Gauge your Ivy League potential with our ‘How Strong is Your Harvard Application’ quiz, which evaluates your complete application based on Harvard’s admission criteria.
Let’s be real, when it comes to college applications, Harvard is often the stuff of dreams. Not just because of its world-renowned reputation, but due to the mystery surrounding its admission process. You’ve got the grades, aced the standardized tests, and earned those glowing recommendation letters. Yet, the big question remains: How do you know if Harvard will accept you?
What Makes a Harvard Applicant Stand Out?
I remember staring at my application, wondering how I could stand out when the best of the best across the world were applying? For me, Harvard was WHAT I was doing the whole thing for. That’s the only place I wanted to go. So every thing I had on my application made me question the same thing – Is it good enough for Harvard?
And guess what? While you don’t really know your odds for getting into Harvard, what makes your application really stand out are not those perfect scores or the extraordinary achievements. Yes, these things look good on a Harvard application. However, Harvard is looking also for something more; namely, something more subjective. It’s that “spark,” that unique thing, an essence that goes beyond mere transcripts and scores.
Remember, Harvard doesn’t just want top students; they want individuals who’ll add layers of richness to their campus tapestry. Think about it: if you could pick the best team for your startup, you’d want not just the smartest employees, but those who teach each other, inspire each other to make a great company. Then it’ll just run itself, won’t it?
So it’s crucial to showcase your personal qualities, those things that make you, well, you. Qualities like grit, passion, that ‘why’ and even that infectious enthusiasm you feel when diving into a new project. (Trust me, the admission folks will sense genuine passion a mile away!)
But remember, it’s not enough to just list them. Think of your application as a story – your story. Every story is more gripping when it’s packed with compelling examples, those little anecdotes that breathe life into an essay. And if your recommender or that lovely alum you chatted with over coffee echoes these traits? That’s golden.
So, before hitting that ‘submit’ button, take a moment to reflect. Go beyond the basics.
Cracking the Harvard Code: How Strong is Your Harvard Application?
So how do you know if Harvard will accept you? Well, at least this quiz will help you find out how strong is your Harvard application.
Remember, Harvard isn’t just about building a class; they’re crafting a community, a family. And they’re searching for those genuine souls who’ll bring something new to the table.
To all you dreamers out there, it’s not about being the best, but about being the most authentic version of yourself. So, ready to find out?
This quiz goes beyond your test scores and recommendations. It finds out if your application promises that you’ll be a unique addition to the Harvard community.
Let’s go!
How would your recommendation letters generally describe you?
Average student.
Good student with potential.
Outstanding in several areas.
One of the best they've ever encountered.
Correct!
Wrong!
What is your GPA (on a 4.0 scale)?
Below 3.3
3.3 - 3.5
3.6 - 3.8
Above 3.8
Correct!
Wrong!
Does your essay show your personal story?
Not necessarily, I mostly discussed my academic achievements and goals.
Maybe, I touched on some personal experiences, but they may be relatively common.
Yes, I delved deep into personal stories, highlighting how they shaped my perspective.
Absolutely, my essay reflects distinctive experiences, perspectives, achievements, or challenges.
Correct!
Wrong!
How would you rate your leadership experiences?
None or minimal. I was never the class marshall.
Some minor leadership roles in class.
How would your recommendation letters generally describe you?
Leadership in multiple significant roles with tangible impacts, like internships, jobs or organizations.
Correct!
Wrong!
How consistent is the quality of your application?
I have completed all parts. However, my GPA or recommendation letters may not show me in the best light. Also my achievements or essays aren't too strong.
My essay and resume touch on some consistent qualities, but my recommendations or GPA may not agree with that.
My recommendations and essay emphasise my strength, but my GPA or test scores don't match that level.
All parts of my application are consistently strong, painting a unified picture of my strengths and intelligence.
Correct!
Wrong!
Do you have extracurricular achievements or a unique portfolio?
No.
Yes, but not significant.
Yes, with some major achievements.
Yes, with nationally/internationally recognized accomplishments.
Correct!
Wrong!
