How to Get into Harvard? A Complete Guide for Aspiring Students

Why to Choose Harvard University?

As mentioned earlier, Harvard is a compelling choice due to its unparalleled academic reputation, vast resources, and global network. Besides, every year Harvard University admissions applications increase indicating the university’s selectivity. There are many other reasons to choose it, which you can read about here.

• Prestigious Reputation: Harvard has a long-standing global reputation for its quality of education with top-ranked programs across various disciplines.
• Exceptional Faculty: After being admitted, students get the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty, which includes Nobel laureates and leading scholars.
• Extensive Resources: Harvard Business School boasts the largest private library system in the world, along with state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and museums.
• Global Partnerships: Harvard’s global partnerships offer unique international study and research opportunities.

Finally, you know very well the top reasons to choose Harvard. Now, it is time to learn how to get_ into Harvard University from India, so let’s read about it.

How to Get into Harvard University from India?

To get into Harvard University, you must be aware of the requirements and the process. Getting admission here is a dream of many candidates but due to the right guidance in the application process, they find it challenging. So, here is a detailed breakdown to help through the process.

Requirements for Harvard University

To know, how to get into Harvard University from India, you must know the requirements. Here are the details for both UG and PG admissions. 

Undergraduate Admissions (After 12th Grade):

• Application Platform: Use the Common App or Coalition App.
• Academic Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from Classes 9-12. CBSE/ICSE - aim for 95%+, IB - top 5% of the class.
• Standardized Tests: While SAT/ACT are optional, high scores (1500+ SAT or 34+ ACT) are recommended.
• English Proficiency:If your schooling was not in English, submit TOEFL (100+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+) scores.
• Essays: Craft a personal essay and Harvard-specific short answers.
• Letters of Recommendation: Secure two teacher recommendations and 1 from your school counselor.
• Extracurricular Activities: Showcase your involvement in various activities.
• Interviews: If shortlisted, be prepared for an interview.

Graduate Admissions (Masters, PhD):

• Application Portal: Utilize Harvard's online application portal.
• Standardized Tests: GRE (320+) or GMAT (730+) scores might be required depending on the program.
• Academic Transcripts:Submit your bachelor's degree transcript and relevant work experience.
• Letters of Recommendation:Obtain letters from professors or employers.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP):Craft a strong SOP.
• English Proficiency: TOEFL (100+) or IELTS (7.5+) scores are generally needed.
• Resume: Highlight your relevant experience and achievements.
• Writing Sample: Some programs may require a writing sample.

Steps for Indian Students to Apply to Harvard

Here, you can learn how to get into Harvard University from India with a step-by-step process for both UG and PG programs.

Undergraduate Application Process:

• Complete the Application Platform: Select either the Common App or Coalition Application, powered by Scoir.
• Complete the Application: Fill out the application form and submit the required information like personal details, academic history, and activities.
• Address the Harvard-specific Questions: Complete the Harvard College Questions for the Common App or Coalition Application supplement.
• Submit Test Scores:Harvard requires SAT or ACT scores, but in some cases, AP or IB scores can be submitted as alternatives.
• Provide Academic Reports and Recommendations: Submit school reports, including a counselor letter, and two teacher recommendations.
• Pay the Application Fee: A $85 application fee is required, but fee waivers are available.

Graduate Application Process:

• Choose a Program: Explore the various graduate programs offered by Harvard and identify your desired field of study.
• Review Application Requirements: It includes GRE/GMAT scores, English language test scores (TOEFL/IELTS), essays, letters of recommendation, and a resume.
• Submit Application Materials:Submit all required documents through the program's online application portal.
• Pay the Application Fee: The application fee varies by program but is generally around $105.
• Prepare for Interviews:Interviews can be a part of the application process for some programs, so prepare accordingly.
• Monitor Application Status: Check the application portal for updates on your application.

Till now, you are aware of the requirements and process to apply for Harvard University admissions. Now, let’s move further and read how to apply for admission if you secured any scholarship.

