Admissions
Harvard University is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1636 and named for its first benefactor, clergyman John Harvard of Southhampton, Massachusetts, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Harvard’s educational offerings are broad, with some 20 schools and colleges offering undergraduate degrees on a local or global scale and postgraduate degrees at both master’s and doctoral levels. Harvard also has an extensive library system that houses over ten million books across 31 libraries, plus digital resources available online through their website portal library catalogue portal (Hoopla). As part of their mission to provide access to information for students worldwide, all students have free access to Hoopla from any computer connected to the internet.”
How to apply
The application process for Harvard University undergraduate programs is a long one, but it’s also straightforward. Students can begin to apply in mid-September; the deadline is January 1 of the year they plan to enroll. The application fee is USD 80 per student, regardless of how many schools they apply to or when they submit their applications. Students who wish to use early decision should do so by November 1; those who want to apply for the regular decision must do so by January 1 (or February 15 if they live outside the U.S.).
Students may apply only once per year; however, if you have been admitted into multiple schools’ programs and are unsure which one you would like most–or even if you have yet to learn! –You may list all desired schools on your Common Application essay “Why us?”
Application Requirements
- Test Scores
- Essays
- Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement (optional)
- Academic Record
College Application fee
The application fee is $85 and is non-refundable. Applicants may pay the fee online with a credit card or send a check or money order as payment. If you choose to mail in your application materials, include a self-addressed stamped envelope to return your materials.
In addition to submitting an application form and payment, Harvard requires you to introduce secondary school coursework from grades 10-12 (including summer school) through its online portal called Unigo or by uploading it directly into the Common Application; this includes official transcripts from any schools attended after high school graduation.
How is your Application Reviewed
Your application is reviewed by an admissions committee comprising faculty members and administrators from Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The committee reviews each applicant’s academic record, extracurricular activities and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, personal essays (if applicable), and teacher recommendations. After carefully considering all these factors, the committee decides whom to admit into the program.
The decision process can take up to six weeks after receiving all materials
How are Admission Decisions made?
Harvard uses a holistic approach to admissions. This means they look at all aspects of your application, not just your GPA and test scores. They look at your extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation and personal Statements.
If you are applying as an undergraduate student (not for graduate school) and have been accepted to another institution but want to attend Harvard instead:
- Your new school will not release any information about you until after the decision deadline has passed; however, they may contact us on their own if they have questions about our admission decision process or any other aspect related to it – so please be sure that we have up-to-date contact information for them!
Section: Early decision, early action and regular decision deadlines
Early decision, early action and regular decision deadlines
Early Decision: November 1
Early Action: November 1
Regular Decision: January 1
Students applying for financial aid should submit their FAFSA by March 2.
What does Harvard look for in your application?
The admissions process at Harvard is unique in that it’s a holistic approach. The people who are evaluating your application are looking for students who are well-rounded and have a diverse range of interests. Still, they want to see that you’re curious, thoughtful, and engaged in your communities. To get into Harvard as an undergraduate student (whether through early action or regular decision), you must demonstrate a passion for whatever makes up your identity–from academics to extracurriculars and everything in between.
Learn about how to apply to Harvard University
The application process is different for every college. It would help if you were in the right mindset and prepared to work hard to succeed.
You’ll also need to be honest with yourself about how well your skills match up with what each school is looking for and how much time and effort it will take for you to get there.
For example, suppose you’re applying for an engineering program at Harvard University. In that case, they might want someone who has taken calculus classes in high school or college–but they won’t require any advanced math courses on top of that (unless they specify otherwise). If this sounds like too much work already–or if it seems like too big of a leap from where your current level of knowledge sits right now–then maybe wait until later down the road when things feel more manageable before applying? In other words: think carefully about whether or not this particular opportunity aligns well with both where your interests lie AND how much time/effort/money, etcetera they require; then decide whether those two factors are compatible enough so as not only help out but also increase overall happiness levels while pursuing them!