Lana Oconnell
Harvard University is one of the most elite universities in the world, with a notoriously competitive and difficult admissions process. However, getting into Harvard is possible with dedication, focus, perseverance, and organization. Harvard offers a four-year undergraduate liberal arts program for students seeking their first degree, as well as graduate programs for students who already hold a first degree and seek advanced training in their fields. To prepare for Harvard as a mature student, it is important to start early and maintain a rigorous course schedule, good grades, high standardized test scores, impressive extracurricular activities, and strong personal qualities. Harvard looks for applicants who are open to learning new ideas, meeting new people, and contributing to the Harvard community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Academic accomplishment | Important, but not the only factor |
| High school education | Academically demanding courses |
| Math courses | Four years of high school math |
| Math course focus | Conceptual understanding, higher-order thinking, mathematical reasoning |
| Math course examples | Computer science, statistics, mathematical modeling, calculus |
| Other courses | Rigorous and advanced |
| Extracurricular activities | Quality over quantity, community involvement |
| Standardized tests | SAT or ACT |
| Application tips | Net Price Calculator, Fair Opportunity Project, Khan Academy |
| Admissions | Restrictive Early Action, Regular Decision |
| Financial aid | Harvard meets the full financial need of admitted students |
| Student life | 450+ student-run organizations, 5 orchestras, extensive community service, 40+ intercollegiate athletic teams, artistic, musical, political, and social activities |
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What You'll Learn
Take academically demanding courses
Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, offering a four-year undergraduate liberal arts program for students seeking their first degree. The university also includes 12 graduate and professional schools, all of which offer programs for students who already hold their first degrees and seek advanced training in their fields through master's or doctoral programs.
Harvard College seeks students who demonstrate academic promise, special talents, and outstanding personal qualities. The admissions committee looks for students who excel in extracurricular activities and who make the most of their opportunities and resources.
Harvard does not expect applicants to follow a single academic path. However, they recommend that applicants take academically demanding courses to improve their chances of admission and enhance their performance during their first years of college.
- Math and science courses: Harvard recommends that applicants take four years of math courses in high school, focusing on conceptual understanding and higher-order thinking. Examples of rigorous courses in this field include computer science, statistics, mathematical modeling, and calculus. While calculus is not a requirement for admission, it may benefit students intending to study engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or statistics.
- Liberal arts and sciences: Harvard College is committed to liberal arts and sciences, which offer a broad intellectual foundation. Taking demanding courses in these areas can help prepare students for Harvard's academic demands.
- Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests: Consider demonstrating your proficiency in certain subjects by taking Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate tests and submitting your scores with your application.
- Summer programs: Harvard Summer School offers a Secondary School Program (SSP), a 4- or 7-week academic program for motivated high school students ready to excel in academically rigorous college courses. This program can help you gain confidence and experience in handling advanced coursework while also exploring potential majors or career paths.
- College readiness workshops: Participating in college readiness workshops can help you develop the important knowledge, skills, and habits of thought valued by Harvard. These workshops can provide guidance on taking academically demanding courses and improving your application.
- Extracurricular activities: While focusing on academically demanding courses, remember that Harvard values well-rounded applicants. Extracurricular activities provide important settings for personal growth and demonstrate your ability to balance academic pursuits with other commitments.
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Develop skills and a broad perspective
Developing a broad perspective and a diverse skill set is key to preparing for Harvard University as a mature student. Harvard seeks promising students who will contribute to the community during their college years and to society throughout their lives.
Harvard's commitment to liberal arts and sciences is at the core of its mission. The liberal arts offer a broad intellectual foundation that provides students with the tools to think critically, reason analytically, and write clearly. These proficiencies are essential for navigating complex global issues and addressing future challenges. Therefore, taking academically demanding courses that foster these skills is crucial. Aim for rigorous courses that promote higher-order thinking and encourage the use of knowledge to critically examine the world. Examples include advanced subjects such as computer science, statistics, mathematical modelling, and calculus.
In addition to academic excellence, Harvard values students who are well-rounded and actively involved in their communities. Extracurricular activities are important, but quality matters more than quantity. Seek out activities that reflect your interests and passions, whether it's joining clubs, playing sports, or engaging in community service. Demonstrating leadership and impact within these activities can set you apart.
Furthermore, gaining real-world experience through internships, research projects, or volunteer work can enhance your skill set and broaden your perspective. These experiences provide an opportunity to apply your knowledge, develop practical skills, and demonstrate your ability to contribute to society, which aligns with Harvard's mission.
Remember, Harvard seeks students with strong personal qualities and the ability to adapt to new ideas and diverse perspectives. Developing emotional intelligence and cultural awareness through travel, community engagement, or interpersonal interactions can broaden your perspective and enhance your interpersonal skills.
