Harvard University admission requires candidates to undergo a number of steps whether applying for UG or PG courses. Harvard University application deadline early action was November 1 of the previous year. The application deadline for fall session was dated 1st January. Harvard University application fee for international students is USD 85 (INR 7,057.78).

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The popular courses in Harvard University includes computer science, electrical engineering, neuroscience, anthropology, etc. Each course has its own set of entry requirements depending upon the level of study. For transferring applicants of any course, the standard deadline is March 1. The university recommends candidates to start applying as early as possible. Harvard university also offers different scholarships to study in USA for these courses. You must apply for the scholarships in the official website.

Apart from the academic requirements, you will also be required to submit certain documents such as academic transcripts, ID proof, SOP, past academic certificates, etc.These documents must be authentic and up-to date. The university officials might contact you in case of any verification of documents. All the documents must be submitted along with the application form . However, some programs may also have an extended deadline for the submission of documents.

Tips for Admission Process for International Students

Mentioned below are few of the considerations that can be undertaken by applicants to understand the benefits of studying in USA at Harvard for better application approach:

  • Applicants can choose either: Common Application or the Coalition Application.
  • Profile section requires candidates to precisely fill out personal details. Applicants must recheck the information that they have provided prior to submitting the application.
  • Financially challenged applicants can opt for fee waiver requests by selecting need-based fee waiver which can be partial or complete fee waiver.
  • Applicants are waived off by provision of the option of self-reported grades

Harvard University Admission Highlights 

Harvard University admissions are done on a very strict basis. The acceptance rate for incoming international students is nearly 4%. Harvard University looks for excellent past academic records and high scores in the English Proficiency tests for admisisons. The below table shows the important admisisons highlights to study at Harvard, one of the top universities in USA:

Application Portal https://college.harvard.edu/applicant-login 
Application Deadline 1st January for all programs (Partially Closed for specific subjects)
Early Decision 1st November for all programs (Partially Closed for specific subjects)
Acceptance Rate 4%
Application Fee USD 85 (INR 7,057.78)
Academic Calendar Commencement: Tuesday Sept 5; Course registration deadline: Thursday Aug 31; Thanksgiving recess: Wednesday Nov 22 – Sun Nov 26; Reading period: Wednesday Dec 6 – Sun Dec 10; Examination period: Monday Dec 11 – Wednesday Dec 20
ELP Scores TOEFL iBT Scores: 100 or above
IELTS: 6.5 or above
Standardized Test Scores GMAT scores or GRE Scores are optional

Harvard University Application Deadline

Harvard university application form submission deadline is January 1. However, the restrictive early decision for Harvard University application is 1st November for the intakes in USA. Mentioned below are the Harvard University application Timeline for financial aid:

Restrictive Early Action Regular Decision Transfer
CSS Profile November 1 February 1 March 1
FAFSA November 1 February 1 March 1
IDOC November 1 February 1 March 1

Harvard University Undergraduate Deadline

Table mentioned below highlights the Harvard University application deadline for undergraduate courses which can be considered via the Harvard Application portal:

Course Application Deadline
B.A. (Art, Film, and Visual Studies) Early Action: 1st November; Notification: mid-December; Regular Decision: 1st January; Notification: end of March
A.B. in Computer Science Application Availability: September; Application Deadline: 1st December ; Decision Notifications: Mid February; Final Decision: April 15
S.B. Electrical Engineering Application Availability: September; Application Deadline: 1st December; Decision Notifications: Mid February; Final Decision: April 15
Bachelor of Liberal Arts Restrictive Early Action: November 1;  Regular Decision: January 1; Regular Decision: End of March 
A.B. Neuroscience Restrictive Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: January 1; Regular Decision: End of March 

Harvard University Graduate Deadline

When applying for the graduate courses in Harvard University, you must meet the program specific requirements. The university recommends to apply as early as possible for the graduate courses. The table below highlights deadline for MS in USA in harvard University:

Course Application Deadline
M.A in Anthropology December 1
MS in Computer Science December 1
MS Computational Science and Engineering Admission Commencement: Wednesday, October 11

Notification: Friday, October 27
Final Decision: November 14

MS in Data Science December 1
PhD. History December 1

Harvard University MBA Application Deadline

Table mentioned below highlights the application deadline for Harvard University MBA admissions:

Round 1 September 6, 2023 (Closed)
Round 2 January 3, 2024 (Closed)

Harvard University Admission Requirements

Harvard University Admission requires candidates to submit certain documents which include LOR, statement of purpose, test score reports and several other documents.

