When you think of prestigious universities, Harvard University often springs to mind first. After all, it was the first college ever to be founded in the American colonies.[1] Harvard’s reputation and name have grown globally, becoming a widespread symbol of excellence, success, and prestige.
In addition to elite renown, Harvard offers courses and degrees in a wide variety of schools and colleges, which magnifies its effort to provide opportunities to students of all backgrounds. Harvard University has 14 schools, only one for undergraduate studies. The remaining 13 are graduate and professional schools, like law school and medical school, for example.
In this article, we’ll dive into what potential students may look for at Harvard and what Harvard looks for in their future students. If Harvard isn’t the only Ivy League school you are considering applying to, check out our guides about these prestigious colleges.
Harvard University’s History
Harvard College is a cornerstone of American higher education. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just across the Charles River from Boston, Harvard was established in 1636 by a vote of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Originally named “New College” or “the college at New Towne,” it was renamed Harvard College in 1639 to honor its first major benefactor, Reverend John Harvard. Upon his death, John Harvard bequeathed half of his estate and extensive library to the institution, providing a foundational endowment to propel the college’s early development.
Since its founding, Harvard has evolved immensely. From a small institution aimed at educating clergy, it has become a globally recognized university synonymous with prestige and innovation. Its rich history is interwoven with the evolution of the United States itself, producing influential leaders, scholars, and visionaries across various fields. Harvard’s commitment to expanding knowledge and fostering intellectual growth has shaped the lives of its students and made significant contributions to society at large. The university’s blend of tradition and forward-thinking continues to attract individuals eager to make their mark on the world.
If you’re keen to learn more about history and trivia at Harvard, read the list below. Otherwise, skip to the next part.
- The Great Harvard Butter Rebellion: In 1805, students revolted against the quality of the butter served in the dining hall. This “Butter Rebellion” involved students throwing butter pats at the walls and refusing to eat until the butter was improved. Talk about demanding palates!
- George Washington Slept Here (Sort Of): During the Revolutionary War in 1775, Harvard Yard housed Continental Army troops, and George Washington himself used Wadsworth House as his headquarters for a time.
- The Harvard Time Capsule Mystery: In 1796, a time capsule was placed in the cornerstone of Massachusetts Hall by Paul Revere and Samuel Adams. When it was opened in 1850, it was found to contain coins, newspapers, and a silver plate engraved with a message. But here’s the mystery: it was resealed and reburied with additional items, and hasn’t been opened since! We can only wonder what’s inside now.
- The “Veritas” Shield: The iconic Harvard shield with the word “Veritas” (Latin for “Truth”) wasn’t adopted until 1836, nearly 200 years after the university was founded.
- Early Admission Standards: In the early days, admission to Harvard was based primarily on an applicant’s ability to read and write Latin and Greek. Imagine that entrance exam!
- A Nobel Prize Powerhouse: Harvard boasts the largest number of Nobel Laureates affiliated with any university in the world.
Finally, Harvard has graduated some pretty presidential personalities, including eight US presidents. These names include the following:
- John Adams: Graduated from Harvard College
- John Quincy Adams: Graduated from Harvard College
- Rutherford B. Hayes: Graduated from Harvard Law School
- Theodore Roosevelt: Graduated from Harvard College
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Graduated from Harvard College
- John F. Kennedy: Graduated from Harvard College
- George W. Bush: Graduated from Harvard Business School
- Barack Obama: Graduated from Harvard Law School
You’ll notice that each of these presidents graduated from a distinctive college on Harvard’s campus. Let’s explore each of Harvard’s colleges and schools.
Harvard’s Colleges and Schools
As mentioned, Harvard University has 14 unique schools. This section will offer a brief overview of each so you can understand the diverse coursework and professional research provided there.
Not Sure What You Want to Study at Harvard?
Remember that Harvard has a unique way of pursuing your course of interest. All new undergraduate students must apply and get accepted into Harvard College.[2] From there, students may choose to tailor their coursework to apply and get accepted into a professional or graduate school from the list below. Students are not expected to declare a major (or a “concentration,” as Harvard calls it) until their sophomore (second) year of college.[3]
One student on Harvard’s Student Voices Blog said the following about picking majors.
