Applying to College
Admission Requirements for Harvard University
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the necessary academic qualifications, test scores, extracurricular accomplishments, and personal character traits sought by Harvard University in its prospective students.
Jul 22, 2023
Introduction
Harvard University, established in 1636, stands as one of the most distinguished and prestigious institutions in the world. Rooted in the rich, historical landscape of Cambridge, Massachusetts, it has cultivated an unrivaled reputation over the course of its nearly four-century existence. Harvard relentlessly perpetuates the tradition of academic excellence and innovative thinking, accumulating numerous Nobel laureates and Rhodes Scholars among its alumni. Notwithstanding its age, Harvard continues to represent the zenith of educational aspiration for students across the globe, affirming its enduring influence in the realms of research, academia, and societal impact.
Quick Numbers
Acceptance Rate: 3.4%
Test Optional: Yes, continuing until the 2026 Admissions Cycle
Average SAT Score: 1520/1600
Average ACT Score: 34/36
Average Unweighted GPA: 3.9–4.0
Letters of recommendation: 2 Required Teacher Recommendations, 1 Required Counselor Recommendation, and up to 3 optional Letters of recommendation. Note that Quality > Quantity.
Common Application/Coalition: One of the two is required
No. Supplemental Essays: 3 supplements, of which 2 are 150 words, one is unlimited, and only one of which is required.
Interview: Harvard Interviews are optional, but if offered a chance are highly recommended. It allows the school to see another side of you that might not be expressed in your essays.
Early Decision/Early Action: Harvard offers a non-binding Restrictive Early Action(REA) Program. This means that you are not allowed to apply to other private universities early, but are not required to attend Harvard if accepted.
Application Deadline: REA - November 1st, RD - January 1st
Financial Aid Deadline: REA - November 1st, RD - February 1st
Standardized Tests
In terms of standardized test scores, Harvard University admits students with strong performance on the SAT and ACT exams. Typically, the 25th percentile SAT and ACT scores are 1460 and 33, respectively. This means that 25% of admitted students scored below these figures. On the other hand, the 75th percentile scores, meaning that 75% of admitted students scored below these figures, are usually around 1580 for the SAT and 35 for the ACT. These scores provide a range within which the bulk of admitted students' scores tend to fall, giving you a benchmark to aim for in your test preparation.
Common App Essay
In terms of the Common App essay, Harvard University, like many other schools, asks applicants to respond to one of the seven essay prompts provided by the Common Application, allowing students to showcase their unique perspectives and experiences in a personal and meaningful way.
Below is the full set of Common App essay prompts for 2023-24.
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.(This is a very dangerous prompt, and it is recommended to discuss it with your high school counselor before undertaking it.)
In addition, students have the option to tell colleges any additional information that they might want to know. For example, extenuating circumstances that may explain a drop in grades for a certain semester.
Supplementals
Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (50-150 words)
Your intellectual life may extend beyond the academic requirements of your particular school. Please use the space below to list additional intellectual activities that you have not mentioned or detailed elsewhere in your application. These could include, but are not limited to, supervised or self-directed projects not done as school work, training experiences, online courses not run by your school, or summer academic or research programs not described elsewhere. (150 words)
You may wish to include an additional essay if you feel that the college application forms do not provide sufficient opportunity to convey important information about yourself or your accomplishments. You may write on a topic of your choice, or you may choose from one of the following topics:
Unusual circumstances in your life
Travel, living, or working experiences in your own or other communities
What you would want your future college roommate to know about you
An intellectual experience (course, project, book, discussion, paper, poetry, or research topic in engineering, mathematics, science or other modes of inquiry) that has meant the most to you
How you hope to use your college education
A list of books you have read during the past twelve months
The Harvard College Honor code declares that we “hold honesty as the foundation of our community.” As you consider entering this community that is committed to honesty, please reflect on a time when you or someone you observed had to make a choice about whether to act with integrity and honesty.
The mission of Harvard College is to educate our students to be citizens and citizen-leaders for society. What would you do to contribute to the lives of your classmates in advancing this mission?
Each year a substantial number of students admitted to Harvard defer their admission for one year or take time off during college. If you decided in the future to choose either option, what would you like to do?
Harvard has long recognized the importance of student body diversity of all kinds. We welcome you to write about distinctive aspects of your background, personal development or the intellectual interests you might bring to your Harvard classmates.
Conclusion
Navigating the admissions process for Harvard might seem daunting, but with the right tools at your disposal, it can be a manageable and successful endeavor. Delilah AI, with its advanced capabilities, is designed to guide you through one of the most challenging parts: writing your essays. It provides personalized suggestions and feedback, helping you craft compelling narratives that truly encapsulate your unique experiences, aspirations, and potential.
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