Harvard University lies at the top of the pyramid of academic excellence. Getting admission to this university is nothing less than a heroic achievement. Out of the thousands of applicants, only a meagre 4% get accepted. Harvard University has maintained a top ranking worldwide for many years. It will be overwhelming for a student applying to this prestigious university. To make the task a tad bit easier, we have compiled a list of factors to be taken care of while applying to this great institution.

Documents required to apply to Harvard University

The first-year applicants have to fill out a common application form. It is essential to submit your application before supporting materials like teacher recommendations, etc. can be submitted. The Harvard University application form fee is $85. The application includes a personal essay, an activity list, SAT or ACT scores, five short Harvard College questions, two teacher recommendations, a secondary school report with a school counsellor’s letter, and a high school transcript. Supplemental materials like music recordings, artwork, or selected academic work are most welcome by the Admissions Committee.

Deadlines for Harvard University application submission

The last date to apply for Restrictive Early Action (REA) is November 1, and Harvard University notifies the candidate by mid-December. The last date for applications for regular decision is January 1, and the University notifies the candidate by the end of March.

Harvard University seeks academic excellence among its applicants

Abroad study consultants state that students require highly competitive GPA, SAT, and ACT scores to get into the university. The university approximately requires a GPA of 4, an SAT score of 1580, and an ACT score of 36. However, not only scores are given importance. The Admissions Committee wants to see the applicant’s passion for learning and intellectual curiosity.

Students may challenge themselves by attending advanced courses and excelling in them. They may show their academic performance by participating in academic competitions and conducting independent study projects or research.

Harvard University believes that applicants should master some subjects and skills as preparation for college. Students can take Advanced Placement tests and International Baccalaureate tests to ascertain their proficiency in these subjects. The scores of these tests should be submitted with the application.

Harvard University appreciates extracurricular activities, talents, and personal qualities in applicants

Harvard University is looking for all-rounders who may benefit their college and society. The Admissions Committee is interested in applicants who are exceptional in one or more extracurricular activities. The university is not seeking mere participation but dedication to a passion. Overseas education consultants suggest that the activity list may not be sufficient to showcase your extracurricular talent. You may use the personal statement, essay, interview, or supplementary material to describe it more.

Admission officers may look for students with personal qualities of resilience, integrity, strong moral values, and leadership. Harvard University is seeking empathetic and compassionate students who would contribute to the community. Like extracurricular talents, reveal your personal qualities in your profile, personal statement, essay, or interview.

Harvard University alumni conduct applicant interviews

Abroad study consultants explain to students that an alumni interview is just a conversation. They are interested in knowing about you. There is no need to get nervous. Interviewers check if the student has done his/her/their homework about the college. They want the student to talk about themselves and share their experiences. It should be an addition to the personal essay and not a repetition.

Every student may not have an interview. It depends on the availability of alumni in the local area. If you are in a virtual interview, do not forget the basics of etiquette, like a neutral background and no background noise. You should feel free to ask the interviewer questions about the college.

Harvard University fees and scholarships

The tuition fee for 2024-25 is $56,550. Additional fees like housing, food, and student services make the total cost $82,866. However, abroad study counsellors state that the tuition fee is cut to $15,000-$30,000 with the help of financial aid. The list of scholarships available to Indian students is as follows:

• Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship – Harvard Business School
• The Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
• The Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship
• Harvard Graduate School of Education Financial Aid
• Need-Based Fellowships

The university allows and even encourages its students to work along with their coursework for their expenses.

We hope you are now better equipped to apply to Harvard University. To get accepted into this university, focus on the following:

• A well-prepared application
• High scores on standardised tests
• Academic achievements
• Extracurricular activities
• Personal qualities of leadership and community involvement