How Harvard Chooses Students ✅

When most people hear that Harvard’s admissions process is “holistic,” they think it just means looking beyond grades and test scores.

But what they don’t realize is that the word “holistic” masks one of the most elaborate, multi-layered admissions systems in the country—one where a single advocate can make or break your application.

Let’s unpack how it works, piece by piece.

The Interview

Unlike other top schools that assign interviews through admissions officers, Harvard uses alumni—meaning your interviewer might be someone who graduated decades ago and is now a lawyer, scientist, or finance exec in your hometown.

Their job isn’t to quiz you or grill you like a job interview. It’s to observe you. Are you thoughtful? Curious? Self-aware? How well do you speak about the things you care about?

They submit a write-up after your conversation that becomes one small—but not insignificant—part of your file.

If your application already shines, the interview can add polish. But if your personality on paper doesn't match your personality in person, that discrepancy gets flagged—and may subtly drag down your “Personal Qualities” score.

The Regional Admissions Officer (a.k.a. the Reader)

Once your file is complete, it goes to your assigned admissions officer—someone responsible for your geographic region.

Their job is to score your application across six key dimensions, using a 1–6 scale (1 being outstanding, 6 being weak):

• Academic Rating: Based on course rigor, grades, test scores, and recommendations.

• Extracurricular Rating: Clubs, leadership, impact beyond school walls.

• Athletic Rating: Used even if you’re not a recruited athlete.

• School Support: How enthusiastic your teachers and counselor are.

• Personal Qualities Rating: A composite of essays, interview, and recs—measuring likability, maturity, grit, and leadership.

• Overall Rating: Their final, holistic assessment of your candidacy.

Most applicants fall in the 3–4 range across categories. A score of 2 is strong. A score of 1 is exceedingly rare—and necessary if you want to stand out in a pool of 60,000+ applicants.

The Subcommittee (5–8 members)

Your regional reader then presents your application to a subcommittee. Think of this like your first trial.

In this room are 5–8 admissions officers who collectively manage an entire region (e.g. the West Coast, the South, parts of Asia). Each officer presents their top files, explains their ratings, and advocates for the students they believe should move forward.

This stage is dynamic—files are discussed, debated, and sometimes revised. If another officer flags a concern (say, a vague extracurricular or a weak rec letter), scores can drop. But a compelling presentation from your regional officer can push you up the list.

The Full Committee (30–40 people)

This is where it all culminates. Final decisions are made in a room of ~40 admissions officers, often over the course of long, back-to-back days.

Here, each subcommittee presents its finalists. Officers re-state applicant strengths, discuss their potential contribution to Harvard’s class, and consider larger institutional needs—everything from geography and diversity to academic interests and financial aid.

Voting is done aloud. One person can object. One strong voice can sway a room.

The full committee is also where tradeoffs happen. If too many students from California are recommended, some are cut. If Harvard’s engineering cohort is looking thin, a humanities applicant might lose their spot to restore balance.

So what does this all mean?

It means Harvard isn’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for a reason to fight for you.

At every stage, someone has to raise their hand and say, “We should take this student.”

So when you’re crafting your application—your essays, your activities list, your entire story—ask yourself: “Would someone advocate for me in a room of 40 people? Would they remember me the next morning?”

Because that’s what it takes.

If you have any questions about the admissions process, feel free to DM me on Instagram (@goharsguide). I won’t be able to respond to everyone, but I’ll do my best!

If you want study help, come join my Discord! We have a global community of students helping each other succeed in school. I’d love to see you there.

If you’re ready to level up this school year, check out Scholar OS. It’s the ultimate Notion template designed to help you organize your classes and life in one place.

I’ll see you next week!

Best,
Gohar