Must Read: Understand How to Get into Oxford University from India

How to Get into Harvard from India with Scholarship?

This is a common question for many students how to get into Harvard from India with scholarship? Well, it involves a procedure that you must follow before applying. Here is a detailed breakdown that may help you increase your chances of admission with a scholarship.

• Research and Choose Your Course- First, decide whether you are applying for a UG or PG program and research the specific requirements in which you are interested.
• Meet Academic Requirements- You must meet requirements with excellent skills, including a high GPA, entrance scores, LORs, and personal qualities.
• Prepare for Standardized Tests-For UG and PG scores required for SAT/ACT and GRE/GMAT.
• Strengthen Your Application- Statement of Purpose or personal essays can reflect your career goals and reasons for choosing Harvard. Also, show your awards and achievements for extracurricular activities.
• Financial Documentation-Gather detailed information about your family’s income, assets, and any unusual financial circumstances. This is crucial for demonstrating your financial need.
• Demonstrate Financial Need- Harvard's need-based aid policy ensures that admitted students can afford to attend regardless of their financial background. So, apply for financial aid with your Harvard University admissions
• Follow Application Deadlines- Pay close attention to all application deadlines, including those for admission and financial aid.
• Consider Harvard Extension School- If you are not admitted to Harvard College, consider Harvard Extension School, which offers grant funding based on demonstrated financial need.
• Research Scholarship-While Harvard does not offer merit-based scholarships, explore scholarships offered by other organizations to help fund your education.
• Be Prepared for Verification-Harvard may require additional verification and documentation of your financial information.
• Be Patient and Persistent- The admissions and financial aid process can take time. So, stay organized, follow up on your application, and believe in your ability to succeed.

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Scholarships Offered by Harvard

After reading about how to get into Harvard from India with scholarship, let’s explore some of them with eligibility criteria and descriptions.

The above table contains scholarships that will help you get admission into Harvard. Knowing the Harvard acceptance rate is also crucial so let’s come forward to the section and read about it.

Harvard Acceptance Rate and What It Means

The acceptance rate of the university is extremely low around 3-4%, making it the most selective university in the world. This means that out of thousands of applicants, only a few candidates are admitted. The low acceptance rate reflects its commitment to selecting students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, unique qualities, and a strong potential for leadership and impact.

Overall, Harvard's low acceptance rate signifies that it is not just looking for academically strong students, but also for individuals who possess unique qualities, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. After reading this, you must know about the popular programs, which you can read in the next section.

Popular Harvard University Courses

Most of Harvard University courses are recognized in the world by many regulatory bodies. Also, it offers a wide array of popular courses across various disciplines. Some of the most frequently chosen fields of study include Social Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Biology. Other notable areas include Data Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Masterpieces of World Literature. Moreover, the following details can help you explore popular UG and PG programs at Harvard.

Top Undergraduate Programs

The specific fee amounts can vary slightly from year to year and depend on the exact program at Harvard. In the following table, you can find Harvard University courses of UG-level study. The fees given below are approximate, along with their duration.

Top Postgraduate Programs

At Harvard, students can find top-tier postgraduate programs to study. The most popular and highly-ranked Harvard University courses for PG-level study are business (MBA), engineering, medicine, and public policy. Moreover, here is a detailed overview of the programs in the table.

The above information helps you identify the best programs at Harvard which can be your choice in future studies. If you want to get more details, you can explore course finder and college finder tools. These are AI-powered, which can help you explore not only programs but also college details briefly. Apart from this, the following section can provide you with information regarding MBA programs.

Also Read: Harvard University Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025

Harvard Business School and MBA Programs

HBS - Harvard Business School offers a two-year, full-time MBA program, which is renowned for its general management curriculum. The program is designed to develop leaders with a global perspective, using a combination of classroom learning, case studies, and experiential field programs. If you want to know how to get into Harvard University to pursue an MBA, then you must know the eligibility criteria. So, let’s read about it.