A large portion of Harvard students come in being undecided about their majors. As a result, a large part of the first-year experience is exploring different fields that you may be interested in and trying to narrow down the list of potential majors.[4]
So, it’s acceptable if you’re unsure what to study. That said, picking your major is arguably the most critical facet of your college experience. What you do after graduation will far outweigh what you do while you’re in college. Also, Harvard values students with initiative and intentionality. Anyone can say they’re not sure what they want to do for the rest of their lives, but Harvard doesn’t want everyone. They want the exceptional.
If you’re in high school and don’t have your college major picked, you’re not alone. However, aptitude testing has been incredibly helpful in showing students what careers draw on their natural strengths. For more information about aptitude testing, consider reading one of the following articles:
Harvard College
This college is the college of liberal arts and sciences. The goal of a liberal arts and sciences education is to “offer a broad intellectual foundation for the tools to think critically, reason analytically and write clearly.”[5] About a third of your courses at Harvard College will go toward fulfilling this objective in the form of “General Education, Distribution, Quantitative Reasoning with Data, Expository Writing, and Language.”[6] The remainder of your coursework will be from the 3,700 unique classes that best fit your preferences and concentration requirements.
This school has fifty concentrations, ranging from Engineering to Arts, offering the degrees of Bachelor of Art (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.).[7] In addition to these concentrations, Harvard offers programs called Secondary Fields (other universities call them Minors) to expand your education in a way that is unique to your interests and goals.
All new undergraduate students at Harvard University will begin their academic journey at Harvard College. So, when you apply to Harvard, you will apply to Harvard College. However, this is just the starting point. After acceptance, students can remain in this school or apply to one of the many professional schools listed below.
Harvard Law School
This school offers a significant number of areas of interest for students seeking J.D., LL.M., and S.J.D degrees, as well as Joint Degrees in Business, Government, Public Health, Urban Planning, and PhD degrees to pair with a J.D. degree.[8] From regularly hosting visiting scholars to offering more than 400 courses and even providing hands-on clinical legal experience, Harvard Law School offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking to change the world through law.[9]
Harvard Business School
The business school at Harvard profoundly emphasizes leadership and global impact, as well as a unique method of teaching business revolving heavily around case studies.[10] This school offers MBA, PhD, executive education, and online certification degrees. A great variety of student-involved professional research involves working with real-world organizations around the world, offering aspiring business students stellar experience and practical knowledge.[11]
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School offers MD, MS, and PhD degrees, postgraduate work, and online certifications.[12] This school is widely renowned for the nine Nobel prizes won for research work conducted there. Additionally, the school is affiliated with “15 of the world’s most prestigious hospitals and research institutes.”[13] If your dream is to help innovate the world through medicine and clinical research, Harvard Medical School may be a perfect fit.
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
This school is unique even to Harvard because it offers patient care through the Harvard Dental Center. Therefore, students at this school are continually involved in real-world application of their studies in addition to state-of-the-art research as “one of the preeminent schools of dental medicine in the country.”[14] Degrees offered here include DMD, DMSc, and MMSc degrees. Set your sights here for one of the best dental school experiences provided in the country.
Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers B.A., B.S., M.A., M.S., M.E., and PhD degrees in various programs, from chemistry to anthropology. One unique feature of this college is the ability to study as what the university calls a visiting student. A visiting student is a student who attends courses and studies the available programs without officially pursuing a degree. This means that even students at other universities and colleges can spend a semester or two at Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.[15]
Harvard Divinity School
Harvard says about its Divinity School, “Harvard Divinity School is a nonsectarian school of religious and theological studies that educates students both in the pursuit of the academic study of religion and in preparation for leadership in religious, governmental, and a wide range of service organizations.”[16] This is a comparatively small school at Harvard, with about 350 students and under 300 courses offered. Degrees offered here include a variety of religious and theological master’s degrees as well as a PhD.
