How to Apply to Harvard University

Harvard is a prestigious university, so a good application is an integral part of the competitive admissions process. Fortunately, completing an application is simple thanks to the use of standardized online applications. Both undergraduates and graduates need to supply information such as transcripts and recommendation letters by the application deadline. With any luck, you may get to don Harvard crimson.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Filling out an Undergraduate Application

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    Access 1 of Harvard’s online applications. Harvard accepts applications through 3 main services. These are all standardized applications that can be submitted to multiple schools. They are all judged equally during the application process, so you don’t need to worry about which one you decide to complete.[1]
    • The Common Application is used by over 750 schools. Start an application by creating an account at https://www.commonapp.org.
    • The Universal College Application is similar to the Common Application but is currently accepted by a handful of schools. Access it at https://www.universalcollegeapp.com.
    • The Coalition Application is designed to help low-income and first-generation students apply. Get the application at http://coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/.
    • Visiting students from foreign countries need a special application.
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    Fill out your basic demographic information. No matter which application you choose, the first part of it is providing the university with your basic background information. This includes your name, date of birth, and other identifying information. Have your Social Security number on hand if you plan on applying for financial aid.[2]
    • This part of the application will give you a chance to get an application fee waiver. You can have the fee waived if you indicate you’re on public assistance, are an orphan, or otherwise would face financial hardship by paying the fee.
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    Include any meaningful extracurricular activities or work experiences. These activities are the main focus of a lot of application reviewers. Competitive schools like Harvard want well-rounded students who lead a rich, vibrant life outside of school. You don’t have to list a lot of different awards or activities, but make sure what you add shows who you are as a person.[3]
    • These activities and experiences are very different from supplements like art portfolios. Every applicant needs to include significant extracurriculars in order to have a shot at getting into Harvard.
    • Remember that activities are about quality, not quantity. The school is interested in how you improve your family, school, and community. Think about what activities you care about and put a lot of effort into.
    • For instance, if you participated in a prestigious research institution, you would want to list it on your application. Similarly, mention how you were part of the Science Olympiad and earned national recognition.
    • You may not have had a lot of opportunities for activities. This won’t hurt your application. Instead, think of things like babysitting, taking care of your home, or working in a family business that you can list.
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    Complete the Harvard Questions to indicate your school interests. These are a few rudimentary questions to determine your place in the school. Harvard asks you where you want to live, what activities you want to join, and what academic program you want to study. Complete these questions to the best of your abilities.[4]
    • You may not have much of an idea of what you want to do yet and that is okay. Think about your current interests and use them to answer the questions. You are allowed to change your mind later.
    • These are general information questions. The school will not use them to place you in a program, so don’t spend too much time on them.
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    Write an essay responding to a personal question on the application. Administration officers want to hear about you as a person as well as see how well you write. The essay portion of the application is your chance to shine. Tell the admissions officers a story about yourself or an interesting fact you didn’t mention earlier on your application. Several basic questions are provided on the application, but you only have to answer 1. The essay can be as long and as detailed as you want it to be.[5]
    • To write your essay, brainstorm some potential topics. Try to make a basic outline, then write a few cohesive paragraphs. Edit your essay before submitting it.
    • Some potential topics to write about are meaningful interests you have, a lesson you have learned from a setback, or a topic you find engaging.
    • These topics will seem broad at first. You don’t need to have a spectacular experience to dazzle your readers. Even experiences that seem insignificant can make for a good essay.
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    Pay the application fee if you did not get a waiver. Unless you choose the waiver option for financial hardship, you will need to pay the fee to submit the application. You can do it by typing your credit or debit card information into the application website. The standard fee is $75 USD as of 2018.[6]
    • You can send a check or money order to Harvard College Admissions, 86 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. Be sure to include your name as it appears on your application.
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    Submit a supplement such as a portfolio if you have one. Items like art portfolios, music tracks, and academic articles all bolster your application. Use these items to show your work, your personality, and your interests. If you plan on studying art, music, or similar subjects, you should always submit a relevant supplement. Other applicants can still score points with the admissions office by including these items.[7]
    • No matter what you want to study, you won't be forced to submit a supplement. All undergraduates use the same standardized application for general admissions. In addition, this gives you the opportunity to change your mind about what you want to study.
    • Upload printed articles in the applicant status portal at https://apply.college.harvard.edu/account/.
    • For media such as artwork and music, submit it to the Slide Room page located at https://harvard.slideroom.com/#/Login.
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    Have your school submit your transcript and mid-year report. Contact your school administrator or guidance counselor and ask them to send this information to Harvard. Your transcript covers your past school history, while your mid-year report covers your current year in school. Get your transcript to Harvard as soon as possible, followed by your mid-year report in February.[8]
    • The university prefers these documents to be submitted online through Parchment, Dockside, or Scrip-safe International.
    • Your school can also mail this information to Harvard or fax it to (617) 495-8821.
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    Upload 2 teacher evaluations to the application portal. You will see the teacher evaluation form at the end of your application. Print out 2 copies, then give them to your favorite teachers. Try to choose teachers that cover different academic subjects. Have them mail the forms to Harvard’s admissions office.[9]
    • The best time to ask a teacher is at least 4 weeks before the application deadline. Reach out to them at a less hectic time of the day, such during lunch or after school. If you can, ask them the same year you attend their class.
    • Give your teachers stamped, addressed envelopes to make the mailing process easier for them.
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    Send Harvard your standardized test stores. You need to access your scores online and have the administrators send them to Harvard’s admissions office. Harvard wants your ACT, SAT, and Advanced Placement scores, among other tests you may have taken. You can usually send these scores for free, but doing so is a requirement so make sure you remember to do it.[10]
    • For instance, you can access your SAT scores by going to the College Board website at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/.
    • As of 2018, Harvard lets you list your scores on your application. You still need to have the testing organizations send your official scores, though.
    • If English is your second language, also submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Testing Language System (IELTS) results.
    • If you decide to take SAT subject tests, take 2 tests covering different subject matters.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Applying as a Graduate Student

