Harvard University | How to apply and get in as an international student!

In this article, you can learn everything about Harvard admissions, scholarships, placements packages. We have also listed down the various programs and courses offered at Harvard, along with everything you need to know about how to get into Harvard University.

Harvard University courses

Harvard University has has 12 degree-granting schools in all. These schools offer a number of programs in undergraduate, graduate & professional schools, continuing education, and summer schools. Some of the highly ranking Harvard University courses are in the streams of-

1. Management
2. Law
3. Science
4. Design
5. Medicine, and
6. Arts

You can check these courses on Harvard’s official website or even visit this page to get a comparative understanding of all the colleges and their offerings, alongside those of Harvard.

Admission requirements for studying at Harvard University

The requirements for admission to Harvard University vary depending upon the program you choose. But generally speaking, you will be required to share the following documents-

1. College Essay or Statement of Purpose. Your essay is your introduction to the admission committee. This 400-500 words piece has to have the most perfect and strongest pitch.
2. School Grades (CGPA). You also have to submit the academic records of your previous education. To get into Harvard, you need to have scored an A in all your subjects. Aim for at least 7+ CGPA out of 10.
3. Letter of recommendation. Your teacher or counselor will have to write a Letter of Recommendation for you. It should comprise information such as your key roles in working with professors, areas of strength, and opportunities explored.
4. Extracurricular Activities. You should have an exceptional record to prove your leadership qualities and skills when applying to Harvard University. Be it trekking or dancing, showcase a strong portfolio in the digital space that gives you a unique edge over others.
5. Standardized Tests (GRE/GMAT/SAT and IELTS/TOEFL). The tests you need to take will depend on the courses you apply for when you want to study at Harvard. A high score in the standard tests is a must for international students.
   SAT/ACT score: Minimum scorer of 1500+ in SAT with 750+ out of 800 in each subject. Harvard needs SAT1 and SAT2 scores. A 34+ score in the ACT is required.
   TOEFL score: 100+ out of 120

 

Harvard University fees

Once you have solved the question of ‘How to get admission in Harvard University?’, the next one arises; ‘How to pay the Harvard University tuition fees?’.

The total cost of studying at Harvard University for four years would be about $70,000- $60,000. This includes-

1. Approximately $47,000 for Harvard tuition, and
2. The remaining for room, board, and fees combined

However, Harvard provides need-based financial aid to those students whose family makes under $65k annually.

Please note that, other than this, there are no athletic or academic scholarships for students. The financial aid policy for studies overseas is the same for US citizens or foreign citizens. So, your application for financial aid will not hamper your chances of getting into Harvard University.

However, you can consider other scholarships or apply for an education loan with low interest rates, get a part-time job, and learn how to manage your finances as a student.

What about the Return on Investment?

Harvard University students enjoy an edge over many others, thanks to their premium starting packages. The average salary Harvard alumni are believed to receive is a whopping $92,000.

How to get admission in Harvard University

We understand that admission to Harvard is easier said than done. Take note that apart from your school scores, documents like your statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, essays, portfolios, and correctly filled admission forms are a prerequisite to have your name see the light of the day at Harvard.

But that’s not all.

Admissions committees at Harvard give careful attention to each profile. They look a bunch of factors when considering your application, including your-

1. Growth trajectory and your potential
2. Interests and the activities you like to do
3. Personal character, and
4. Contribution to the Harvard community

Here are some of the questions they ask when going through your application-

1. Have you reached your maximum academic and personal potential?
2. Do you have initiative? Are you a self-starter? What motivates you?
3. Do you have a direction yet? What is it? If not, are you exploring many things?
4. Do you care deeply about anythingIntellectual? Extracurricular? Personal?
5. How open are you to new ideas and people?
6. Would other students want to room with you, share a meal, be in a seminar together, be teammates, or collaborate in a closely-knit extracurricular group?

You will find all these questions and more on the official Harvard website.

Make sure to keep all these queries in mind as you write your essay, request for LORs, and edit your resume.

Once you have all these documents ready, it’s time to start your application. Here’s how to do it-

If you wanna know what more you can do to increase your chances of getting into Harvard, or have any other doubts, feel free to get in touch with some of the best education counselors iSchoolconnect.

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