How do your standardized test scores compare?
Reading and Writing: below 680, Math: below 700
Reading and Writing: 680-730, Math: 700-750
Reading and Writing: 730-760, Math: 750-780
Reading and Writing: 760-800, Math: 780-800
Correct!
Wrong!
How do you ensure that your personal qualities extend beyond just mentioning them in your application?
I've listed some of my personal qualities in my resume and essay, but without specific examples.
I've detailed a few qualities with examples in my essay.
Several of my highlighted qualities are backed up by clear examples in both my essays and resume.
Almost every personal quality I mention is reinforced by compelling examples, and they consistently appear in various parts of my application, including recommendation letters.
Correct!
Wrong!
Does your application show that you are capable of educating and inspiring other students?
I've mostly focused on my individual achievements only.
I've touched on a few instances where I've collaborated or led groups.
My application contains proper examples of how I've inspired or educated my peers in the past.
I provided strong examples of inspiring others, also my recommendation letters echo this impact, painting a cohesive image of my potential contributions.
Correct!
Wrong!
Which statement best describes your application's uniqueness?
I believe I meet the basic requirements, but haven’t pinpointed what makes me truly stand out.
I've showcased a few unique experiences, but they might be common among other applicants in my school or city.
I have emphasized unique experiences and personal characteristics, hopefully differentiating me from other Harvard applicants.
I’ve highlighted groundbreaking or extraordinary experiences and qualities that are rare even among Harvard applicants.
Correct!
Wrong!
When you think of your recommendation letters for Harvard:
I have multiple letters from 3 well-respected people, who know me personally and can vouch for both my character and capabilities in depth. At least 1 of them holds a top position in their field.
I have 3 recommendation letters; and they’re from individuals who know me well, but might not hold significant positions or have a wide recognition in their fields.
I have 2 recommendation letters, but 1 of them doesn’t know my top skills; and they aren’t top-position people.
I have 1 or 2 letters from people who know me and are somewhat known in their domain. But I’m not sure if they’ll really brag about me.
Correct!
Wrong!
How consistent are the qualities like leadership, clarity, maturity or strength of character emphasized across your application?
I believe I have personal qualities, but they're not particularly highlighted in my application.
My application may show qualities like clarity and maturity, but not very explicitly. c) Several qualities like leadership, strength of character, and clarity are evident in my essay or achievements.
Several qualities like leadership, strength of character, and clarity are evident in my essay or achievements.
My entire application radiates distinctive personal qualities, consistently highlighted in essays, recommendation letters, and achievements.
Correct!
Wrong!
How would you rate the quality and impact of your essay?
Generic but good. I got Chat-GPT to write it!
Decent, but I’m not sure if it’s memorable.
Good, I tried to give a unique perspective and use big words.
Excellent. I wrote about my ambitions and why i want to attend Harvard, how I’m unique compared to others. It's deeply personal.
Correct!
Wrong!
How is your extracurricular record?
I have a few hobbies, but don’t have any accomplishments, and I haven’t joined any clubs or held leadership roles.
I've taken on minor leadership roles or have some achievements, but they’re within common extracurriculars my classmates participate in.
I've had significant leadership roles in unique activities at school or in my city but don’t necessarily match what I want to study at Harvard.
My extracurriculars match what I want to study at Harvard, and show deep involvement and distinctive achievements with national or international recognition.
Correct!
Wrong!
When assessing your application's academic score (beyond just GPA), which best represents your standing?
I've done well, but I haven't taken any honors or AP courses.
I've taken a mix of standard and advanced courses with decent scores.
I've excelled in a range of honors and AP courses with strong scores.
My academic record boasts top scores, rigorous courses, and other evidence of intellectual prowess, such as awards in my subject.
Correct!
Wrong!
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How Strong Is Your Harvard Application?
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Note: This quiz is a simplified assessment and for guidance purposes only. Harvard’s actual admissions process considers multiple factors, some of which even I don’t know. If you want a more accurate idea of how strong your Harvard application is, see if you can get feedback on your essay or application from a Harvard professor, or at least your college counselor.