Explore Courses
Harvard University

Harvard University

Cambridge, USA

Download Brochure
157
No of Courses
#5
Rank(QS Top Universities)
Private
University Type

Overview

Harvard University's Ranking

Harvard University's Admission

About University

Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States

Founded in 1636

gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more
gallery img
+17 more

Top Courses in the Harvard University

upGrad’s Accelerated Pathway Program

  • Low Cost

    Low Cost

    Enroll and save up to INR 60 lakh on study abroad courses

  • Post Study Work Visa

    Post Study Work Visa

    Eligible for up to 24 months of PSWP/36 months of OPT visa across countries like the USA, UK, Germany, Canada and more

  • Get 4x ROI

    Get 4x ROI

    Explore attractive career opportunities & better ROI across robust global economies

Explore Accelerated Pathway Programs

Master of Business Administration (Admission closing on 15th July)

DAmore McKim School of Business Northeastern University

    DURATION

  • Online : 11 Months
  • On-campus : 1 Year 6 Months
  • Fees

  • Online : INR 5,25,000
  • On-campus: USD 83,536
Know More

Master of Business Administration

Paris School Of Business

    DURATION

  • Online : 6 Months
  • On-campus : 1 Year
  • Fees

  • Online : INR 4,50,000
  • On-campus: EUR 14,676
Know More

Master of Business Administration-90 ECTS (Admission closing soon)

International School of Management

    DURATION

  • Online : 7 Months
  • On-campus : 1 Year
  • Fees

  • Online : INR 4,50,000
  • On-campus: Euro 16,620 (including thesis)
Know More

Popular CoursesView All

Master of Liberal Arts (A.L.M.) Government

Cambridge, USACourse duration : 2 Years
  • Course Fee
    INR 32.46L (Total)
  • Exam Accepted
    NA
  • Intake Session
    AUG 2025
View details

Master of Liberal Arts (A.L.M.) in Computer Science

Cambridge, USACourse duration : 2 Years
  • Course Fee
    INR 32.46L (Total)
  • Exam Accepted
    NA
  • Intake Session
    AUG 2025
View details

Cost of Studying in Harvard University

Cost of Living in USA

Harvard University's Fees

Scholarship

Student life at Harvard University

Placements at Harvard University

Alumni of Harvard University

Alumni

More About Harvard University

University rankings

Harvard has consistently ranked among the upper echelons of different universities across the globe. The QS World University Ranking® placed it at number 5 in its World’s Top 100 Universities ranking list of 2023. Times Higher Education also placed it at number 2 overall, among over 1000 institutions worldwide in its World University Rankings of 2022. 

Acceptance rate (general)

Despite having a whopping 61,221 applications in 2022 alone, the Harvard University acceptance rate stayed limited to only 1,984 applicants, with 36 from the waiting list. This is a minuscule 5% rate of acceptance. However, it remains one of the most elite institutions in all of America. 

Furthermore, US News reports a 13.9% early admissions Harvard University acceptance rate. In addition, the student-to-faculty ratio at Harvard stands at 7:1. In fact, the school only accommodates an average of 20 students per classroom to ensure an optimal learning environment. Moreover, the graduation rate early stands at a very high 98%.

Admission eligibility criteria

Harvard does not specify any scores on its website. In fact, the institution often accepts its candidates based on their supplemental essays. However, the ACT, SAT as well as GMAT, and GRE scores for Master’s courses do hold some value. 

With the introduction of the new digital SATs, Harvard University also encourages the submission of standardized test scores. Nevertheless, they continue to remain optional for Harvard university admission requirements.

Documents required

Harvard University admission criteria, like any other institution, require applicants to submit the following documents: 

  • High School Transcript and GPA
  • Application Form
  • Application Fee (Unless Waived)
  • English Language Proficiency (optional)
  • SAT and ACT Scores 
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Supplemental Essays
  • Interviews (Optional)

Harvard may also skip the interviews and rely solely on the range of essays that an individual submits along with their application. However, this does not affect the applicant’s chances of getting into the University. 

Furthermore, English language proficiency tests are also optional. Nevertheless, if an individual is taking them to apply to a different institution, they can submit those results. Regardless, the Harvard university admission criteria emphasize English proficiency, given that the entire curriculum is taught in the language.

Tests required and average scores

The question “how to get into Harvard University” almost always begs the follow-up of “with how many marks.”  Listed below are all the test requirements of the Harvard University admission criteria:

  • SAT or ACT (undergraduate applicants)
  • GRE or GMAT, or LSAT (postgraduate applicants)
  • Two additional SAT Subject Tests
  • IELTS/TOEFL (not required if the applicant’s first language is English)
  • Writing samples, video or audio samples (for non-academic or performance arts courses)

As stated previously, Harvard does not specify any scores. However, applicants typically have a very high score. 

Popular courses

While Harvard boasts the best faculty in the world in its varied departments, it stands out in quite a few. Some of the most popularly studied courses at Harvard include:

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Economics
  • Linguistics
  • Music
  • History
  • English Language and Literature
  • Medicine
  • Politics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Earth and Marine Science
  • Liberal Arts and Science
  • Mathematics 

In addition, Harvard University offers some of the best Pre-law and Pre-medical courses for those aspiring to move into these professions.