Harvard Graduate School of Design
The Graduate School of Design emphasizes art practices, housing, materials, energy, and social equity in architectural design and urban planning. The school is widely known for its innovative and sustainable design practices. Several different master’s degrees are offered here in addition to PhD, DDes, and B.A. degrees.[17]
Harvard Graduate School of Education
If you have a passion for education, this school might be the one for you. There are courses for early childhood education, K-12 education, and higher education. This school emphasizes preparing students to make transformative contributions, create equitable solutions to real-world problems, and collaborate with scholars around the world.[18] Degrees offered here include an online Master’s in Education and in-person Master’s, PhD, and Doctor of Education Leadership degrees.
Harvard Kennedy School
This school is often called the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. As you can imagine, the mission of this school is to improve public policy across the country. The school notes that its educational priorities include the following:
- Protecting international security and freedom
- Strengthening democracy
- Advancing social justice and human rights
- Increasing economic well-being
- Enhancing sustainability
- Improving public leadership and management[19]
This school offers master’s and PhD degrees in public, health, and social policy. Additionally, one can study here for public leadership credentials and executive education.[20]
Harvard School of Public Health
Consistent, world-renowned research is being done at the Harvard School of Public Health. The school highlights great research accomplishments involving infectious and chronic disease, environmental and occupational health, inequities and health disparities, health policy and systems, and social and behavioral sciences.[21] At this school, you can pursue a master’s or PhD in public health, an M.S., a Master of Health Care Management, or a Doctor of Public Health degree.[22]
Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers courses in various fields of engineering, mathematics, and physics. Here, most programs can be completed for undergraduate degrees in the form of a B.A. or B.S. in addition to master’s degrees, PhD degrees, and an MBA. The primary focus of this college is collaboration with other fields of science and engineering, trying to eliminate barriers between them and maximize the skill of their researchers.[23] Check out the current research at Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences to see if there is a program that fits your interests.
Harvard Extension School
Harvard Extension School offers part-time and online degrees and certifications, from undergraduate and graduate degrees to certifications and even premedical tracks. One Harvard faculty member describes the extension school: “Students from all over the world come to Harvard Extension. In my classes, I’ve had CEOs, government officials, entrepreneurs, scientists, medical doctors, PhDs, and people at all stages of their careers in business and the not-for-profit sector. It’s a wonderful group to teach.”[24] So, this is a great place to look into if you want to explore all your options regarding higher education.
Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study
This school is for research project fellowships. If you are passionate about long and impactful projects, this could be the school for you. However, this school is not one from which you get a degree; the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study is designed to offer students excellent research opportunities in addition to the degrees they are pursuing in another college. Harvard describes the fellowship experience at this institute, saying, “Radcliffe fellows develop new tools and methods, challenge artistic and scholarly conventions, and illuminate our past and our present.”[25]
How Hard is it to Get Into Harvard?
One of the most asked questions regarding Harvard’s admissions is how hard it is to get accepted. As one of the most elite universities in the nation, Harvard holds exceptional standards for their students. This section will explore several factors that will help you understand Harvard’s strenuous admission process and improve your chances of acceptance into this prestigious university.
What is the Acceptance Rate for Harvard Admissions?
The acceptance rate of new students by the admissions office of Harvard University is different every year, ranging from as high as 9.94% to as low as 2.76%.[26] The acceptance rate for 2024 (class of 2028) is recorded to be 3.59%.[27] To be clear, this means that out of all the applications Harvard Admissions received, only 3.59% of them were accepted. To put this into exact numbers, Harvard Admissions received 54,008 applications in 2024 and accepted 1,245 of them.[28] The admissions process is highly exclusive. However, keep reading, and we will discuss ways to improve those odds for you.
What are the Requirements to Get Into Harvard?
