Admissions Profile – Harvard University

Admissions Profile
Written By Anthony Shannon

Interested in Harvard University? Here’s some key information to help you navigate the admissions process!

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, attracting ambitious, intellectually curious students who seek to excel in its academically rigorous environment. Known for its world-class faculty and unparalleled resources, Harvard encourages students to push boundaries, pursue interdisciplinary studies, and make meaningful contributions to society. With a rich tradition of academic excellence, diverse opportunities, and a vibrant campus life, Harvard prepares its graduates to lead and innovate across a wide range of fields.

Campus

Harvard University’s main campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, centers around the historic Harvard Yard, where Georgian brick buildings echo the intellectual legacy of eminent scholars who have walked Harvard’s hallowed halls. Stretching along the Charles River, the 210-acre campus combines tradition with modernity, featuring landmarks like Widener Library and the Science Center. Just across the river in Allston, the cutting-edge Science and Engineering Complex, a $1 billion facility, houses the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, reflecting Harvard’s commitment to innovation. With its diverse architecture and rich history, Harvard’s campus offers a vibrant academic and social environment, complemented by the lively cultural hub of nearby Harvard Square.

History and Academics

Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and a member of the prestigious Ivy League. Renowned for its academic excellence, Harvard offers a liberal arts & sciences curriculum that encourages intellectual exploration and critical thinking in over 3,700 courses across 50 fields of study or “concentrations”. Harvard’s distinguished faculty includes world-renowned scholars and researchers, many of whom have written the definitive works in their fields, contributing to the university’s reputation for academic excellence. Operating on a semester system, students typically take four courses per semester, with the Program in General Education ensuring a broad education by requiring courses in Aesthetics and Culture, Ethics and Civics, Histories, Societies and Individuals, and Science and Technology in Society. This blend of rigorous academics and diverse offerings equips students for success in a rapidly changing and interconnected world.

Notable Programs

Research and Internships

With over $1 billion in research funding annually, Harvard provides unparalleled research opportunities to its students. Research centers like the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs allow students to engage in cutting-edge work across disciplines. The university’s extensive network also facilitates internships in diverse fields, supported by Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success and the Center for Public Interest Careers.

Student Life

Undergraduate enrollment is around 7,000 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. The university’s diverse student body includes 14% international students, 84% out-of-state students, and over 65% students of color. Harvard is rich in traditions, such as Housing Day and the Harvard-Yale football game, and hosts the annual Head of the Charles Regatta.

Housing

First-year students live in Harvard Yard before transitioning to one of the 12 residential houses for the remainder of their time. The house system fosters a strong sense of community and provides a supportive academic and social environment for students. Each house is a microcosm of Harvard life, with its own dining hall, library, and social spaces.

Extracurriculars

Harvard offers a vibrant and diverse extracurricular scene, with more than 450 officially recognized student organizations across a wide range of interests. Students can engage in cultural, academic, and social activities that enrich their college experience beyond the classroom. From well-established organizations like The Harvard Crimson, one of the nation’s oldest daily newspapers, to Hasty Pudding Theatricals, a historic theater troupe known for its annual productions, Harvard’s student-run groups provide ample opportunities for leadership, creativity, and service.

Harvard’s commitment to public service is exemplified by organizations like the Phillips Brooks House Association, which connects students with community service projects locally and globally. For those passionate about business and consulting, the Harvard Undergraduate Consulting Group offers real-world experience by providing strategic advice to companies and non-profits. The arts thrive on campus, with groups like the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra, the Harvard Opportunes, and student theater productions, ensuring that there are countless ways to express creativity.

Whether participating in competitive sports or pursuing personal fitness, Harvard provides a wide array of options to support a balanced and active lifestyle. Harvard’s robust athletics program, known as the Crimson, features 41 varsity teams, the most in the NCAA’s Division I, along with numerous club and intramural sports, making athletics an integral part of student life. Students also benefit from cutting-edge athletic facilities, including those located across the Charles River.

Financial Aid

Harvard’s need-blind admissions policy ensures that students from all economic backgrounds have access to a Harvard education. The financial aid program meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. The estimated total cost of attendance is $82,950 per year, with over 55% of students receiving financial aid. The average financial aid package of $70,478, with the average parent contribution coming in around $13,000. Families earning less than $85,000 annually—roughly 24% of Harvard families—are not expected to contribute to the cost of their child’s education. Families with incomes between $85,000 and $150,000 contribute 0–10% of their income, while those earning more than $150,000 are asked to contribute more than 10%, depending on individual circumstances. Financial aid is offered through several forms, with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Scholarship Program drawing on Harvard’s vast endowment to ensure that all students can afford their education. Additionally, roughly two-thirds of Harvard students participate in term-time employment to further support their expenses.

Admissions Overview

Harvard is one of the most selective universities in the world, with a recent acceptance rate of 3.59% (Class of 2028)​. Harvard’s admissions process is holistic, carefully considering each applicant’s academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, leadership, and personal qualities. Harvard seeks students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, perseverance in adversity, and a commitment to serving their communities.

