Get into Harvard
Harvard's 3.6% acceptance rate means admissions officers routinely reject valedictorians, perfect test scores, and published researchers. We know what it takes to stand out—and we have the track record to prove it.
72%
30% of Cosmic’s applicants are admitted into Brown versus only 3.6% nationally.
What Makes Harvard Unlike Any Other University
Beyond the prestige, Harvard offers a transformative experience that shapes who you become. Here's what students consistently say makes it special.
The People Change You
Ask any Harvard student what the best part of their experience is, and they'll tell you: the people. Your roommate might be from rural Tennessee, your blocking group includes students from Tanzania and Peru, and your dining hall conversations span continents and disciplines.
"The real value of Harvard is being surrounded by people who push you to your limits, who help you realize how much you don't know, and who inspire you to see how much potential there is in the world."
— Harvard Crimson
The House System Creates Home
After freshman year in Harvard Yard, you're sorted into one of 12 residential Houses—each with its own dining hall, library, gym, and traditions. Your House becomes a tight-knit community of 350 students where you forge friendships that last a lifetime.
"Houses are one of the most integral aspects of Harvard. The fact that the community is so small allows you to get to know everyone—sophomores, juniors, and seniors. It means you get the tiny liberal arts college feel within a medium-sized university."
— Harvard Student
Boston Becomes Your Campus
Harvard sits in the best of all worlds: a full college campus in a college town that's a 15-minute T ride from downtown Boston. From Harvard-Yale weekend to late-night boba runs in Harvard Square to concerts at TD Garden, the experience extends far beyond the Yard.
"Harvard is right outside of Boston, yet it has its own full campus. You never feel the need to leave into Boston, but there's always that option."
— Harvard Student
Academic Exploration Is Expected
Students don't apply into concentrations at Harvard—they're given three semesters to explore before declaring. A student who entered planning pre-med might discover a passion for computer science; an econ major might fall in love with theatre. Harvard encourages this intellectual wandering.
"Coming in, although I was set on Economics, I never thought I would end up loving Computer Science and pursuing a secondary, which I ended up doing."
— Harvard Student
Resources Beyond Measure
With over 70 libraries containing 18 million volumes, more than 450 student organizations, 42 varsity sports (the most of any college), and access to world-renowned professors who genuinely invest in undergraduates, Harvard's resources are simply unmatched.
"I especially value the time and effort that professors invest in us students outside of the classroom to help us advance our career goals."
— International Student at Harvard
Learning Happens Everywhere
The magic of Harvard isn't just in lecture halls—it's in three-hour dining hall conversations, late-night common room debates, chance encounters with future collaborators, and the constant exposure to people who challenge your assumptions.
"The friends I've made over hours-long Annenberg meals and within my house community have made for such an incredible experience at Harvard."
— Harvard Student
What Harvard Actually Looks for in Applicants
Harvard's supplemental essays aren't arbitrary prompts—they're windows into exactly what the admissions committee values. Here's what we've learned from analyzing them.
Harvard's essays ask specific questions for specific reasons. By understanding why they ask what they ask, you can present yourself as the student they're searching for.
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Harvard doesn't just want students who will succeed academically—they want students who will elevate every space they enter. They're looking for applicants who can articulate exactly how they'll contribute to clubs, classroom discussions, traditions, and the broader Harvard community.
Connected Essay: "How will the life experiences that shaped who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?"
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In a community where disagreements are inevitable, Harvard wants students who can engage thoughtfully with opposing viewpoints, learn from conflict, and emerge more educated—even when their minds don't change. They value the process of intellectual engagement over ideological victory.
Connected Essay: "Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue."
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Rather than well-rounded students who dabble in everything, Harvard seeks "angular" applicants with a clear spike—a deep, demonstrated passion that has fundamentally shaped who they are. They want to see how one meaningful experience changed your thinking and influenced other areas of your life.
Connected Essay: "Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are."
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Harvard invests in students who will go on to make a positive, tangible impact on the world. They want applicants who can articulate a clear vision for their future—5 to 10 years post-graduation—and connect that vision to specific academic opportunities at Harvard that will help them get there.
Connected Essay: "How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future?"
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Behind the achievements, Harvard wants to know who you really are. They're building a community of real people who will live, eat, and study together for four years. Your values, quirks, and how you'll interact with peers matter as much as your accomplishments.
Connected Essay: "Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you."
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Harvard is asking one fundamental question across all their essays:
How will your presence on campus make Harvard better for everyone else?
Every response should answer this, showing you're not just qualified to attend Harvard—you're essential to making it the community it aspires to be.
Our Harvard Track Record
Numbers speak louder than promises.
95%
Admitted to a
Top-3 Choice School
~3.6%
Harvard’s overall
acceptance rate
These statistics were calculated using acceptances that our consultants helped students receive, excluding students who did not comply with our recommendations.
How We Build Harvard-Ready Applicants
Getting into Harvard isn't about senior year—it's about the years of strategic preparation that come before. Here's how we help students at every stage become irresistible to Harvard admissions officers.
8th Grade
Foundation Building
We help students discover their authentic interests and begin developing what will become their "spike." We identify intellectual passions early and start mapping out the academic trajectory—including course selections that will position them for rigorous high school coursework. This is where we plant seeds for future research opportunities and meaningful extracurriculars.
9th Grade
Strategic Launch
Freshman year is about intentional beginnings. We guide students toward extracurriculars aligned with their emerging spike, help them establish leadership foundations, and ensure they're taking courses that demonstrate academic ambition. We also begin connecting STEM-focused students with professors and research mentors who can open doors to meaningful opportunities.
10th Grade
Depth Development
Sophomore year is when serious depth happens. We help students pursue research projects, prepare for competitions like ISEF and RSI, and develop leadership positions within their activities. Our PhD-level consultants can meaningfully engage with sophisticated research content, helping students produce work that stands out at regional and national levels.
11th Grade
Peak Achievement
Junior year is when everything comes together. We guide students through standardized testing strategy, help them compete at the highest levels of academic competitions, and ensure their extracurricular narrative tells a compelling story. We also begin early college research, identifying specific Harvard programs, professors, and opportunities that align with each student's unique profile.
12th Grade
Application Excellence
Senior year is execution time. We craft personal statements that speak powerfully to who students are. We write supplemental essays that demonstrate deep research into Harvard's specific opportunities. We coach teacher and counselor recommendations. And we ensure that every word of the application demonstrates tangible value the student will bring to Harvard's campus.
Senior Year Start
It's Not Too Late
Starting at the beginning of senior year? We can still make a significant impact. While we can't build four years of extracurriculars, we can help you present your existing achievements strategically, craft essays that make admissions officers remember you, and position your application to stand out from the sea of qualified candidates.