The average GPA of a student admitted to Harvard University is a 3.94 unweighted GPA.[29] This means the average student gets just about straight A’s in their high school career. However, since this is an average, some students are admitted with a GPA lower than 3.94. Sometimes, this is because the student has a very high standardized test score on their ACT or SAT. The average ACT score of an admitted student is 34/36[30] and the average SAT score is 1520/1600[31]. So, here’s what the average student has at Harvard:
- GPA (unweighted): 3.94
- ACT: 34
- SAT: 1520
What Can I Do to Help My Odds of Getting Accepted Into Harvard?
GPA and test scores aren’t the only things that Harvard values in their new students. If your GPA and your test scores are below average, the good news is there are several other things you can do to boost your chances of getting recognized and accepted into Harvard! Your involvement in your community, display of passion, and unique background are all considered in the Harvard admissions process. This section will tell you what you can specifically do to convey these traits to the admissions office!
You have probably heard this before. Colleges love seeing you participate in extracurricular activities. Think about it this way: a good student brings good grades to Harvard. An excellent student can do this while also contributing to the various clubs, sports, and societies Harvard offers. Your extracurricular activities help to represent your character, but Harvard gives special attention to extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and unique accomplishments.[32] Find societies and clubs where you can stand out as a leader, but make sure you care about them. See if there are opportunities for you to plan and lead projects for the community or school. Try to find unique areas for accomplishment that no one else will put on their applications.
Remember, not all extracurriculars are created equal.
Don’t sign up for a smattering of clubs for the sole purpose of enhancing your application. Admissions officers see through that in an instant. One former Ivy League admissions officer[33] called this the “Impressiveness Paradox,” a paradox you should certainly avoid. The paradox goes something like this:
The more you try to be impressive in your college application, the less impressive you appear.
We see students do this with their extracurriculars often. They add them like notches on an axe blade or bullets on a resume.
In her book Get Real and Get In, Dr. Aviva Legatt explores the impressiveness paradox eloquently. Students try too hard to appear impressive when they do the following:
You wax poetic about your involvement in the “Earth Club” and make a deadly serious pledge to save every honey-bee by graduation. You’re not just involved in clubs—you’re president of every one.
Students trying to gain admittance into Harvard should remember this: admissions officers can spot these disingenuous humblebrags from a mile away. And when they spot it, they cringe and certainly don’t allow you in.
Legatt concludes with this thought:
It all smacks of fakeness. There’s just no other way to put it. It’s not that we think you’re lying to us (we can spot the true liars!) That’s not what we’re talking about. But admissions counselors get a feeling when everything has been pre-ordained, pre-managed, and pre-packaged to impress us—which is not impressive.[34]
Don’t write down a cocktail of clubs on your college application to impress colleges. Don’t plan on joining a constellation of extracurricular activities throughout your high school if it’s to raise eyebrows. Such efforts will do far more harm than good. In the words of J.R.R. Tolkien, your application will “feel thin… stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread.”[35]
Participate in Activities that Deepen Your Interests
Instead of spreading your interests out so thin, go deeper instead of wider. Delve into interests and activities that genuinely interest you and learn unique skills associated with them. After all, most people don’t “find” their interests; we cultivate them as a witch does her garden. The magic happens when those roots grow deep.
Read our How to Pick a College Major Through Interests article to learn more about how students cultivate their interests before college.
For example, any student can read a book, but few write them. Formalizing those interests with skills is the next logical step if you’re interested in reading. Look at the list below to envision how you or your student might.
- Creative Writing: Instead of just reading, start writing short stories, poems, or even a novel. Join a writing group or take a creative writing class to improve your craft.
- Art and Design: If you’re interested in visual arts, practice drawing, painting, or digital design. Attend workshops or enroll in an art class to refine your technique.
- Scientific Research: Start a small research project or experiment at home. Participate in science fairs or seek internships in labs for hands-on experience.
- Programming and Technology: Begin coding small programs, building websites, or designing apps. Participate in coding boot camps or take online courses to enhance your skills.
- Volunteering and Community Service: Engage deeply by organizing community events or leading initiatives. Volunteer regularly with organizations to learn about nonprofit management.
- Entrepreneurship: Start a small venture or join an entrepreneurship club. Learn about market research, budgeting, and marketing through hands-on projects.