Applicants are evaluated not only on their academic performance but also on how they have engaged with their communities and the world around them. Harvard values diverse perspectives and experiences; there is no single formula for the ideal candidate​. Successful applicants typically exhibit strong critical thinking skills, a passion for learning, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to Harvard’s campus and beyond.

Application Deadlines

  • Restrictive Early Action: November 1st

  • Regular Decision: January 1st

While successful applicants generally have a high weighted GPA of at least 4.0, GPA alone does not guarantee admission. Harvard considers the full context of an applicant’s academic journey, including course rigor, teacher recommendations, and essays​.

GPA Distribution:

  • 3.00–3.24: <1%

  • 3.25–3.49: 1%

  • 3.50–3.74: 4%

  • 3.75+: 95%

  • Average weighted GPA: 4.18

After utilizing a test-optional policy during the COVID-19 pandemic, Harvard now requires applicants to submit standardized test scores. While there are no official testing cutoffs, applicants should aim for scores closer to the top of the ranges listed below.

Test Scores (25th–75th Percentiles)

  • SAT Reading and Writing: 730–780

  • SAT Math: 760–800

    * 55% of first-years submitted SAT scores (when optional)

  • ACT Composite: 34–36

  • ACT English: 35–36

  • ACT Math: 32–35

    * 28% of first-years submitted ACT scores (when optional)

Harvard’s policy on test scores indicates that the Admissions Committee will consider the highest scores in each section of the SAT across different test dates, but will only look at an applicant’s highest composite ACT score from a single test day.

Application

The Harvard Application includes:

  • Application for admission (Common Application or Coalition Application, by Scoir)

  • Personal essay and supplemental short answer questions

  • Application fee ($85) or fee waiver

  • Standardized test scores - SAT or ACT

    • In exceptional cases, one of the following can meet the requirement:

      • AP exam results

      • IB Actual or Predicted Scores

      • GCSE/A-Level Actual or Predicted Results

      • National Leaving Exams Results or Predictions

  • AP or other examination results are not required, but may be submitted

  • Secondary school report and transcripts

  • Two teacher recommendations

  • Midyear report (for first-year applicants)

  • College reports and transcripts (for transfer applicants)

  • Final School Report (for admitted students only)

The personal and supplemental short answer questions play a critical role in showcasing an applicant’s character, intellectual passions, and alignment with Harvard’s values. For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, the five required supplemental short-answer questions, each limited to 150 words, provide applicants with the opportunity to reflect on how their life experiences, academic pursuits, and extracurricular activities have shaped them. These prompts encourage applicants to demonstrate not only their academic strengths but also their personal qualities, aspirations, and how they plan to engage with the Harvard community.

Required Short Answer Questions

  1. Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?

  2. Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue. How did you communicate or engage with this person? What did you learn from this experience?

  3. Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are.

  4. How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future?

  5. Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

What is Harvard Looking For?

Enthusiasm and Intellectual Curiosity

Harvard looks for students who bring enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, and drive to everything they do. In your application, demonstrate the passion you have for your interests—whether academic, extracurricular, or personal—and show that you approach them with energy and commitment. Highlight moments where you have engaged deeply with a subject, pursued independent research, or tackled complex problems, driven by a genuine love of learning. Harvard values students who not only excel in their chosen fields but who also have a deep intellectual curiosity, a desire to explore new ideas, and a determination to understand and solve challenges. Show that your passion is not just about achievement but stems from a true desire to make a difference and contribute to the world around you.

Making an Impact on Your Community

Harvard seeks students who are not only academically exceptional but who also strive to make a positive impact on their communities and the world around them. In your application, showcase instances where you’ve taken initiative to improve your environment, whether through community service, leadership roles, or personal projects. Highlight your commitment to creating change, whether it’s through small acts of kindness, organizing events, or launching a larger initiative. Harvard values applicants who demonstrate a passion for service and a desire to contribute to society, and they want to see that you will continue to make an impact while at Harvard and beyond.

Authenticity and Uniqueness

Harvard seeks students who are authentic and true to themselves. Don’t be afraid to showcase what makes you unique. Whether you’ve had unconventional life experiences, overcome significant challenges, or developed a passion for an unusual hobby, reflect on how these experiences have shaped who you are. Authenticity is key—Harvard values applicants who are genuine and who bring a unique perspective to the community. Your story, no matter how unconventional, can set you apart and help the admissions committee see how you’ll contribute to the diversity of thought on campus.

Diverse Areas of Excellence

Harvard values a well-rounded class with students who excel in a wide range of fields. This could mean academic excellence, athletic achievement, creative talent, or innovation in technology, among other things. When crafting your application, illustrate your areas of excellence and how they reflect your unique passions and strengths. Whether you’re a standout in math competitions, a skilled musician, or a dedicated athlete, be sure to showcase what makes you exceptional in your chosen field. Harvard is committed to building a diverse community, so let your particular talents shine.

Anthony Shannon
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