Harvard University is test-optional for the 2024 admissions cycle, meaning students can choose whether or not to submit their SAT or ACT scores. However, standardized test scores are still considered one factor among many in the admissions process.
Here are the application requirements for Harvard University for the 2024 admissions cycle:
- Common Application or Coalition Application
- Harvard College Supplement
- $85 application fee (or request a fee waiver)
- School Report (which includes a counselor letter) and high school transcript
- Teacher Report (2)
- Midyear School Report (after your first semester grades)
- Final School Report (for admitted students only)
Application Deadline
- The application deadline for Restrictive Early Action is November 1, 2023
- The application deadline for Regular Decision is January 1, 2024.
The acceptance rate for Harvard University is meager, around 5%. The average GPA for admitted students is 3.9, and the average SAT score is 1550. However, it is essential to remember that these are just averages, and many successful applicants do not meet these benchmarks.
Application Process
The application process for Harvard University in 2024 is as follows:
- Start early. The application process can be long and demanding, so it is important to start early. The Common Application opens on August 1, 2023, and the Coalition Application opens on August 15, 2023.
- Choose an application platform. You can apply to Harvard through the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Both applications are accepted and treated equally by the Admissions Committee.
- Complete the application. The application includes the following components:
- Personal statement
- Activities list
- Letters of recommendation
- Test scores (optional)
- School report
- Teacher reports
- Midyear school report (for Regular Decision applicants only)
- Final school report (for admitted students only)
- Request a fee waiver if needed. The application fee is $85, but you can request a fee waiver if you cannot afford to pay it.
- Submit your application. The application deadline for Restrictive Early Action is November 1, 2023, and the application deadline for Regular Decision is January 1, 2024.
Additional Tips for Applying
Here are some additional tips for applying to Harvard University:
- Be yourself. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know the real you, so let your personality shine through in your application.
- Be specific. When you are writing about your extracurricular activities, be specific about what you did and what you learned.
- Be thoughtful. Take the time to think about your responses to the application questions. Don’t just write the first thing that comes to mind.
- Get help. If you need help with the application process, there are many resources available to you. Talk to your guidance counselor, a college admissions consultant, or a friend or family member who has applied to college.
Programs of Harvard University
Harvard University offers a wide range of programs and courses across various academic disciplines. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, here are some of the major programs and schools at Harvard:
- Harvard College: This is Harvard’s undergraduate program and offers a liberal arts and sciences education. Students can choose from a wide range of majors and pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.
- Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS): GSAS offers a variety of graduate programs leading to Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in fields such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
- Harvard Business School (HBS): HBS is renowned for its MBA program and offers other graduate business programs as well. It focuses on business administration and management education.
- Harvard Law School: Known for its prestigious law program, Harvard Law School offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree as well as various postgraduate programs.
- Harvard Medical School: This is one of the top medical schools in the world, offering Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) programs and various graduate programs in the field of medicine.
- Harvard School of Public Health: Now part of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, it offers programs in public health, including Master’s and Ph.D. degrees.
- Harvard Graduate School of Education: Offers graduate programs in education, including Master’s and Doctoral degrees in education-related fields.
- Harvard Kennedy School: This school focuses on public policy and public administration, offering Master’s and Ph.D. programs in public administration, public policy, and related fields.
- Harvard Divinity School: Offers theological education and degrees, including Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Theological Studies (MTS).
- Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS): Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various engineering and applied science disciplines.
- Harvard School of Design (GSD): Offers programs in architecture, urban planning, and design.
- Harvard Extension School: Provides part-time and online courses for non-traditional students and offers a variety of certificates and degrees.
- Harvard Summer School: Offers a wide range of summer courses for students, including undergraduates and high school students.
- Harvard Continuing Education: Provides opportunities for lifelong learners through various courses and programs.
Scholarships of Harvard University
Harvard University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help students with the cost of attending the university. These scholarships are designed to make a Harvard education more accessible to a diverse range of students. Here are some of the scholarship programs and financial aid options available at Harvard:
- Need-Based Financial Aid: Harvard is committed to meeting the demonstrated financial need of admitted students. The university uses a need-based financial aid system that takes into account a family’s financial circumstances. This can include grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
- Harvard College Scholarships: These scholarships are available to undergraduate students at Harvard College. They are awarded based on financial need and can cover tuition, room, board, and other expenses.
- Harvard Presidential Scholarships: These highly competitive scholarships are awarded to a small number of exceptional undergraduate students. They cover the full cost of attendance.
- Harvard National Scholarship Program: This program aims to make Harvard more accessible to talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It provides full financial support for admitted students from families with annual incomes below a certain threshold.
- Transfer Student Scholarships: Harvard offers need-based financial aid to transfer students as well, making it possible for students to receive financial assistance if they are admitted as transfer students.
- External Scholarships: Harvard encourages students to seek external scholarships from various organizations, foundations, and government programs. The Financial Aid Office can help students navigate these opportunities.
- Summer Funding: Harvard offers funding for summer internships and research projects to ensure that students can pursue valuable experiences without financial barriers.
- Work-Study Programs: Harvard provides opportunities for students to work part-time jobs on or off campus through the Federal Work-Study program, helping them earn money to contribute to their educational expenses.
- Graduate and Professional School Scholarships: Each graduate school at Harvard may have its own scholarship and financial aid programs for students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Harvard University Admissions Website: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions
- The Crimson Education Blog: https://www.crimsoneducation.org/us/blog/
- The PrepScholar Blog: https://blog.prepscholar.com/