- Environmental Activism: Take action by joining or starting an environmental club, participating in clean-up drives, or advocating for sustainability in your community.
A critical component of these interests is that they occur outside of class. Anyone can do what they’re told at school. However, developing interests outside of school takes initiative. What students do with their initiative tells an admissions committee far more than the alternative, which is a superficial slew of bullet points on their application that show shallow involvement in a carousel of clubs.
Exceptional Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are a chance for the admissions committee to hear how others describe you. It’s helpful to them because they can see aspects of you that you alone can’t explain. Harvard requires two letters of recommendation from teachers and one letter from your school counselor. Try to form good relationships with some teachers and your counselor. Convey to them the type of person you want to convey to Harvard. Be the type of person that you want them to describe you as!
Treat Your Essays Like They Are Your Saving Grace
Your GPA and test scores prove that you know how to learn. Your involvement in activities and letters of recommendation prove that you are involved with peers and programs. Your essays compose the one feature of your application where you can use your own words to persuade Harvard to accept you. Not everyone loves writing, but if getting into Harvard is your dream, these will likely be the most important essays you have ever written. Let’s review some do’s and don’ts:
- Do
- Follow the essay prompt
- Convey passion for learning and skill
- Tell impactful stories that captivate the reader
- Proofread your writing several times to avoid mistakes
- Don’t
- Come off as desperate
- Write as if you were having a conversation with the reader
- Write something that your best friend wouldn’t be able to tell you wrote (avoid generic narratives)
Take Advantage of the Optional Interviews
Harvard will reach out to many of their applicants to offer optional interviews. Harvard College’s website states this regarding the optional admissions interview.
Applicants are assigned interviews at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, based, in part, on the availability of alumni in your local area. Nearly 10,000 alumni/ae volunteers help us recruit students from all 50 states and around the world, but most areas do not have the capacity to interview all applicants. Your application is considered complete without an interview and will receive a full and thorough evaluation. The Admissions Committee usually has sufficient information in the student’s application materials to reach an admissions decision. If the Committee would like more information about a student or has questions about any application materials, someone may reach out to schedule an interview.[36]
Unfortunately, these interviews are not offered to all applicants; they depend on your geographical location and whether the admissions office wants more information. However, if you are contacted and offered an interview, it is an excellent opportunity for you to promote yourself in a way that not all applicants can. Take every chance you get to persuade Harvard that you belong there!
That said, an interview doesn’t guarantee admissions—far from it. I’ll put it this way: a terrible interview can keep you from admittance, but a good interview doesn’t guarantee admittance.
The people interviewing you are Harvard alumni, not admissions officers. They can advocate for you. However, they don’t control whether you get into the school.
What Does Harvard Look for in Their Applicants?
Harvard keeps much of its admissions data close to its chest. However, they do state this on their website:
There is no formula for gaining admission to Harvard. Academic accomplishment in high school is important, but the Admissions Committee also considers many other criteria, such as community involvement, leadership and distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character. We rely on teachers, counselors, and alumni to share information about an applicant’s strength of character, ability to overcome adversity, and other personal qualities.[37]
It’s crucial to convey who you are as a person truthfully. After all, maybe Harvard isn’t the best university to fit your goals and lifestyle. However, it’s also crucial to highlight the parts of you that you think Harvard wants to hear. Here are some critical attributes for you to highlight about yourself to catch the attention of the admissions committee:
- Passion
- Demonstrate a deep and genuine passion for a particular field or activity. This will show the reader of your application that you are applying to Harvard with a purpose, not just out of curiosity.
- Involvement in projects or initiatives that showcase commitment. The more you describe yourself as committed, the more the reader will believe you will commit to the lifestyle and community of Harvard.
- Skill
- Show proficiency and accomplishments in chosen areas. Show the reader that you have special skills to offer Harvard and that they will miss out on exceptional talent if they do not accept you. Examples: Published research, artistic achievements, leadership roles.
- Impact
- Highlight how you have made a difference in your community or field. Convey the idea that you have the skill and commitment and know how to use these traits to impact your community profoundly. Prove that you have an impact to bring to Harvard.
