How To Get Into Harvard – 2024 Guide

Harvard, a prestigious university with a 386-year-old history, is well-known for its esteemed reputation, rich heritage, and top-notch education. 

Each year, thousands of hopeful students aspire to join this prestigious institution. However, only a few succeed in joining Harvard’s grandeur. The university offers more than 3,700 courses in 50 undergraduate fields of study, providing students with a competitive edge. Studying here elevates one’s status and helps students stand out among their peers.

Source: Crimson Education

Harvard’s acceptance rate could be much higher. For the Class of 2027, the university received a staggering 56,937 applications and extended admission offers to only 1,942 students. This diverse group represents all 50 U.S. states and 102 countries.

Recommended Reading: HOW DO YOU GET ADMISSION INTO IVY LEAGUE COLLEGES?

With an acceptance rate of just 3.4 percent, gaining admission to Harvard can feel like reaching for the moon. 

However, don’t be discouraged! To improve your chances, it’s essential to follow the following steps.

1. Application Form

Start with filling up the application form. Havard University accepts the Common and Coalition applications, Powered by Scoir. 

If you use the Common Application, you must submit your application before your supporting materials (Secondary School Report, Teacher Reports, etc.) can be released to a college. You must submit your application sections before any part will be transmitted to the Harvard Admissions Office.

2. What do you need from your school to complete the form?

a) Mid-Year School Report

At Harvard, the midyear reports consist of your GPA, class rank (if applicable), and an updated transcript. These reports play a crucial role in the admissions process, allowing the university to assess your academic performance during the first half of your senior year coursework. 

To submit the midyear school report, your school counselor or another school official must complete it on your behalf. Ensuring that these reports accurately reflect your achievements and progress is essential to strengthen your application.

b) Recommendation Letters/Teacher Evaluations

You have to submit two recommendation letters from your teachers. The recommendation letter should underline your USP, skill sets, and achievements.

You can request two teachers from different academic subjects who know you well to complete the forms. 

Havard allows you to submit extra recommendation letters, but it is not compulsory.

c) Final School Report and Transcripts

Initially, the university accepted the midyear report. However, later on, students who decide to enroll must submit the Final School Report and transcript by the university’s specified deadline. If available at your school, these documents should be completed and sent by a school counselor or another school official through Parchment/Docufide or Scrip-Safe International.

Students from IB schools are expected to send their final results as soon as they are released, usually in mid-july. We anticipate receiving the final results for students taking A levels by mid-August. 

Timely submission of these results is essential for the admissions process.

3. SAT Score

Before COVID, submitting SAT and ACT scores was mandatory for the admissions process, but now they are optional. The new changes are as follows: 

• Harvard allows students to apply for admission without SAT or ACT scores for the Classes of ’27, ’28, ’29, and ’30.
• This change was initially introduced for the Class of 2026 due to limited access to testing sites caused by COVID-19.
• Students who submit standardized test scores will be protected in their application.
• Standardized tests are among many considered in Harvard’s whole-person admissions process.
• Applicants will be evaluated based on the materials they submit. They are encouraged to include whatever they believe best highlights their accomplishments and potential for the future.
• The admissions process considers achievements inside and outside the classroom, such as extracurriculars, community involvement, work experience, and family responsibilities.

4. Extracurricular Activities

You can list up to ten activities in the activities section, but filling all ten slots is optional. Focus on activities that showcase your commitment to excellence. Each activity includes the position held, honors won, letters earned, or employer.

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While filling out the form, you must mention the grade when you started participating in each activity. This helps admission officers understand your level of involvement and how your interests developed over time.

Highlighting your time on each activity showcases your time management skills and how well you balance academics with life outside the classroom.

Distinguishing between school-year and summer activities.

5. Writing

In this section, you have to focus on two things.

1. Personal Essay

Focus on showcasing your writing skills while reflecting on your unique personality. Be genuine and honest in your approach. Avoid the temptation to impress the admission officers and let your authentic self shine through.

2. Disciplinary History

Here, you must explain how you handled a disciplinary incident, reflected on it, and changed your behavior. This aspect is just as significant as the details of the incident itself.

What qualities should your application reveal?

The admission officers at Harvard look for certain qualities in your application. Some essential attributes they seek include:

Academic Excellence: Demonstrating solid academic performance and a passion for learning.

Intellectual Curiosity: A genuine desire to explore new ideas, think critically, and pursue academic growth.

Leadership Potential: Displaying leadership qualities and the ability to impact your community positively.

Passion and Engagement: Sharing your enthusiasm and dedication for extracurricular activities, interests, or causes that you are involved in.

Cultural Awareness and Diversity: Understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives and experiences.

Communication and Writing Skills: Present your thoughts and ideas concisely and honestly through your application materials.

Just remember by being authentic, highlighting your strengths, and demonstrating your commitment to personal growth and making a positive impact, you can present a compelling case for admission to this esteemed institution. Remember, the admissions officers are eager to discover the real you beyond your academic accomplishments, so seize this chance to shine and let your true self shine through in your application. Good luck!

We have compiled this guideline using information published on the Harvard University website.

We’ve compiled a list of students who provide tips on how to get into Harvard: 

• Stats & extracurriculars: 

• Reading the essays that got me into harvard! 

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