Admission Requirement for UG Courses

Given below highlights documents required for admission into undergraduate courses in Harvard University application for first year applicants:

  • Harvard College Questions for the Common Application, or Coalition Application Harvard supplement
  • SAT scores or ACT (with or without writing) - optional for 2022-2026 application cycles
  • Optional: AP or other examination results
  • School Report (which includes a counselor letter) and high school transcript
  • Two Teacher Report
  • Midyear School Report (after your first semester grades)
  • Final School Report (for admitted students only)

Mentioned below are the documents required for transfer students:

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Admission Requirement for Graduate Courses

Mentioned below are the documents and transcripts that are a must to be submitted by the applicants considering graduate applicants:

  • Ed.L.D. and Ed.M. applicants are required to upload transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended in the Academics section of the application
  • Ed.L.D. and Ed.M. applicants are required to submit official transcripts and supporting documents for verification through World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators
  • English Language Proficiency test scores like IELTS score or TOEFL score
  • GMAT or GRE scores
  • Candidates enrolling for full-time courses are required to submit J-1 or F-1 visas

Harvard University Enrollment Statistics

Harvard University enrollment statistics vary each year. The university admits more than 6000 international students each year for Harvard University courses. Given below are the important enrollment statistics of Harvard University:

Number of UG and PG students 25,266
International Students 6713
Female:Male 51:49
Student Teacher Ratio 7:1
Non-US Countries

African American; Asian American; Hispanic or Latino; Native American; Native Hawaiian and others

Harvard Unievrsity Admissions Infograph-01

How to Apply for Harvard University

Whenever applying for the courses in Harvard University, it is important to know the correct application process step by step. You can also contact an education agent for submission of application form. Harvard University charges an application fee of USD 85 (INR 7,057.78). However, there are a lot of universities in USA without an application fee. Candidates willing to apply for Harvard University are required to follow the mentioned steps:

  • Fill the Common Application or apply Coalition powered by Scoir
  • Proceed with Harvard College Questions for the Common Application, or Coalition Application Harvard supplement
  • Pay the application fee of USD 85 (INR 7,057.78) fee or they can request a fee-waiver
  • Submit scores of SAT or ACT/ GMAT or GRE Scores
  • Submit other scores such as AP exams or relevant examinations
  • English Language proficiency; IELTS or TOEFL or PTE or Duolingo Scores
  • Submit documents; School Reports and high school transcripts, teacher reports, Mid Year School Reports, and final school report

Harvard University Selection Criteria

Mentioned below are the aspects that are considered for the selection criteria. For undergraduate courses, there is no such specific selection criteria. Harvard University ranking is #4 for the year 2024. However, factors that are taken into considerations are:

  • Community involvement,
  • Leadership and distinction in extracurricular activities,
  • Personal qualities and character

Interview Process at Harvard University

Applicants, post selection criteria are assigned with alumni to be interviewed for further selection. This step is similar for both graduate and undergraduate students who are applying for specific courses. Interview processes are conducted via Zoom (or other video conferencing platform), telephone, or in-person depending on public health restrictions in applicant's area - as and those of interviewer’s interest. You can also mention about the Harvard University scholarships, if you have applied for any. After the interview, it is recommended that you must send a “thank you” note to the interviewer. It carries a good impreesion.

FAQs

Ques. Can I apply for Harvard after 12th?

Answer: Yes, one can apply to Harvard University after completing 12th. Applicants must have a minimum score of 85% in class 12, SAT score above 1200, and a TOEFL score of more than 100.

Ques. How do I get admission in Harvard University?

