How To Get Into Harvard University From India
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Getting admitted to Harvard University is a significant achievement that many Indian students aspire to. The admissions process can be competitive and challenging, but with the right information and preparation, you can enhance your chances of acceptance. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get into Harvard as an Indian student.
Admission Process at Harvard for Indian Students
The admission process for Indian students at Harvard follows the same guidelines as for all international applicants. Here are the key steps and requirements:
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Application Forms: All first-year candidates must complete either the Common Application or the Coalition Application along with the required supplements. There is no preference between the two; both are treated equally by the Admissions Committee.
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Standardized Tests: Harvard accepts either the SAT or ACT. However, if these tests are not accessible, students may submit AP exam results, IB scores, GCSE/A-Level results, or national leaving exam results. Note that English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) cannot substitute for standardized testing but can be submitted as part of the application materials.
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Academic Transcripts: Indian students need to provide translated versions of academic credentials if they are not in English. Translations should be done by someone like an English teacher, but not necessarily a professional translator.
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Financial Aid: Harvard's financial aid policies are the same for all applicants. Students are considered based on demonstrated financial need, and admissions decisions are made without regard to whether an applicant has applied for financial aid.
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Interviews: Although not all applicants can be interviewed due to availability, not having an interview will not negatively impact your candidacy.
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Qualifications and Documentation: As an international applicant, you may need to provide additional documentation based on your school's grading system and your academic history.
Admission Requirement for Harvard University
To apply to Harvard University, applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
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Application Platforms: Complete either the Common Application or the Coalition Application by Scoir. Both platforms require the submission of specific supplements. The application deadlines are November 1 for Restrictive Early Action and January 1 for Regular Decision. After submitting the application you will get email confirmation and a PIN. The PIN helps to log into the Applicant Portal.
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Required Materials:
- Application Form: Fill out the application form on the chosen platform.
- Activities List: Provide a list of extracurricular activities.
- Personal Essay: Write an essay based on the prompts provided by the application platform.
- Harvard Supplement: Answer five short-answer questions (150 words each).
- Application Fee: Pay an $85 fee or request a fee waiver.
- Standardized Test Scores: Submit SAT or ACT scores. If these tests are not accessible, alternative assessments like AP exam results or predicted IB scores may be accepted.
- Supplemental Materials: Optional materials such as music recordings, artwork, or academic work samples may be submitted to showcase exceptional talents or achievements.
- School Report: Include a counselor letter and high school transcript.
- Teacher Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation from teachers in different academic subjects who know the applicant well.
- Midyear School Report: Required to provide an update on the applicant's performance during the first half of their senior year.
- Final School Report: Required for admitted students only.
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Application Timeline:
- Restrictive Early Action: Apply by November 1 and receive notification by mid-December.
- Regular Decision: Apply by January 1 and receive notification by the end of March.
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Submission Method: Applications can be submitted online for faster processing, or mailed, but only one method should be chosen.
Harvard University Application Tips
Following are the points you should know while filling out the Harvard University application form:
- There is a Profile section. You need to enter detailed information about yourself. It includes your fee waiver request, contact information and demographics. Enter your legal name and citizenship.
- An application fee waiver is given to those who face hardship in paying the application fee.
- You also need to enter details about your family.
- Enter the education details. Provides details of academic honors, current school or coursework, and future education plans.
- Enter about your extracurricular activities. Harvard University likes to know in which activities you participate outside the classroom.
Which Extracurricular activities are preferred by Harvard University?
