content is organized by academic year to guide students and parents of high schoolers in the Harvard university preparation process. Harvard evaluates not just GPA or test scores but comprehensively assesses how a student has grown into a talented person through their high school life. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare while balancing the factors below.

1. Academics
9th Grade (Freshman Year) – Laying the Foundation
– Course Selection: Diligently take the basic required courses (English, Math, Science, History, Foreign Language, etc.) that the school requires.
– If the school offers Honors and AP-level courses, consider consulting whether it is worth taking on challenges while maintaining your GPA.
– Developing Study Habits: Set a regular study schedule every day and develop the habit of studying independently.
– It is also important to improve writing and critical thinking skills through essay writing and reading.
– Explore Activities: Try out various activities like clubs, sports, volunteer work, etc., to find areas of interest.

10th Grade (Sophomore Year) – Deepening and Challenging
– Subject Deepening: If possible, take AP (Advanced Placement) or Honors and additional College Courses. Consider your abilities and interests carefully to not overextend yourself but demonstrate your academic abilities through appropriate challenges.
– Standardized Test (SAT/PSAT, etc.) Preparation: Prepare for the PSAT to get a sense of the SAT format. If you achieve excellent PSAT scores, there is a possibility of benefiting from the National Merit Scholarship Program.

11th Grade (Junior Year) – Maximizing Results & Preparing for Standardized Tests
– The Most Challenging Curriculum: Actively take AP/Honors courses and maintain good grades.
– Consider additional advanced courses in your areas of interest (e.g., STEM, humanities, etc.).
– SAT/ACT & AP: Prepare for the SAT or ACT exams in earnest, and it is advisable to secure your target scores by this time.
– Standardized Tests: Prepare for the SAT or ACT exams in earnest, and it is advisable to secure your target scores by this time.
– Manage Recommenders: Maintain a good relationship with the teachers (mainly homeroom or major subject teachers from 11th grade) who you will request recommendation letters from in 12th grade.
– Show academic passion and diligence through active participation and questions during classes.

12th Grade (Senior Year) – Finalizing Your Application
– The Most Challenging Curriculum: Continue to take AP/Honors courses and maintain strong academic performance.
– Essay Writing: Dedicate time to crafting your Common App main essay and additional short answer questions for Harvard.
– Share your personal story concretely, including the values you aspire to and the future you envision for yourself.
– Write several drafts and refine them with feedback from teachers, counselors, parents, and friends.
– Obtain strong recommendations from teachers who know your academic abilities and personal qualities well.

2. Extracurricular Activities and Leadership – Quality Over Quantity
– Focus on Genuine Engagement: Invest in 2-3 fields where you can truly immerse yourself, rather than increasing the number of activities.
– Leadership & Collaboration: Holding leadership roles in clubs, student councils, or as a team captain is beneficial; however, even without a formal position, highlight experiences where you led a team or drove a project.
– Community Service and Social Impact: Engage in meaningful volunteer activities at school or in the community. Harvard values commitment to others and community spirit. In addition to volunteering, engaging in meaningful volunteer activities at school or in the community is highly valued by Harvard.

3. Personality & Communication – Embracing Diversity, Open Communication
– Attitude Towards Conflict: One of Harvard’s additional essay questions asks how you handled a disagreement. Record experiences where you listened to opposing opinions and tried to find constructive solutions in project or club activities.
– Interaction with Diverse Background Friends: Actively create opportunities to collaborate with friends from different racial and cultural backgrounds at school.
– Honesty, Consideration, Responsibility: Consistently show honesty in school life and demonstrate a willingness to embrace diversity, open communication, and a cooperative attitude.

4. Role of Parents – Support and Encouragement
– Respect the Child’s Autonomy: Allow your child to explore and choose their own interests.
– Provide a Positive Learning Environment: Ensure space and time for focused learning, and support diverse experiences in culture, arts, science, etc.
– Emotional Support: The latter part of high school and the college admission process can be stressful. Help your child maintain a positive mindset with appropriate praise and encouragement, and provide psychological safety to try again even if they make mistakes.

Conclusion
The four years of American high school are not just a period of academic achievement but a time for comprehensive growth in academics, activities, and personality. Through this process, the self-directed learning attitude and the discovery of one’s true passion and goals become the most valuable experiences.

We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding the preparation needed for Harvard University admissions. We remain committed to providing information that will assist your child in applying successfully to college.

Sincerely,
Andy Lee
Director of Elite Prep Suwanee, offering assistance with FAFSA applications for free.

Thank you.
Email: andy.lee@eliteprep.com

Website: www.eliteprep.com/suwanee

Tel & Text: 470.253.1004
1291 Old Peachtree Rd. NW #127
Suwanee, GA 30024