MBA Admission Criteria in Harvard

Applicants need a strong academic record, GMAT or GRE scores, professional experience, essays, and LORs to get into Harvard University MBA programs. The following details can help you know better for the eligibility criteria.

• Bachelor's Degree: A four-year undergraduate degree or its equivalent is required.
• GPA:While there is not a strict minimum, a strong Ghttps://www.gradding.com/blog/university/how-to-get-into-harvardPA (around 3.7 or higher) is expected.
• Standardized Tests: GMAT (average 730) or GRE scores (average 163 Verbal, 163 Quantitative) are required.
• Work Experience: An average of 4.7 to 4.9 years of work experience is typical.
• English Proficiency: For international applicants, proof of English proficiency through tests like TOEFL (iBT 109 or higher) or IELTS (7.5 or higher) is needed.
• Essays:Two essays are required, demonstrating self-reflection and a clear understanding of goals.
• Recommendations:Two letters of recommendation are needed, ideally from individuals who can speak to your professional capabilities and leadership potential.
• Interview: A successful interview is a crucial part of the admissions process.

Finally, you know well how to get into Harvard from India and the eligibility criteria for the MBA program. To pursue your dream course, your strong skills are required. No doubt, a study abroad consultant may help you prepare well but still, you require tips, which you can find in the next section.

Tips to Get Into Harvard

Do you know how hard is it to get into Harvard for students; it is competitive and challenging. Learner’s first choice is Harvard when they complete their 12th education, and due to its "handleBookSession competency, many of them quit their decision to choose it. So, let’s explore some tips that may help you get the answer on how to get into Harvard college.

• Focus on Academic Records:
• Strive for a GPA of 4.0 or higher demonstrating excellence in challenging coursework.
• If required, prepare for the subject tests relevant to your intended major.

• Extracurricular Activities:
• Apart from studies, your extracurricular activities and skills are important to showcase your genuine interests and how you are best in them.
• Try to take part in clubs, sports, or community service that may also help develop your strengths and leadership skills.

• Strong Essays and LORs:
• Harvard acceptance rate is lower because of counting in most selective institutions so, craft an essay that reveals your unique personality and experiences.
• Secure recommendations from teachers or mentors who know you well and can speak to your strengths, character, and potential.

Conclusion

To conclude, we have discussed so many things, including how to get into Harvard from India and apply for a program with scholarships, requirements, and related things in this blog. However, you have explored the best UG and PG programs, which are popular worldwide, and now you know why is Harvard so hard to get into. If this university is your dream place, prepare yourself accordingly. But if you want to study in UK, Australia, or another country’s top university, you may face the same challenges for admission. Hence, your hard work and dedication can open for you multiple opportunities, it’s your choice what you want in your career!

FAQs

Ques 1. How Do You Realistically Get into Harvard?

Getting admission is incredibly competitive, but focusing on strong academics, a compelling application, and your qualities can improve your chances. For this key steps include:

• Aim for a GPA of 4.0 or higher and take challenging courses like AP or IB. 
• Aim for a high score on the SAT (1580) or ACT (36).
• Consider taking SAT Subject Tests to demonstrate your strengths in specific subjects.

Ques 2. What Are the Top 3 Majors at Harvard?

The top 3 majors at Harvard are Social Sciences Biology/Biological Sciences, and Mathematics. Other popular majors include Computer and Information Sciences, History, and Psychology.

Ques 3. What GPA Do You Need to Get into Harvard?

Harvard does not have a strict GPA cut-off, the average GPA for students is around 3.9 or 4.0. However, a strong application includes more than just a high GPA with factors like extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations, which play a crucial role in the admission process.

Ques 4. How Do I Increase My Chances of Getting into Harvard?

To increase your chances of getting into Harvard, focus on achieving academic excellence, excelling in extracurricular activities, crafting a compelling narrative in your essays, and showcasing your unique qualities through your recommendations and interviews. Although gaining admission to Harvard is extremely competitive, with focused planning, it is not very difficult.