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    Complete an online application to the graduate program of your choice. Visit Harvard’s website and navigate to the specific department you wish to join. You will see an application tab on the page, which will contain a list of requirements you need to complete as well as a link to the application. When the application is available in the fall, click on the link to be taken to it.[11]
    • For instance, if you want to apply to the political science program, visit the Kennedy School’s site at https://www.hks.harvard.edu.
    • The application process is similar to what undergraduates complete. It will mainly be about your personal information, including your background and demographics.
  2. Image titled Apply to Harvard University Step 12
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    Pay the fee to submit your application. As of 2018, the graduate application fee is $105. You can pay this with a credit or debit card at the end of your application. The fee can only be paid via a card and has to be done before the application deadline in December or January.[12]
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    Submit a resume listing what qualifies you for the program. Think of this as a work resume. The school wants to know what makes you a good candidate. Some useful qualifications include your educational background, work experiences, internships, and skills you have learned. List the months and years your activities started and ended.[13]
    • Focus on meaningful, quantifiable experiences related to your field. Describe it in specific details.
    • For example, you might say, “35 hours of in-class training. Extensive experience with Word.”[14]
  4. Image titled Apply to Harvard University Step 14
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    Complete the essay questions required by your school. The essay questions differ from school to school, so visit the correct department on Harvard’s website. Most of the questions are short, requiring you to type 600 words or less. These questions are meant to give you an opportunity to display what you plan on learning from your studies and how you will use it positively in the world.[15]
    • For example, you may be asked, “Why is this program an appropriate pathway to achieving your goals?”[16]
    • You may also need to submit a statement of purpose. This is an essay that should be longer than 1,500 words. In it, describe your research interests, qualifications, and your reasons for applying.
  5. Image titled Apply to Harvard University Step 15
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    Get 3 letters of recommendation from faculty or supervisors. Think of 3 people who will write you a glowing recommendation, then type their contact information into Harvard’s online application system. A name and an email address will do. Harvard will then contact them to complete the recommendations. These recommendations are used to prove you can do well in a strict academic environment.[17]
    • Meet with your faculty or supervisors during their office hours when asking for a recommendation. You should know them pretty well and be willing to discuss your academic plans. Giving them your transcript and resume can help them write their recommendations.
    • Harvard requires at least 1 recommendation from a university faculty member in your department major and at least 1 from a work supervisor.
    • You are not allowed to participate in this process. Harvard will make you sign an agreement and may contact your references for more information.
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    Upload your transcripts to the application system. Visit the website of the department you applied to and click on the admissions tab at the top of the page. You will need a copy of a transcript from any college or university you attended. It should show all courses you have taken, all grades you have received, and when you received any degree you have obtained.[18]
    • If you need a copy of your transcript, talk to the school you attended. The school does not have to send an official copy to Harvard.
    • You need your transcripts before you are able to enroll in classes, so get them in as soon as possible!
  7. Image titled Apply to Harvard University Step 17
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    Submit the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and other test scores. The GRE is a common requirement no matter which program you apply to. You will need to contact the testing center to have the official score sent to the Harvard department you applied to. You will usually need to take the test a year before you apply to graduate school.[19]
    • Sometimes you can submit a Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) instead of the GRE. Check your department’s requirements.
    • Students that learned English as a second language need to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Testing Language System (IELTS) as well.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Meeting Application Deadlines