Harvard University values a diverse range of extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, commitment, and passion. Here’s a table summarizing some preferred extracurricular activities along with examples:
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Academic Clubs | Debate Team, Math Club, Science Olympiad |
| Arts and Performance | Theater Productions, Choir, Dance Troupe |
| Sports | Varsity Athletics (e.g., Soccer, Swimming) |
| Community Service | Volunteering at local shelters, Organizing fundraisers |
| Leadership Roles | Student Government, Club President |
| Cultural Organizations | International Student Association, Cultural Dance Groups |
| Media and Journalism | School Newspaper, Yearbook Committee |
| Entrepreneurship | Starting a business, Developing a nonprofit |
| Research Projects | Independent research, Science Fair participation |
| Environmental Initiatives | Eco-clubs, Sustainability projects |
These activities not only showcase a student's interests but also their ability to contribute to the Harvard community.
Harvard University Scholarships for International Students
Here’s a table listing some scholarships available for Indian students at Harvard University along with their eligibility criteria:
| S.No. | Scholarship Name |
Eligibility
|
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship |
Open to students pursuing a graduate degree at Harvard. Preference is given to those intending to work in public service. Applicants must demonstrate strong leadership potential and commitment to their community.
|
| 2 | Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship |
For students accepted into the Harvard MBA program. Candidates are required to have a strong academic record and must also demonstrate their interest in the developing world. Financial need may be considered.
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| 3 | The Robert S. Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship |
Exclusively for students engaged in the life sciences field. Applicants must demonstrate both financial need and outstanding academic excellence, along with a commitment to advancing knowledge in their area of study.
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| 4 | HGSE Financial Aid |
Available for students enrolled at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Eligibility is based on financial need, with additional consideration for academic merit in specific cases.
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| 5 | Aga Khan Scholarship |
This scholarship is tailored for students from developing countries, including India. Applicants must display financial need and a commitment to making a positive social impact in their communities after completing their studies.
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| 6 | The Banyan Impact Fellowship |
Designed for students with a demonstrated commitment to social impact initiatives. Applicants need to showcase a strong academic background and proven leadership qualities. This scholarship aims to support students working on sustainable development projects.
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| 7 | Harvard Medical School Financial Aid |
Available for students admitted to Harvard Medical School. Financial aid is based on demonstrated financial need, which is assessed through the medical school financial aid application process.
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| 8 | The Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) Fellowships |
Open to graduate students in various disciplines within GSAS. Eligibility depends on departmental recommendations, academic excellence, and financial need. Scholarships may also include research or teaching assistantships that provide a stipend and tuition coverage.
|
| 9 | Kim and Stephen Denning Scholarships |
Offered to graduate students who have shown exceptional promise in their field of study. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to social enterprise initiatives or leadership within their communities.
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| 10 | The OPM Fellowship |
The Office of Personnel Management Fellowship provides opportunities for graduate students interested in public service and government roles. Applicants must have a background in public policy, governance, or related fields and show a commitment to work in public service following their studies.
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| 11 | Harvard Kennedy School Financial Aid |
Specifically for students enrolled at the Harvard Kennedy School. Aid is based on financial need, evaluating applicants' circumstances through their detailed financial disclosures. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
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| 12 | The Zuckerman Fellowship Program |
Available for outstanding graduate students interested in leadership roles addressing major challenges in our society. Candidates must demonstrate significant academic achievement and prior leadership experience.
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| 13 | The Edwin S. Webster Fellowship |
For students undertaking graduate study with a focus on improving public service and community engagement. Applicants are chosen based on their leadership capabilities and motivation to effect change in their communities.
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| 14 | The Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship |
This fellowship is for postgraduate study at Harvard for international students with a commitment to their home countries. Eligible candidates must have leadership potential and contribute positively to society after their education.
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| 15 | The Harvard Business School (HBS) Scholarships |
For students admitted to HBS, focusing on merit and financial need. Applicants must show outstanding academic performance and demonstrate the potential to contribute to the HBS community. Scholarships primarily target candidates with exceptional professional accomplishments.
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| 16 | The R. David Thomas Scholarship |
For students entering the MBA program who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to enhancing leadership capabilities within minority communities. This scholarship aims to support underrepresented groups in business education.
