Application Requirments

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious schools in the world. It’s also one of the more selective: for the 2019-2020 school year, Harvard received over 37,000 applications but only accepted around 2,000 students. If you’re applying to Harvard and want to get in (and who doesn’t), it pays to understand how your application will be evaluated. This is especially true if you fall into one of the many groups at Harvard that require special consideration during the admissions process.

Application Requirements

Application fee: $75
Application form: The Common Application or Coalition Application
High school transcript: You must upload a copy of your official transcript from each institution you have attended. This includes public and private schools and homeschooled students who completed their coursework through an accredited program. If you have taken courses at multiple institutions, please submit transcripts in one document (an Excel spreadsheet works well). The Office of Admissions will use these documents to determine whether or not you qualify for automatic admission into Harvard College based on your academic record as calculated by our rolling admissions process- no additional materials are needed for this step!

School Reports and Teacher Recommendations

The school report and teacher recommendation are two of the most important parts of your application. Teachers should write a recommendation in the style of a personal letter, highlighting specific examples of qualities they possess that would make them a good student at Harvard. They should also include specific examples of how you have demonstrated those qualities over time and throughout your academic career.

Ask teachers who know you well to submit their recommendations online through our Common Application or Coalition Application system- this will ensure that all required documents arrive on time!

Standard Test Scores

Standardized test scores are required for all applicants. You may submit a standardized test waiver if you still need to take the SAT or ACT. If you have taken one of these tests and wish to submit your scores, they must be sent directly from the testing agency (SAT: College Board; ACT: ACT).
Standardized test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency (SAT: College Board; ACT: ACT) within five years of the application review date or ten years if applying as an Engineering major.

Supplemental Materials

Supplemental materials are optional. Some applicants may wish to include additional information about their academic or extracurricular background, but it is optional. Examples of supplemental materials include:

Personal statement – A personal statement is a written response to the question, “Why do you wish to study at Harvard?” You may discuss your interest in a particular field or department, your future career plans and goals, why you are applying early action or regular decision rather than deferred admission (if applicable), any obstacles you have overcome in your life as an applicant (e.g., financial hardship), etc. This can be up to 500 words long – at most five pages total, including any attachments!
Essay(s) – You must submit two essays with your application: one on who inspires you and why; another describing an experience where leadership played an important role in solving an issue or problem others face (250 words per essay). These should be at most two pages each when combined!

Harvard is an elite school, and its application process reflects that

Harvard is an elite school, and its application process reflects that. The admissions team wants to ensure that all students are prepared for a rigorous academic environment and understand the expectations of being a Harvard student.

The application process can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to do your research and prepare for the process to increase your chances of getting accepted into Harvard University.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY