Case Study: Two Students, Similar Profiles – One Gets Into Harvard, One Doesn’t

Imagine two applicants, Alice and Ben. On paper, they look almost alike: both have a 4.0 GPA at a good high school, top AP course loads, and SATs around 1520. Each is captain of a sports team, volunteers on weekends, and plays an instrument. Yet, Alice was accepted to Harvard, while Ben was denied (or waitlisted and eventually rejected). What could explain the different outcomes for these two stellar students? The answer lies in the subtleties of holistic admissions – those extra dimensions beyond raw stats where one student may have shined a bit more.

Personal Essay and Story: Alice’s application essay told a vivid, heartfelt story about a challenge she faced and how it shaped her perspective. She didn’t just list achievements; she reflected deeply on her experiences. Ben’s essay, by contrast, was well-written but a bit generic – perhaps he chose a cliché topic (like winning a big game) and didn’t reveal much about himself. Admissions officers noted Alice’s essay as authentic and memorable. Remember, colleges want to know how you think and what you value. Alice’s essay added “texture” to her file, showing her character and growth. Ben’s essay, while fine, didn’t move the needle.

Letters of Recommendation: Both students had teachers send recs. However, Alice’s recommenders sang her praises in specific ways – one described her as a natural leader who uplifts classmates, and another highlighted her curiosity and humor in class. Ben’s recommendations were lukewarm by comparison; they said he was a good student, but with fewer superlatives, and one teacher even noted he was somewhat quiet or “timid” in class. That makes a difference. Strong recommendation letters buoyed Alice’s “personal” rating, whereas Ben’s were more mediocre.

Extracurricular Impact: On the activity list, both had similar involvement, but the depth of engagement differed. Alice dedicated four years to her community service project – by senior year she wasn’t just volunteering, she had founded a new initiative and recruited others. Ben, meanwhile, volunteered sporadically for various causes but with no clear focus or leadership role. In other words, Alice had a Tier 1/Tier 2 activity – something showing exceptional achievement or leadership – while Ben’s were mostly Tier 3/4 (participation without major impact). Harvard likely saw Alice as someone who demonstrated initiative and leadership, whereas Ben was more the classic “well-rounded” kid who participated but didn’t lead significant change.

Personal Qualities and Fit: Through her essay, interview, and overall application, Alice conveyed intangible qualities Harvard seeks: perhaps a quirky sense of humor and a story of grit. Harvard highly values traits like humor and grit in applicants – these are primary components of the “personal” score in their admissions rubric. Alice likely excelled here. Maybe even her alumni interviewer wrote a glowing report that she was engaging and passionate, whereas Ben’s interview feedback was neutral. All these little things accumulate.

Academic Context or Hooks: Although both had similar academics, there could be subtle differences. Perhaps Alice challenged herself a bit more – maybe taking the most demanding classes, while Ben avoided a tough AP science to protect his GPA. Harvard would notice that rigor difference. Or perhaps Alice’s school profile shows she’s from an underrepresented state or background (e.g., she’s first-generation or from rural Idaho), whereas Ben is from an overrepresented suburban district. Fit with a specific program or demonstrating unusual talent could also set them apart.

The Verdict: In holistic admissions, small factors can make a big difference. Harvard receives thousands of applicants with top grades and scores, so the decision often comes down to those qualitative distinctions. Alice presented a cohesive, authentic narrative – strong leadership, compelling personal story, superb recommendations – which made the admissions committee feel she would add value to the campus. Ben excelled in numbers but didn’t differentiate himself in the personal aspects, so he blended into the crowd of similar achievers.

Lesson for Applicants: To avoid Ben’s fate, focus not just on what you achieve, but on communicating who you are and why it matters. Colleges want to see the person behind the resume. Work on your essays and recommendations to ensure they highlight your personality and values. Pursue at least one or two activities in depth where you can show leadership or impact. If you have a setback or a unique aspect of your background, share how it’s shaped you. Essentially, aim to be the “Alice” of your application pool: strong on the fundamentals and outstanding in the details that make you you.