Lastly, don't be afraid to showcase your unique talents and unusual personal circumstances. Harvard values diversity and the special excellences that each student brings to the community. Whether it's artistic prowess, musical ability, or entrepreneurial spirit, showcase what makes you unique and how your skills and perspective can enrich the Harvard community.
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Prepare for SATs and ACTs
Preparing for the SATs and ACTs is an important part of the application process for Harvard University. While Harvard does not specify any particular score requirements, performing well on these standardised tests can increase your chances of acceptance. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the SATs and ACTs:
Understand the Tests
Firstly, familiarise yourself with the structure and content of the SATs and ACTs. The SAT tests students' reasoning and verbal skills, while the ACT measures what students have learned in their academic subjects. The SAT consists of a Math section, an Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section, and an optional Essay section. In comparison, the ACT includes English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing section. Understanding the differences between the tests will help you determine which one to take or whether to take both.
Practice with Sample Questions
One of the best ways to prepare for the SATs and ACTs is to practice with sample questions and practice tests. Many practice tests and sample questions are available for free online. Taking the PSAT, which is often offered in schools, can also help you establish a baseline score and identify areas that require extra study. Simulating a real testing environment, including timing yourself on each section, will help you feel more prepared and confident.
Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
As you practice, evaluate your performance to identify areas where you excel and areas that need improvement. This self-evaluation skill is valuable not only for test preparation but also for other areas of your life. Use your strengths to maintain motivation and focus on improving areas of weakness through dedicated practice.
Focus on the Bigger Picture
Preparing for the SATs and ACTs can be challenging, and it's easy to get bogged down in the details. Try to maintain a broader perspective and remember that these tests are a means to an end. Keep your long-term goals in mind, and use this focus to guide your preparation and maintain a positive mindset.
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Get involved in extracurriculars
Extracurricular activities are an important part of the Harvard admissions process and student life. Harvard seeks to admit dynamic, talented, and diverse students who will contribute significantly to the education of their classmates. Extracurricular activities can help demonstrate your well-rounded nature and your ability to contribute to the school and wider community.
Harvard offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, with over 450 student-run organisations. These include dozens of publications, five orchestras, an extensive community service programme, and more than 40 intercollegiate athletic teams. There are also artistic, musical, political, and social clubs and societies.
To prepare for your Harvard application, consider what extracurricular activities you enjoy and where your strengths lie. Embrace your personality and let your extracurriculars build your unique identity. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to extracurriculars for Ivy League applications. It could be anything from creative writing to swimming to cooking to cinematography, as long as it showcases your talents and interests.
Harvard also offers a variety of non-credit courses and activities that you can get involved in, such as acting, directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, and design at the Loeb Drama Center, or dance, choreography, and improvisation at the Harvard College Dance Center.
Extracurricular activities can complement your academic studies and provide important settings for personal growth, friendship, and self-discovery. They can also help you stand out as an applicant and demonstrate your ability to manage your time effectively and balance different commitments.
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Apply for financial aid
Harvard University offers a wide range of financial aid options to its students. The Griffin Financial Aid Office provides need-based aid, ensuring that the best students can attend Harvard regardless of their ability to pay. Harvard's financial aid program is entirely need-based, and eligibility is determined in the same manner for all admitted students. The university meets the demonstrated financial need of students for all four years, based on information received from their families annually.
Harvard's financial aid staff work personally and individually with students and their families to provide financial aid that matches their specific financial situation. Financial aid covers the full cost of tuition, as well as additional costs such as fees, food, and housing, based on individual financial circumstances. Harvard College will be free for students from families with annual incomes of $100,000 or less, and tuition-free for students from families with annual incomes of $200,000 or less.
Financial aid is available for foreign students on the same basis as for American students. Although foreign students are not eligible for federal funding, the college provides its own job and scholarship money for them. Harvard's financial aid program applies to all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship.
To apply for financial aid, prospective students must complete the financial aid application by the specified deadline. While there is no penalty for submitting the application after the deadline, there may be a delay in receiving the financial aid decision.
Harvard University also offers millions of dollars in student funding for public service, research and learning, international travel, and career opportunities. Students may also choose to borrow through student loans, and outside awards can be used to reduce or replace the term-time work portion of a financial aid award.
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Frequently asked questions
Harvard requires applicants to have taken four years of maths courses in high school, including computer science, statistics, mathematical modelling, and other advanced maths subjects. Applicants should also have top grades and test scores, and have taken part in extracurricular activities.
Harvard's admissions process is notoriously competitive and difficult. Applicants should start preparing early, and submit their SAT or ACT test scores, high school transcripts, and any other supporting materials by the deadline.
Harvard meets the full financial need of admitted students, regardless of whether they apply through Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision. Loans are available, but not required.
Harvard has over 450 student-run organisations, including dozens of publications, five orchestras, and an extensive community service program. The university guarantees housing for all four years and has a comprehensive public safety program.
