Harvard University Application Process: UG Application, PG Application, Decisions, and Interviews

Harvard University Graduate Application

Harvard University advises starting the application process as soon as possible. It can take up to 3 weeks to process application material if submitted by mail. For master’s degree programs, the university accepts applications for the fall intake only.

• The admission committee requires all supporting materials and required components to be submitted electronically.
• Harvard University starts the application process in September for its master's programs.
• The deadline for its applications is program-specific.
• Most graduate programs at Harvard University announce admission results by March 15.

Harvard University Undergraduate Application

Most of the candidates enquire, “is it easy to get admission in Harvard University?” The answer is no. Harvard University maintains a strict admissions process in admitting candidates for the intakes in USA. You need to have a good academic record for studying in Harvard. Given below are the deadlines for undergraduate application Harvard University:

Documents Required for Harvard University Applications

Following are the documents require for the application process for Harvard University:

• Transcripts- Harvard University asks for an official transcript to evaluate the candidate’s academic performance. The average GPA of admitted students at Harvard is 3.8 (unweighted).
• Letters of Recommendation- Harvard University asks for 2-3 recommendation letters by the teachers or counselors of the student.
• Statement of Purpose- SOP should be typed, double-spaced, and no more than 1,500 words. 
• Language Proficiency Tests-  Applicants who are non-native English speakers can demonstrate English proficiency in one of three ways:
  • IELTS- 6.5
  • TOEFL- 80
  • PTE- 75
• GRE/GMAT Scores - The average GMAT score for Harvard's class of 2025 was 740. Also, on average, the GRE scores of admitted applicants was 163 for Verbal and 163 for Quant, with many programs wanting scores in the 160s, or the top 10-15%.
• Standardized Test Scores - Harvard University accepts standardized test scores from either the SAT or ACT (with or without writing). However, the students applying for college classes of 2027-2030, can submit the application form without standardized test scores.

Harvard University UG Application Process

To apply to Harvard University, both international and domestic applicants must fill out the application form along with the required supplements. For Harvard University admission in 2024 the acceptance rate hit a record low with 3.58% for the class of 2028. International applicants made up 15.4% of admitted students. The process below shows how apply to Harvard University:

• Visit the online application portal
• Apply through either Common Application or the Coalition Application for UG admissions.
• Fill up the application form
• Provide personal, academic as well as professional details
• Mention the standardized exam scores, if required
• Pay the application fee 85 USD (INR 7,102.65)
• Submit the application
• Try to keep a track on the status of your application

Harvard University Graduate Application Process

The below given picture shows Harvard application process for the graduate courses:

Harvard University Admissions Interview

Harvard University also conducts admission interviews for international students to study in USA. Given below are the interview details as a part of application process for Harvard University:

• Most applicants receive their confirmation email the day after they submit their online application. Applications sent in the mail will take up to two weeks to process.
• Harvard University reaches out to the students if they would like to schedule an interview.
• The applicants do not need to take any additional actions to set up an admissions interview.
• If an interview cannot be arranged, the candidate will not be at a disadvantage during the application process.
• More than 15,000 Harvard graduates typically serve as alumni interviewers each year.

Harvard University Admissions Decisions

Admission decisions are posted at Harvard University applicant portal. Most applicants receive an email reminding them to check their portal and view their decision about 15 minutes after decisions are released. After logging in, the candidate will see a crimson-colored banner with “Status Update”. They need to click on that banner to view their letter. Harvard University admissions decision dates are:

• Restrictive Early Action- Mid-December
• Regular Decision-January 1

Harvard University Financial Aid

The financial aid policies of Harvard University are the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. Students can also apply for external scholarships to study in USA such as Inlakhs scholarship, Full bright Nehru masters fellowships, National Overseas scholarship, etc.

• To apply, the applicant needs to submit a CSS Profile and an IDOC Packet.
• To get the financial aid by the time of admission, the applicant must submit the financial aid application form before the deadlines.

Deadline to apply for financial aid at Harvard University:

• Restrictive Early Action Application- November 1, 2024
• Regular Decision Application- February 1, 2025