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| 17 | The Gates Scholarship |
This scholarship primarily supports high school seniors from low-income households who show outstanding academic achievement. It is open to minority students who have demonstrated leadership and community service. Applicants must have a strong academic record, typically reflecting a GPA in the top 10% of their class, alongside impressive SAT/ACT scores. The scholarship also emphasizes character and resilience, assessing each applicant’s journey through challenges and their capacity for success. Candidates must produce essays, personal statements, and recommendation letters that speak to their academic commitment, future aspirations, and impact on their communities.
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Please check the specific scholarship websites or contact Harvard University for the most accurate and detailed eligibility requirements.
To get more details on this, Also Read: Harvard University Scholarships for Indian Students.
Harvard University Popular Courses
The popular courses at Harvard University are - MBA/PGDM, and medical courses including MD and MS. Other popular courses include - Sociology, Economics and Econometrics. Also, Biotechnology: Life Sciences, History, Psychology, Finance and Finance.
Full Computer Science University Course and Introduction to Computer Science are popular courses. Also, CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python and many more such programs.
Also Read: Courses at Harvard University
Preparation Tips for Indian Students to Get into Harvard University
Getting into Harvard University from India requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the process:
| Preparation Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | Maintain a high GPA (above 90%) in your board exams and relevant subjects. |
| Standardized Tests | Achieve competitive scores in SAT/ACT (recommended above 1500+ for SAT, 34+ for ACT) and SAT Subject Tests. |
| Language Proficiency | If English is not your first language, you may need to take the TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate proficiency. Aim for high scores (TOEFL: 100+). |
| Extracurricular Activities | Engage in leadership roles in clubs, sports, or community service to showcase well-roundedness. |
| Personal Statement | Write a compelling personal essay that reflects your unique experiences, values, and aspirations. |
| Letters of Recommendation | Obtain strong letters from teachers or mentors who know you well and can speak to your abilities. |
| Research Harvard | Understand Harvard's values, programs, and culture to tailor your application effectively. |
| Application Deadlines | Keep track of application deadlines and ensure all materials are submitted on time. |
| Interview Preparation | Prepare for potential interviews by practicing common questions and articulating your goals. Be ready to discuss your interests, experiences, and why you want to attend Harvard. |
| Financial Planning | Explore scholarships and financial aid options early to manage costs effectively. |
| Networking | Connect with current students or alumni for insights and advice on the application process. |
Harvard Interview
The admission process is not dependent on these interviews. Your application provides most of the information.
If the selection committee wants to know more about you, someone will reach out to you and schedule an interview. Mostly alumni volunteers help the university in recruiting students. Even, without the interview, the application is considered complete.
Why Harvard University is popular among Indian students
It is one of the topmost choices for Indians who are looking to study in the US. It is one of the oldest universities in the world. Harvard University is a prestigious university. It is known for its innovation, academic excellence and leadership. It has huge brand value in India and abroad. If you get admission to Harvard, it means you will be part of its rich legacy. The university produced influential thinkers, Nobel laureates and global leaders.
Also read: Why Harvard University Attracts Students in the World
Famous Indian Harvard Alumni
Some of the famous Indian Harvard alumni include:
| Name | Notable Position/Contribution | Year of Graduation |
|---|---|---|
| Ratan Tata | Industrialist, Former Chairman of Tata Group of Industries | 1975 |
| Sundar Pichai | CEO of Alphabet Inc. (Google's parent company) | MBA, 2002 |
| Raghuram Rajan | Former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India | PhD, 1991 |
| Anand Mahindra | Chairman of Mahindra Group | MBA, 1981 |
| Rahul Bajaj | Industrialist, Former Chairman of Bajaj Auto | 1964 |
| Suhel Seth | Author, Consultant, and Public Speaker | MBA, 1996 |
| Ashish Nanda | Former Dean of Harvard Law School | PhD, 1993 |
| N. R. Narayana Murthy | Co-founder of Infosys | MBA, 1969 |
| K. Radhakrishnan | Former Chairman of ISRO | 1975 |
Explore More: Top 10 Harvard Alumuni
Read more:
- Harvard Business School MBA Admission: Application form revised with new set of essays
- Global University Visibility Rankings: Harvard University remains at Top; Texas A&M University improves in ranking
Harvard University FAQs
Q: How many times one can apply for Harvard University admission?
