Description

 How They Got into Harvard

“With Analysis by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson”

In the book “How They Got into Harvard,” a collection of fifty successful applicants to Harvard University share their valuable insights and strategies for navigating the college admissions process. These students come from diverse backgrounds and are not limited to being class valedictorians, star athletes, or Harvard legacies.

Instead, they are individuals who excelled in various aspects and managed to secure a spot in one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. Through concise accounts of each student’s resume and admissions journey, readers can gain valuable lessons and strategies that can be applied to their applications.

The book delves into eight key admissions strategies that are crucial for success. It guides how to identify and effectively present a key talent, showcasing the unique strengths that set applicants apart. Additionally, it offers insights on how to leverage one’s well-roundedness as an asset rather than a weakness, demonstrating the importance of showcasing a diverse range of interests and experiences. Furthermore, the book explores the significance of forging connections and utilizing them to one’s advantage, emphasizing the value of networking and building relationships within the admissions process.

Each student profile in the book includes comprehensive information that provides a holistic view of their achievements and background. This includes their test scores and GPA, which provide a measure of their academic prowess. Additionally, their extracurricular activities and awards highlight their involvement and accomplishments outside of the classroom. Lastly, their family background and hometown offer insights into their personal and cultural context, providing a well-rounded understanding of each student’s journey to Harvard University.

 It is crucial to recognize the importance of leveraging your strengths in various aspects of your life, whether it be in athletics or the arts. This chapter emphasizes the significance of demonstrating how success in one particular field can translate into success in other areas. The key to achieving this balance lies in developing drive and discipline, as exemplified by the students discussed in this chapter. By channeling their energy from the field or stage into the classroom and community, these students have not only caught the attention of Harvard but also established solid connections with their future coaches and teammates.

 There are several effective approaches to utilizing your skills or athletic abilities to your advantage. Many students have showcased their ability to excel in multiple activities while maintaining a balance between them. Mary Serdakowski and Gareth James Doran, for instance, highlighted their capacity to juggle sports and academics in their applications, emphasizing how the discipline they acquired through their athletic pursuits has positively influenced other aspects of their lives. Another strategy involves including supplementary materials in your application, such as recordings or a separate resume solely dedicated to showcasing your musical achievements, as demonstrated by Julia Scott Carey and Bong Ihn Koh. Lastly, proactively getting recruited and establishing connections with Harvard coaches, as Zak Farkes and Aliaa Remtilla did, can significantly enhance your application and allow you to prepare accordingly.

 However, it is important to note that this strategy may not be suitable for everyone. It is crucial to have a realistic understanding of your talent level in a specific field before making it the focal point of your application. As evidenced in this chapter, even national champions recognized the importance of maintaining a well-rounded profile. If you happen to be a state or national champion in your chosen activity, you are considered a strong candidate for this approach. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult with your college counselor and mentors to obtain an accurate assessment of how much emphasis you should place on your talent in your application. Their guidance will help ensure that you strike the right balance and present yourself in the most compelling manner possible.

– The Harvard Crimson, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, serves as the esteemed daily newspaper for Harvard University.

– With a team of three hundred dedicated students, The Harvard Crimson upholds its reputation as the nation’s oldest continuously operating daily newspaper.

– Situated in the heart of Harvard University, The Harvard Crimson has been providing news coverage and insightful articles to the community for many years.

– The Harvard Crimson, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has a rich history as the university’s daily newspaper, maintaining its operations without interruption.

– Comprised of a talented and diverse group of three hundred students, The Harvard Crimson remains committed to delivering high-quality journalism daily.

– As the oldest continuously operating daily newspaper in the country, The Harvard Crimson has established itself as a trusted source of news and information for the Harvard University community.

– The Harvard Crimson, situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has a dedicated team of three hundred students who work tirelessly to produce the newspaper’s daily content.

– With its roots deeply embedded in Harvard University, The Harvard Crimson has become an integral part of the campus culture, providing valuable news coverage and engaging articles.

– The Harvard Crimson, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, boasts a team of three hundred students who contribute their skills and expertise to ensure the newspaper’s daily operations.

– As the nation’s oldest continually operating daily newspaper, The Harvard Crimson has a longstanding tradition of journalistic excellence, serving as a vital source of information for the Harvard University community.