  1. Image titled Apply to Harvard University Step 18
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    Submit your application by January. As of 2018, Harvard’s submission deadline is January 1 for most students. You should submit your school application through the appropriate online portal as determined by which application you choose to submit. You should have uploaded any requirements, such as transcripts and references, in addition to paying the application fee.[20]
    • If you think your application is strong, you can apply early. The early application deadline is November 1. You don’t get any benefits from doing this, so wait if you need more time to polish your application.[21]
    • For graduate students, the application deadline may be a little earlier. Currently is it set for December 15.
  2. Image titled Apply to Harvard University Step 19
    2
    Finish your financial aid application by February. In order to calculate financial assistance awards and have them ready for incoming students, Harvard needs your financial information by February 1. You will need to supply some basic information, such as your family’s employment, asset, and tax details.[22]
  3. Image titled Apply to Harvard University Step 20
    3
    Finish any transfer student requests by March. Transfer students get a little extra time to get what they need from their original schools. When transferring to Harvard from another school, you use the same application and financial forms as other students. Still, don’t wait too long to begin the application process.[23]
    • Because of the late deadline, transfer students won’t get a response from the school until late June. Factor this into your plans.
  4. Image titled Apply to Harvard University Step 21
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    Wait to hear back from the school in late March. You have at least a few weeks to burn, so don’t stress yourself out. Expect to see official mail from Harvard near the end of March. The school year begins in the fall, so you will have to wait until then if you were admitted.
    • Early applicants can expect their letter to arrive by the end of December.[24]
    • Graduate students will get a decision by mid-February.[25]
  5. Image titled Apply to Harvard University Step 22
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    Reply to confirm your plans by May. If you are admitted, read your acceptance letter carefully to find out what you need to do next. The university will ask you to confirm your plans. If you plan on attending Harvard, you will need to make it official, usually by sending a response or visiting Harvard’s website.[26]
    • Graduate students need to reply by April 15.[27]
    • This is important to do. If you don’t respond, the school administration will assume you have other plans.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Who is eligible for a Harvard scholarship?
    Felipe Corredor
    Felipe Corredor
    College Admissions Consultant
    Felipe is a Senior College Admissions Consultant at American College Counselors with over seven years of experience. He specializes in helping clients from all around the world gain admission into America's top universities through private, one-on-one consulting. He helps guide clients through the entire college admissions process and perfect every aspect of their college applications. Felipe earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Chicago and recently received his MBA.
    Felipe Corredor
    Felipe Corredor
    College Admissions Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Well, it depends on the specific scholarship you're looking for and what the scholarship is looking for. If you're looking for large amounts of money, though, it will really come down to just being a truly competitive applicant. It's less about having something super specific and more about your history.
  • Question
    Can a homeschooler get a Harvard scholarship?
    Felipe Corredor
    Felipe Corredor
    College Admissions Consultant
    Felipe is a Senior College Admissions Consultant at American College Counselors with over seven years of experience. He specializes in helping clients from all around the world gain admission into America's top universities through private, one-on-one consulting. He helps guide clients through the entire college admissions process and perfect every aspect of their college applications. Felipe earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Chicago and recently received his MBA.
    Felipe Corredor
    Felipe Corredor
    College Admissions Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Sure! There are thousands of scholarships out there, ranging from anything from being an excellent student to being left-handed. In your case, focus on building a great profile, because the greatest money that you're going to see in terms of merit aid is going to come from the universities themselves. 95% of the time, that aid is going to be significantly more than any private scholarship would be providing you.
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References

  1. ↑ https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/application-requirements
  2. ↑ https://college.harvard.edu/guides/application-tips
  3. ↑ https://college.harvard.edu/guides/application-tips
  4. ↑ https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-requirements
  5. ↑ https://college.harvard.edu/guides/application-tips
  6. ↑ https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/application-requirements
  7. ↑ https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/application-requirements/supplemental-application-materials
  8. ↑ https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/application-requirements
  9. ↑ https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-requirements
  1. ↑ https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-requirements
  2. ↑ https://www.hks.harvard.edu/admissions-aid/masters-program-admissions/how-apply
  3. ↑ https://gsas.harvard.edu/admissions/frequently-asked-questions-master%E2%80%99s-and-phd-applicants
  4. ↑ https://www.hks.harvard.edu/admissions-aid/masters-program-admissions/how-apply
  5. ↑ https://hksadmissionblog.tumblr.com/
  6. ↑ https://www.gse.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/edld
  7. ↑ https://hksadmissionblog.tumblr.com/
  8. ↑ https://www.hks.harvard.edu/admissions-aid/masters-program-admissions/how-apply
  9. ↑ https://www.hks.harvard.edu/admissions-aid/masters-program-admissions/how-apply/academic-transcripts
  10. ↑ https://www.gse.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/edld
  11. ↑ https://www.seas.harvard.edu/academics/how-to-apply
  12. ↑ https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply
  13. ↑ https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply
  14. ↑ https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply
  15. ↑ https://www.seas.harvard.edu/academics/how-to-apply
  16. ↑ https://www.seas.harvard.edu/audiences/prospective-graduates/apply
  17. ↑ https://www.seas.harvard.edu/academics/how-to-apply
  18. ↑ https://www.seas.harvard.edu/audiences/prospective-graduates/apply

About This Article

Felipe Corredor
Co-authored by:
Felipe Corredor
College Admissions Consultant
This article was co-authored by Felipe Corredor. Felipe is a Senior College Admissions Consultant at American College Counselors with over seven years of experience. He specializes in helping clients from all around the world gain admission into America's top universities through private, one-on-one consulting. He helps guide clients through the entire college admissions process and perfect every aspect of their college applications. Felipe earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Chicago and recently received his MBA. This article has been viewed 19,131 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 10
Updated: December 4, 2022
Views: 19,131
Categories: Applying to Specific Universities
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