Applying To Harvard: An International Student's Guide

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, attracting students from all corners of the globe. The application process for international students is highly competitive and rigorous. In this paragraph, we will outline the steps and requirements for international students who wish to apply to Harvard University.

Application requirements

Harvard University's admissions process is the same for all applicants, regardless of their nationality or citizenship. The application requirements are also the same for all first-year candidates, whether they attend high school inside or outside the US.

All applicants must complete either the Common Application or the Coalition Application, along with any required supplements. There is no preference for either application, and each is treated equally by the Admissions Committee.

Harvard requires the SAT or ACT to meet its standardised testing requirement. In exceptional cases, where these tests are not accessible, one of the following can be submitted instead:

• IB Actual or Predicted Scores
• GCSE/A-Level Actual or Predicted Results
• National Leaving Exams Results (externally assessed) or Predictions

Students who are unable to submit SAT or ACT scores due to financial considerations or test availability are encouraged to submit results from other standardised tests to which they have better access, such as AP or GCSE results, IB/A-level or other national leaving exam predictions or results.

English language proficiency examinations such as the TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo cannot be used to meet the standardised testing requirement, but students are welcome to submit them for review as part of their application materials. First-year and transfer applicants are not required to take an English proficiency exam, but they may submit scores if they wish to do so. Visiting Undergraduate Students program applicants are required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS exams.

Harvard does not have quotas or limits of any kind at any point in the admissions process. All students are considered in the same pool for all places, regardless of citizenship or the secondary school they attend. A student's chances for admission and financial aid are not affected by citizenship or location.

If the admissions application fee presents a financial hardship, the fee will be waived. You can request a fee waiver directly through the Common Application or the Coalition Application if you meet their respective indicators of economic need. If you do not meet these indicators, you can follow the instructions on the Harvard website to learn how to get your fee waived. Requesting a fee waiver will not disadvantage your application in any way.

Additional Requirements for International Students

International students seeking admission to Harvard University's postgraduate programs must meet the following requirements:

• Academic transcripts
• GPA: 4.0 out of 4 (97-100%)
• English Proficiency: TOEFL Score of 104 or above
• Standardised Test Scores: GRE or GMAT (if applicable)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) within 1,500 words
• Three Letters of Recommendation (2 academic, 1 professional)
• Financial certification

Required Documentation

To complete the admission process, students must submit the following documentation:

• Completed Application Form
• Academic Transcripts
• Secondary School Report
• Standardised Test Scores (e.g. GMAT, GRE, SAT, or ACT)
• English Proficiency Score Report (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Essay or Statement of Purpose
• Midyear School Report (to include first-semester grades)
• Proof of Financial Support

Standardised tests

Harvard University requires all applicants to submit scores from standardised tests as part of the admissions process. The specific tests you need to take will depend on whether you are a native English speaker or not.

Native English speakers applying to Harvard University must submit scores from the SAT or ACT standardised tests. In exceptional cases, where students cannot access or afford these tests, the following alternative tests may be taken:

• IB Actual or Predicted Scores
• GCSE/A-Level Actual or Predicted Results
• National Leaving Exams Results (externally assessed) or Predictions

Non-native English speakers applying to Harvard University must submit scores from the SAT or ACT, as well as the TOEFL or IELTS (for non-native English speakers).

Standardised Test Fee Waivers

If the cost of taking the SAT or ACT is a concern, it is worth noting that both the College Board and ACT offer fee waivers to some domestic students from low-income families. However, students who are non-US citizens attending secondary schools outside the US are generally not eligible for these waivers. If you are facing financial hardship but do not qualify for a fee waiver, Harvard's Admissions Committee still encourages you to apply. In this case, you are encouraged to submit results from other standardised tests that are more accessible to you, such as AP or GCSE results, IB/A-level/other national leaving exam predictions or results.

English language proficiency

Harvard University welcomes applications from students worldwide, and its admissions and financial aid processes are the same for all applicants, irrespective of nationality or citizenship. The application requirements are also the same for all first-year candidates, who must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application, along with the necessary supplements. The admissions committee treats each application equally, with no preference given to either application type.

Harvard University requires applicants to submit scores from standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT, and non-native English speakers may also need to take the TOEFL or IELTS. These English language proficiency examinations cannot be used to meet the standardised testing requirement but can be submitted for review as part of the application materials.