- Examples: Community service projects, innovative solutions, advocacy, and start-up business.
- Competitiveness
- Make it apparent that you are presenting your very best. Harvard is one of the country’s most prestigious and sought-after universities, and they know it. The admissions process is exceptionally competitive on purpose, so you bring your very best to the table. So, convey to Harvard that you are treating your application with the weight that it carries.
- Stand out on your application. You probably hear this the most, but it’s true. Harvard aims to be a school of excellence, so you must convey yourself as a uniquely exceptional person.
See our How to Get into the Ivy League article for a more detailed description of these application qualities.
Can I Make Harvard More Affordable?
An elite college often comes with an elite price tag. Harvard is no exception. Of the Ivy League colleges, Harvard isn’t the cheapest. The price tag can be daunting at first glance when it comes to Harvard. The total cost, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board, adds up quickly. But Harvard’s financial aid program is designed to make this prestigious education more accessible, no matter your financial background. Depending on your household income, the actual cost after financial aid can look very different from the sticker price.
- Total average cost before aid: $83,538
- Tuition: $57,261
- Other costs (books, room & board): $26,277
Harvard Application Fee
Harvard’s elite prestige comes with an elite price tag.
Harvard students may be intimidated by the cost of tuition or even the $85 application fee. The good news is that students can apply for financial aid to reduce the cost of tuition and waive the $85 application fee.
To waive the $85 application fee, you only need to prove that the fee presents a financial hardship for you by acknowledging this in the application and completing the waive signature.[38] Harvard also boasts that 100% of students “can graduate debt-free” thanks to the financial aid and scholarships available to them. If the cost is a significant factor in your decision to apply to Harvard, research the forms of financial assistance you may be eligible for on Harvard University’s website and financial aid office.[39]
Calculating Harvard’s Tuition and Other Costs
Harvard has a handy tool. It’s called the Net Price Calculator, and it helps estimate how much attending Harvard might cost for one year. Think of it as a first step in figuring out the financial side before diving into the application process.
What Is Harvard’s Net Price Calculator?
This tool is straightforward. You input details about your family’s financial situation, and it gives you an estimate of your net cost to attend Harvard. The calculator considers potential financial aid, giving you a clearer picture of what you might actually pay. But remember, “this is not an application for financial aid… [it] is simply a tool to estimate how much your family will need to contribute for one year at Harvard.” It’s just an estimate—not a guarantee.
To better understand how the calculator works, watch the video below:
What Information Does Harvard Collect?
The calculator asks for some key details. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Family Information: Harvard acknowledges that “every family is different and many of them are complex – something which is hard to capture in a calculator.” You’ll be asked about:
- The number of people in your family
- How many of them are currently in college
- Income Information: Harvard suggests using “your most recent year’s income information.” This section will ask for:
- Your parents’ annual pre-tax earnings
- Income from investments, such as interest or dividends (whether taxed or untaxed)
- Income from any businesses or farms your family owns
- Earnings from real estate (excluding your primary home)
- Any other sources of income, like alimony, child support, pensions, or social security benefits
- Asset Information: The calculator requests “the most recent year’s asset information,” which includes:
- Your parents’ savings, cash, and investments
- The net value of any businesses or farms, after debts
- Equity in any properties your family owns, apart from your home
- Other valuable assets, like art, vehicles, or other significant possessions
- Student Assets: The calculator also considers the student’s own financial resources. You’ll need to provide information on your savings, investments, and any income from part-time jobs or other sources.
With all this information, the calculator can generate a net price estimate. This estimate shows what your family might need to contribute after financial aid is applied, including scholarships and student earnings. Harvard notes that the calculator “provides a good estimate, it is not a guarantee of financial aid.”
Where Can You Find Harvard’s Net Price Calculator?
It’s easy to access. You can find Harvard’s Net Price Calculator on their Financial Aid website. The tool walks you through the steps, making entering your financial details and getting your estimate simple.
How Does It Help?