Answer: Candidates meeting the minimum eligibility criteria is necessary as stated for each of the courses. Admission criteria differs for both undergraduate and graduate courses.

Ques. How can I get into Harvard from India?

Answer: Harvard University Applicants from India are required to submit scores of English language proficiency test and aptitude tests which includes IELTS, or TOEFL; SAT or ACT; GMAT or GRE depending on the course they are applying to along with good academic record and performance.

Ques. Is it so hard to get into Harvard?

Answer: With an acceptance rate of 4%, Harvard University has selective and complicated admission process.

Ques. What exams are required to study in Harvard?

Answer: To get into Harvard University undergraduate courses, candidates are required to submit SAT or ACT scores. For graduate courses, GMAT or GRE. Moreover, as a proof of English Language proficiency, candidates are required to submit; IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores.

Ques. What are the most important factors in Harvard's admissions decision?

Answer: Harvard's admissions committee considers a variety of factors when making decisions, including academic achievement, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and standardized test scores. However, the most important factor is the applicant's demonstrated intellectual curiosity and potential for academic success.

Ques. What are the chances of getting into Harvard?

Answer: The acceptance rate at Harvard is very low, typically around 4%. This means that only a small percentage of applicants are admitted each year. However, it is important to remember that Harvard is a highly selective school, and the admissions committee only admits students who they believe will be successful at Harvard and beyond.

Ques. What is the average GPA for Harvard applicants?

Answer: The average GPA for Harvard applicants is around 3.9. However, it is important to note that GPA is just one factor that the admissions committee considers. Other factors, such as standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal statement, are also weighed heavily.

Ques. What are the best extracurricular activities for Harvard applicants?

Answer: There is no one "best" extracurricular activity for Harvard applicants. However, the admissions committee is looking for students who are involved in activities that they are passionate about and that demonstrate their leadership, teamwork, and commitment. Some good extracurricular activities for Harvard applicants include student government, debate team, volunteer work, and research.

Ques. What are the most important things to do to increase my chances of getting into Harvard?

Answer: There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting into Harvard. First, make sure you have a strong academic record. Second, take challenging courses and get good grades. Third, participate in extracurricular activities that you are passionate about. Fourth, write a strong personal statement that highlights your unique qualities and experiences. Fifth, get strong letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors who can attest to your academic abilities and character.​

Ques. Can a 15 year old get into Harvard?

Ans. Harvard University welcomes students of 15 years or more for their academic programs. However, students must have turned 15 years at the time of registration.

Ques. Who is the youngest person to go to Harvard?

Ans. The youngest person to go to Harvard University is William James Sidis. He enrolled at Harvard University in 1909 at age 11. 

Ques. How to get into Harvard as an international student?

Ans. There is no strict criteria for going to Harvard University. The university examines several selection criteria for the admission of a candidates. The past academic records as well percentage obtained in previous qualifications also matters a lot.

Ques. Is Harvard private or public?

Ans. Harvard University is a medium-sized private university located on an urban campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Ques. Does Harvard give scholarships?

Ans. Harvard University offers various scholarships based on merit and academic achievement. The scholarships may cover the tuition fees or the accomodation expenses of an international student.

Ques. Can Indian student get into Harvard?

Ans. Yes, Indian students are accepted in Harvard University. However, you need to meet the eligibility requirements and the program specific criterias for admissions.

Ques. Who founded Harvard?

Ans. John Harvard founded the Harvard University. He received his M.A. from Cambridge University, England. 1636.

Ques. How big is Harvard?

Ans. Harvard University is nearly 5,000 acres within Massachusetts. The university has three main campuses, and holdings elsewhere.

Ques. What is the student teacher ratio at Harvard?

Ans. The student teacher ratio at Harvard University is 7:1. This however changes according to the student enrollments in a particular year and availability of professors.

Ques. Why is Harvard so famous?

Ans. Harvard University is famous for its exceptional academic facilities, modern technologies, innovative research facilities, etc. You need to be academically proficient and possess good grades to study in this university.