How does the University evaluate applicants?

The Harvard University admissions requirements promote academic brilliance but never limit candidates to a single aspect. Admissions decisions are decided by a diverse 40-person admissions committee, with each member having one vote.

The University undertakes what they call the “Whole Person Review.” This review includes a range of factors since most applicants at the University have perfect scores or grades on each of their tests. These criteria are:

  • Awards
  • Essays
  • Teach or counselor recommendation
  • SAT/ACT optional and GPA
  • Leadership
  • Alumni interview
  • Life experiences
  • Race/Ethnicity/Background 
  • Extracurricular activities and athletics
  • Additional considerations

Tips for applying to the University

As established, the Harvard University acceptance rate is extremely low. Therefore, the key to acquiring admissions to the University is to stand out from the crowd of high scores and perfectly-written supplemental essays. 

Some of the ways to do this have been stated below:

  • Present the best scores: While scores are not the be-all, end-all of it all, they are vital.
  • Send the application early: This way, the applicant can avoid the last-minute application rush.
  • Remain authentic: Harvard may be an elite university, but it values authenticity, including the applicant’s non-upper-class family background.
  • Emphasize what matters: The supplemental essays are there for this exact reason. The different prompts allow the applicant to focus and elaborate on what matters to them and why.
  • Avoid counterfeit or fake information: The university holds all authority to cancel an application or admission or even rescind a degree if they discover misleading or inaccurate information. So ensure absolute accuracy in all the submissions.
  • Don’t worry if there is no Alumni interview: With thousands of eligible applicants each year, they can skip over a few alumni interviews. But that will not affect the applicant’s chances at admissions, so fret not.
  • Proofread the application: Nothing is more crucial than conveying accurate information. Moreover, ensure that the grammar and spellings are on point in all the supplemental essays.

Application deadlines

Here is a detailed timeline of the application deadlines at Harvard University.

  • Restrictive Early Action application deadline: October 31
  • Restrictive Early Action applicant additional material deadline: November 1
  • Regular Decision application deadline: Early November
  • Restrictive Early Action applicant decisions: Mid-December
  • Regular Decision applicants additional material deadline: January 1
  • Financial Aid requirement: February 1
  • First-year admission decisions: End of March
  • Reply deadline for accepted students: Early May
...Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is it to secure internships through Harvard's career services?

Securing internships through Harvard's career services is competitive, but achievable. Utilize resources like Crimson Careers, attend career fairs, and network with alumni through MCS Firsthand Advisors. Active participation can significantly enhance your chances of landing valuable internships.

What is the typical workload for a first-year student at Harvard?

First-year students at Harvard typically spend between 14 to 20 hours per week in class. Additional study time varies by course load and individual study habits, with many students dedicating 20 to 25 hours per week to coursework outside of class. 

How flexible is Harvard with course selection and changing majors?

Harvard offers flexibility in course selection, with students declaring a concentration (major) at the end of their sophomore year. This allows time to explore various fields before committing. Changing concentrations is possible and common, with many students switching during their time at Harvard. 

Does Harvard look beyond academics while evaluating applicants?

Yes, Harvard employs a holistic admissions process, evaluating applicants based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, personal qualities, and recommendations. The admissions committee considers factors such as leadership, resilience, and intellectual curiosity.

What options are available for students interested in dual degrees?

Harvard offers several joint degree programs, such as the MBA/MPP and MBA/JD, in collaboration with other Harvard schools. These programs allow students to pursue two degrees simultaneously, preparing them for complex leadership roles.

How does Harvard evaluate transfer credits from other schools?

Harvard allows transfer students to bring in up to 16 semester-long courses, which equates to approximately two years of academic work. Credits are evaluated individually, with a minimum grade of C required for transfer.

Can Harvard students create interdisciplinary concentrations combining different fields of study?

Yes, Harvard allows students to design special concentrations that blend multiple disciplines. For example, a student interested in combining computer science with psychology can create a custom concentration focusing on cognitive science, integrating courses from both departments under faculty supervision.

How does Harvard help students prepare for standardized tests like the LSAT or MCAT?

Harvard provides resources such as workshops and webinars to assist students in preparing for standardized tests. For instance, the AAMC offers sessions on effective MCAT preparation, focusing on active learning techniques and time management. 

What is Harvard's policy on gap years or deferring admission?

Harvard encourages admitted students to defer enrollment for one year to pursue meaningful activities such as travel, work, or personal projects. Deferrals for up to two years are considered for unique circumstances like military or religious service.

How early should applicants start preparing their application materials for Harvard?

For Early Action applicants, preparation should begin by the summer before senior year to finalize essays and secure recommendations by August. Regular Decision candidates have until late fall, but starting early helps ensure stronger, well-crafted applications.

Are there opportunities for part-time work or campus jobs for students?

Harvard's Student Employment Office offers roles like library assistants, research aides, and campus event staff, designed to fit students' schedules. Many positions are part of the Federal Work-Study program, providing flexible hours and financial support.

Harvard University's Campus

Disclaimer

All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. The Universities involved in this Program are accredited/recognized in the countries where they are established. Relevant terms and conditions apply.Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.

upGrad
Study Abroad Important Blogs