This tool is invaluable. It helps you plan and understand the financial commitment of attending Harvard. By considering family size, income, and assets, it gives you a personalized estimate that can help with financial planning. To that end, Harvard makes this claim on their website:
Remember, this is not an application for financial aid. The calculator is simply a tool to estimate how much your family will need to contribute for one year at Harvard. You will be asked to provide information about your family and their finances. We do not save this information; it is only used within the calculator. All students, regardless of citizenship or nationality, are eligible to apply for financial aid, but this calculator is based on an average cost of living and taxes paid in the United States, and may not provide accurate results for those whose cost of living or taxes differ.[40]
Thus, the final costs might differ after you apply for financial aid. However, the calculator provides a solid starting point, especially for US students. Students outside the US may find the calculator helpful but less accurate than calculating tuition costs from US students.
Conclusion: Getting Into Harvard
You can get into Harvard University. Take the initiative and be on top of the core features of your application. Maintain the highest grades, seriously study for the ACT and SATs, get involved in extracurricular activities, and put as much time into writing your essays as you have available. Develop your leadership skills and strive to achieve excellence in all the activities and societies you may be involved in.
If you’re not engaged in any, get involved in many. Develop yourself into the most qualified Harvard candidate you can be so that you can portray yourself as such on your application. When you do get to the application, be sure to emphasize most of all your passion, skill, and impact so that Harvard sees what makes you a unique and powerful candidate.
It’s also equally important that you do your research at Harvard University. Find the areas that interest you, or explore similar areas of other schools. After all, a prestigious name isn’t enough to make Harvard the right school for you. Though it may feel like you are bending over backward to get Harvard to accept you, remember that many schools out there could be an even better fit for your dreams and qualities. Act as your own admissions office, and only consider the universities that would be best for you and impact your life.
References
[1] “The history of Harvard University.” Harvard University, https://www.harvard.edu/about/history/. Accessed 2 August 2024.
[2] Harvard College | Harvard, https://college.harvard.edu/. Accessed 2 August 2024.
[3] Afrose, Samia. “How do I choose a major at Harvard? | Harvard.” Harvard College, 28 February 2019, https://college.harvard.edu/student-life/student-stories/how-do-i-choose-major-harvard. Accessed 2 August 2024.
[4] Harpreet. “Finding My Major.” Harvard College, 2 July 2020, https://college.harvard.edu/student-life/student-stories/finding-my-major. Accessed 25 August 2024.
[5] “Liberal Arts & Sciences | Harvard.” Harvard College, https://college.harvard.edu/academics/liberal-arts-sciences. Accessed 2 August 2024.
[6] Ibid
[7] “Concentrations | Harvard.” Harvard College, https://college.harvard.edu/academics/liberal-arts-sciences/concentrations. Accessed 2 August 2024.
[8] “Degree Programs – Harvard Law School | Harvard Law School.” Harvard Law School, https://hls.harvard.edu/academics/degree-programs/. Accessed 2 August 2024.
[9] “Academics – Harvard Law School | Harvard Law School.” Harvard Law School, https://hls.harvard.edu/academics/. Accessed 2 August 2024.
[10] Nohria, Nitin. “Our Mission | About.” Harvard Business School, https://www.hbs.edu/about/mission. Accessed 2 August 2024.
[11] “About.” Harvard Business School, https://www.hbs.edu/about. Accessed 2 August 2024.
[12] Harvard Medical School, https://hms.harvard.edu/. Accessed 2 August 2024.
[13] “About HMS | Harvard Medical School.” Harvard Medical School, https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms. Accessed 2 August 2024.
[14] “Overview.” Harvard School of Dental Medicine, https://hsdm.harvard.edu/overview-0. Accessed 2 August 2024.
[15] The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, https://gsas.harvard.edu/. Accessed 3 August 2024.
[16] “About HDS | Harvard Divinity School (HDS).” Harvard Divinity School, https://hds.harvard.edu/about. Accessed 3 August 2024.
[17] Harvard Graduate School of Design: Home, https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/. Accessed 3 August 2024.