A: There is no specified limit to which you can apply. If you are interested, you can apply any number of times.
Q: What are the requirements for admission to Harvard University?
A: Demonstrate strong academic records and passion for their chosen extracurricular activities. You should write your personal essay well. It is also an important factor which the university will consider.
Q: Is it difficult for Indians to get into Harvard University?
A: There is nothing like that. Citizenship does not make any difference to the chances of being selected. It is the same for students from US, India or any other country. You need to meet the requirements and fill application on time. Provide all the required documents. Then, you will be given equal opportunity in the selection process.
Q: How much scholarship funding one can get at Harvard University?
A: It depends on the needs of the individual student. The university decides the amount based on the requirements of the students. They consider the family income, and other awards and decide accordingly. The university intends to make the education affordable for the student.
Q: Is there any age limit for applicants?
A: No, there is no such age limit specified for admission to Harvard University.
Q: Is Harvard University expensive for Indian students?
A: The university charged $57,261 for tuition by 2023 and 2024.
Q: Does 12th marks matter at Harvard University?
A: Yes, strong academic records of high school are a mandatory requirement. It also considers many other criteria including your extracurricular activities, leadership, and community involvement.
Q: Does Harvard University provide 100% scholarships to Indian students?
A: It depends on your financial needs. The university first determines the award value by evaluating your family income and other awards. If it is needed, then a 100% scholarship can be provided.
Q: Is it hard to get into Harvard University?
Getting into Harvard University is quite competitive but not impossible. Applicants can get into Harvard once they have outstanding academic grades. For the Class of 2028, 1,937 of the 54,008 applicants to class were granted admission, This is equivalent to 3.6%. Apart from the academic achievements, Harvard University also looks for these qualities in students:
- Growth & Potential
- Interests & Activities (Extracurricular)
- Personal Character
- Contribution to the Harvard Community
Q: What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: How can I apply to Harvard University for MBA?
International students who wish to study at Harvard, must meet the Harvard University admission requirements for MBA course are given below:
- An undergraduate degree or its equivalent
- GMAT or GRE score
- TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / Duolingo test score
- Academic Transcripts
- Essay
- Letter of Recommendation
- Resume
Q: Is Texas A&M Commerce a good university?
Texas A&M Commerce is regarded as one of the top public universities across the United States. Moreover, the Texas A&M Commerce ranking 2024 under the category of Best Colleges is National Universities is #369. Also, the acceptance rate of this university is 42%. Additionally, the university offers the best academic programs, expert faculty, job & placement, and more. Besides, Texas A&M University-Commerce also offers over 130 academic degrees for its students.
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: How long does it take to get admission to Iowa State?
After submitting the application the Iowa State admission committee will review the application for admission on the basis of documents that applicants provide. A decision may require several weeks as it depends on the time of year the applicant submits the application (Applications submitted right before the deadline require a much longer processing time due to the volume of applications received then.). Applicants will receive an admission offer letter and the I-20 Form if admitted.
Q: Is the University of South Dakota hard to get into?
With a 99% acceptance rate, the University of South Dakota is easy to get into. The university follows an easy approach during admission. The university takes a simple admissions procedure. The high acceptance percentage does not mean that the university admits every applicant; rather, it suggests permissive admittance as compared to another university.
Students must prove themselves by scoring excellent academic scores, English proficiency requirements, and standardized test scores. Also, the university prioritizes factors, such as rigor of secondary school record, class rank, academic GPA, standardized test scores, application essays, recommendations, and more.
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