A strong command of the English language is crucial for successful study at Harvard University, encompassing the ability to understand and express thoughts quickly and clearly. While there is no requirement to take an English proficiency exam, applicants may voluntarily submit their scores.

International students applying to Harvard University should be prepared for a rigorous and competitive application process. Starting early and seeking guidance from experienced advisors are recommended to enhance their chances of gaining admission to this prestigious institution.

Scholarships

Harvard University welcomes applications from students all over the world. The admissions and financial aid processes are the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. The application requirements are also the same for all applicants, whether they attend high school inside or outside the US. All first-year candidates must complete the Common Application or the Coalition Application, along with the required supplements. The admissions committee treats each application equally.

Harvard University meets each student's demonstrated need. 55% of students receive need-based Harvard scholarships, and 1 in 4 pays nothing to attend. Harvard scholarships are designed to cover 100% of your demonstrated financial need. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences Scholarship program includes more than 2,000 individual endowment and gift funds. Scholarship funds come from a variety of sources, including Harvard endowment funds, gifts from alumni, general tuition revenues, and federal and state grants.

If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant or a Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). Your eligibility is determined by the information you provide in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are a Massachusetts resident, you may also be eligible for a state Gilbert Grant, which is awarded on the basis of need.

You may also receive scholarship funds from sources outside Harvard, such as secondary schools, civic organizations, parental employers, corporations, the National Merit Scholarship Programs, and the ROTC. These outside awards are incorporated into your financial aid package in two steps: first to replace the term-time job expectation, and then to replace an equal amount of Harvard scholarship if your outside awards exceed your term-time work expectation.

Harvard University also provides a list of outside scholarship opportunities for international students. These include:

• 180 Medical Scholarship Program: For full-time college students living with specific medical conditions, including spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, transverse myelitis, neurogenic bladder, or an ostomy.
• Architects Foundation Scholarships: The foundation awards thousands of dollars in architecture scholarships and professional development grants to high school and undergraduate students, Architect Registration Exam (ARE) candidates, and licensed architects pursuing enrichment opportunities.
• Aga Khan Scholarship: The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies.
• American Association of University Women: International Fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research to women who are not US citizens or permanent residents. Both graduate and postgraduate study at accredited institutions are supported.
• American-Scandinavian Foundation: The ASF offers over $500,000 in funding to Scandinavians to undertake study or research programs (usually at the graduate level) in the US for up to one year.

Application process

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with a highly competitive and rigorous application process. International students make up 15.4% of the class of 2028, and the university provides over USD 245 million in scholarships each year. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process for international students:

Application Form:

The first step is to complete the online application form, which requires personal information, academic history, and details of extracurricular activities. International students can apply through the Common Application or the Coalition Application, both of which are treated equally by the Admissions Committee.

Standardized Tests:

All applicants must submit scores from standardized tests. This includes the SAT or ACT to meet the general standardized testing requirement. In exceptional cases, where these tests are not accessible, other tests may be considered, such as IB or GCSE scores.

Additionally, non-native English speakers must provide proof of English language proficiency. This can include tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. However, these tests cannot be used to meet the general standardized testing requirement.

Transcripts:

Applicants must submit transcripts from all secondary schools attended, as well as any college-level coursework completed.

Recommendations:

Two letters of recommendation are required, preferably from teachers or individuals who can attest to the applicant's academic ability.

Essays:

Harvard University requires applicants to submit two essays: a personal statement and an additional essay on a topic of their choosing.

Interviews:

Some applicants may be invited to participate in an interview with a member of the admissions committee. While not all applicants will be interviewed, the absence of an interview will not adversely affect an application.

Application Fee:

There is an application fee of USD 85. However, if this fee presents a financial hardship, it can be waived. Fee waivers are available for those who meet the indicators of economic need, and requesting a waiver will not negatively impact an application.

Supplementary Materials:

Applicants can also submit supplementary materials such as artwork, music recordings, etc. These are optional but can enhance an application.

Deadlines:

It is important to be mindful of application deadlines. Typically, applications for undergraduate programs are due in December or January, with decisions released in March or April.

In summary, the application process for Harvard University is highly competitive, and applicants should aim to demonstrate academic excellence and a well-rounded profile through their applications. Starting early and seeking guidance from experienced advisors can increase your chances of success.

Frequently asked questions