[18] “Welcome to the Harvard Graduate School of Education | Harvard Graduate School of Education.” Harvard Graduate School of Education, https://www.gse.harvard.edu/about. Accessed 3 August 2024.
[19] “About | Harvard Kennedy School.” Harvard Kennedy School, https://www.hks.harvard.edu/more/about. Accessed 3 August 2024.
[20] Harvard Kennedy School | Harvard Kennedy School, https://www.hks.harvard.edu/. Accessed 3 August 2024.
[21] “Our impact | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.” HSPH.Harvard.edu, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/about/our-impact/. Accessed 3 August 2024.
[22] “Quick facts | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.” HSPH.Harvard.edu, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/about/quick-facts/. Accessed 3 August 2024.
[23] “About Us | Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences About Us | Harvard SEAS.” Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, https://seas.harvard.edu/about-us. Accessed 3 August 2024.
[24] Harvard Extension School | Online Courses, Degrees, Certificates, https://extension.harvard.edu/. Accessed 3 August 2024.
[25] “Become a Radcliffe Fellow | Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University.” Harvard Radcliffe Institute, https://www.radcliffe.harvard.edu/radcliffe-fellowship/become-a-radcliffe-fellow. Accessed 7 August 2024.
[26] “Harvard Admissions Acceptance Rates & Stats: Early & Regular.” Top Tier Admissions, https://toptieradmissions.com/resources/college-acceptance-rates/harvard-university-acceptance-rates/. Accessed 7 August 2024.
[27] “Harvard Accepts 3.59% Of Applicants, Highest Rate In 4 Years.” Forbes, 29 March 2024, https://www.forbes.com/sites/annaesakismith/2024/03/28/harvard-accepts-359-of-applicants-highest-rate-in-4-years/. Accessed 7 August 2024.
[28] Goncalves, Elyse C., et al. “Harvard Accepts 3.59% of Applicants to Class of 2028 | News.” The Harvard Crimson, 29 March 2024, https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2024/3/29/harvard-class-of-2028-regular-decision/. Accessed 7 August 2024.
[29] “Class of 2017.” The Harvard Crimson | Class of 2017, https://features.thecrimson.com/2013/frosh-survey/admissions.html. Accessed 7 August 2024.
[30] “Harvard ACT Scores: Full Breakdown.” Next Admit, 9 August 2024, https://nextadmit.com/blog/harvard-act-scores/. Accessed 14 August 2024.
[31] “Harvard SAT Scores: Full Breakdown.” Next Admit, 9 August 2024, https://nextadmit.com/blog/harvard-sat-scores/. Accessed 14 August 2024.
[32] Ahuja, Shilpa. “Extracurricular Activities for Harvard Applications: Make It Count! – How to Get into Harvard.” HowtoGetinto-Harvard, 29 October 2018, https://howtogetinto-harvard.com/extracurricular-activities-harvard/. Accessed 14 August 2024.
[33] Forbes. “Dr. Aviva Legatt – Aviva Legatt.” Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/avivalegatt/. Accessed 26 August 2024.
[34] Legatt, Aviva. Get Real and Get In: How to Get Into the College of Your Dreams by Being Your Authentic Self. First ed., New York, St. Martin’s Publishing Group, 2021.
[35] Tolkien, J. R. R. The Fellowship of the Ring. HarperCollins, 1991.
[36] Harvard College. “What to Expect After You Apply | Harvard.” Harvard College, https://college.harvard.edu/guides/what-expect-after-you-apply. Accessed 26 August 2024.
[37] Harvard College. “What admissions criteria do you use? | Harvard.” Harvard College, https://college.harvard.edu/resources/faq/what-admissions-criteria-do-you-use. Accessed 26 August 2024.
[38] Ibid
[39] “Financial Aid | Harvard College.” Harvard College, https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid. Accessed 15 August 2024.
[40] Harvard College: Griffin Financial Aid Office. “Net Price Calculator | Harvard.” Harvard College, https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/net-price-calculator. Accessed 3 September 2024.
