Douglas Olsen
Harvard University is an Ivy League institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a diverse student body, including around 1,000 international undergraduates from 151 countries. The application requirements for international applicants are the same as for US students, and all applicants are considered in the same pool, regardless of nationality or citizenship. Harvard's admissions process is highly selective, with only 3% of applicants being offered a place. To stand out, applicants should demonstrate exceptional academic performance, passion, and a compelling life story. While SAT or ACT scores are not mandatory, acing these tests can significantly strengthen an application. Additionally, extracurricular activities, essays, and financial aid documents are essential components of the application process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application requirements | The same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship |
| Documentation | Common App or Coalition |
| Essays | Choose from essay prompts, or create your own narrative |
| Financial aid | Same policies for all applicants, based on financial need |
| Standardised testing | SAT or ACT required; other tests accepted in exceptional cases |
| English proficiency | TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo scores can be submitted for review |
| Extracurriculars | Pay-to-play activities are not enough; demonstrate a clear trajectory and passion in your activities |
| Student body | Approximately 1,000 international undergraduates out of 7,240 total undergraduates |
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What You'll Learn
Application requirements
Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with an extremely competitive admissions process. While the admissions process is the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship, the acceptance rate for international students is only 3%. Therefore, international applicants must strive to set themselves apart by going above and beyond.
Harvard expects to see students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and a strong passion for their chosen major. While pay-to-play activities, such as elite sports teams and summer educational programs, can enhance an application, they are not enough on their own. Harvard wants to see applicants pushing beyond the opportunities presented to them and charting a clear path toward something bigger. This could include creating a meaningful club, captaining a successful team, gaining external recognition for creative work, or securing a prestigious internship.
In terms of academic requirements, Harvard accepts the SAT or ACT to meet its standardised testing requirement. However, in exceptional cases, other forms of testing may be considered, such as AP, IB, GCSE, or National Leaving Exams. While not mandatory, English language proficiency examinations, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, can be submitted as part of the application. It is important to note that students may self-report their standardised test scores. Additionally, students with financial constraints who are unable to take the SAT or ACT are encouraged to apply and submit results from other standardised tests to which they have better access.
The application itself should be submitted using the Common App or Coalition platform. Aside from standardised test scores, the application requires transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and financial aid documents if applicable. The personal statement or essay is a crucial component, where applicants should strive to build a compelling narrative about themselves, showcasing their passions, motivations, challenges, and responses to difficult situations.
Overall, gaining admission to Harvard as an international student is extremely competitive, and applicants must strive to demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and a clear passion for their chosen field of study.
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Standardised tests
Harvard accepts the SAT or ACT to meet its standardised testing requirement for international applicants. If you are unable to submit SAT or ACT scores, you will have the opportunity to explain why. In such cases, Harvard may accept other forms of testing, such as AP, IB, GCSE, or National Leaving Exams. However, students who have access to the SAT or ACT are expected to take and submit scores for these tests.
English language proficiency examinations, such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo, cannot be used to meet the standardised testing requirement. However, students are welcome to submit these scores for review as part of their application. A strong knowledge of English is essential for successful study at Harvard, so demonstrating proficiency is important.
If the cost of taking the SAT or ACT is a concern, it is worth noting that fee waivers are sometimes available for domestic students from low-income families. However, non-US citizens attending secondary schools outside the US are generally not eligible for these waivers. In such cases, Harvard encourages students to apply anyway and submit results from other standardised tests to which they have greater access.
While not required, submitting exceptional SAT or ACT scores can greatly strengthen your application. If you do not send your scores, you lose the opportunity to showcase your academic abilities through standardised testing. However, if you send less-than-perfect scores, this may not help your application.
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Financial aid
Harvard University offers financial aid to international students on the same basis as American students. The financial aid application process is also the same for all applicants, regardless of their citizenship or country of residence. International students are not eligible for any federal funding, but Harvard has its own job and scholarship money available.
Harvard has a need-blind application process, meaning that applying for financial aid will have no impact on your admissions decision. The university promises to meet 100% of the demonstrated need for all admitted students, including international students. Harvard's financial aid officers work individually with students and their families to provide financial aid that matches their specific financial situation.
To apply for financial aid, international students will need to submit a CSS Profile and an IDOC Packet. The CSS Profile can be completed using your College Board account, which you may already have if you registered for the SAT. The College Board website also has a page specifically designed to guide international students through the process. Once you have completed the CSS Profile, you will need to submit supplemental materials through the IDOC (International Documentation Service). These may include a letter from your parent's employer stating their income and deductions, official salary slips, and information about any assets your family may have, such as businesses, farms, or land.
It is recommended that international students also seek information from the nearest U.S. Cultural Affairs Office about travel grants and other financial assistance available to qualified students. Additionally, EducationUSA runs a program called Opportunity Funds, which is available in Brazil and potentially other countries. This program selects 20 students who need financial support and provides assistance with application fees.
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Personal statement
The personal statement is an important part of your application to Harvard. It is your opportunity to show the selection committee who you are as a person, your story, your values, your interests, and why you are a perfect fit for Harvard.
Your personal statement should showcase your maturity and be an honest reflection of your personality. It should be well-written, polished, and free of grammar or spelling errors. It should also directly address the prompt and demonstrate a clear sense of purpose.
When writing your personal statement, focus on one or two relevant, formative experiences that are emblematic of your development. These can be academic, professional, or extracurricular experiences that have been influential in your journey. Reflect on the important moments and influences that have led to who you are today. Consider what distinguishes you from your peers and the challenges you have overcome.
Discuss your field of study and what first interested you in it. How has your interest in the field changed and developed over time? Be sure to relate everything back to your deeper motivations and passions. Explain any challenges you've faced and how you've worked to overcome them, and how you respond in difficult situations.
Remember, the goal is not to showcase your creative writing skills but to present yourself as an interesting person with a unique background and perspective.
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Extracurricular activities
When it comes to extracurricular activities, it is essential to demonstrate exceptional levels of achievement and commitment. Simply listing a variety of activities is not enough. Instead, focus on a few activities that showcase your unique talents and interests. For example, consider activities that are related to your area of study, such as coding for Computer Science students or 3D modelling for Architecture Technology students. These activities demonstrate a passion and dedication that extends beyond the classroom.
Additionally, extracurricular activities can showcase your leadership skills and community involvement. Harvard values students who are well-rounded and have contributed to their schools or communities in meaningful ways. Consider activities that allow you to develop and demonstrate leadership skills, such as student government or serving in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). These experiences not only enhance your application but also provide valuable opportunities for personal growth and service.
It is also beneficial to explore extracurricular activities that align with your interests and passions. Whether it's creative writing, swimming, theatrics, cooking, or cinematography, engaging in activities you truly enjoy showcases your authenticity and dedication. Remember, the key is to showcase your unique talents, interests, and contributions rather than merely listing a large number of activities. Too many activities can suggest a lack of focus.
Lastly, extracurricular activities can provide opportunities for personal growth, friendship, and learning. Harvard offers a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and international organizations, as well as special interest groups. By participating in these activities, you can connect with students who share similar interests and backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Remember, while extracurricular activities are important, they are just one aspect of your application. Focus on showcasing your unique strengths and contributions both inside and outside the classroom.
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Frequently asked questions
The requirements for international students are the same as for US students. A strong academic record is essential, with 83% of accepted students submitting either the SAT or ACT, and twice as many submitting the SAT. Harvard also wants to see students with focus and passion, who are pushing beyond the opportunities available to them.
You will need to submit a personal statement or essay, and financial aid documents if you will be applying for aid. You may also submit English proficiency test scores, although these are not required.
Harvard is extremely competitive, with only 3% of students offered a place in the first-year class. However, Harvard states that its admissions process is the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship, so your chances are the same as for any other applicant.
