Harvard University

To get the admission into a plastic surgery residency programme at Harvard University, students need exceptional academic credentials including top tier grades. Successful applicants usually graduate near the top of their medical school class, with high scores on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 exams. A strong foundation in basic sciences, demonstrated clinical excellence, and a robust record of research particularly in surgery or related fields, are essential and also competitive applicants often have letters of recommendation from respected surgeons, leadership roles, extracurricular activities and a compelling personal statement outlining their passion for plastic surgery.

Contrary to what some people may think, you do not have to reside in Harvard equipment for all the 4 years. Unlike the other three years when students are encouraged to stay in the dorms at Harvard senior (fourth-year) students have the choice of staying off-campus. Actually many pensioners prefer to live in nearby house or apartment with friends. However, freshmen are obligated to live on campus; sophomores and juniors are strongly urged to do the same also. It’s flexible in later years but the accredited purpose of Harvard is to provide students academic support and a residential system for community. There are alternative living arrangements which are off campus, though the students have to make a request for an off-campus accommodation.

University of Cambridge, Harvard University as well as Oxford University are the most prestigious universities in the world. In terms of rankings, the Cambridge University has an upper hand among all the three universities. However, Harvard University offers the best placement package.Mentioned below is the comprehensive comparison between all the universities:ParametersCambridge UniversityHarvard UniversityOxford UniversityQS World University Ranking 2025 - Best Global Universities#5#4#3Acceptance Rate21%3.4%17%Average Package (Base Salary)GBP 96,429 or INR 1 CrUSD 175,000 or INR 1.5 CrGBP 83,410 or INR 88 LMBA FeesINR 57 L - 72 LINR 18 L - 62 LINR 29 L - 83 LConversion Used:1 GBP = INR 104.161 USD = INR 83.65­

The cost of living at Harvard University for undergraduate students is quite substantial. Annually, tuition and fees are approximately $57,000. On-campus housing and meal plans add around $18,000 to the cost. Additionally, students can expect to spend about $1,000 on books and supplies and another $2,000 on personal expenses. Therefore, the total estimated annual cost for an undergraduate student living on campus is around $78,000. For graduate and PhD students (mostly funded) costs can vary widely based on programme specifics, but they generally include tuition fees, which can range from $45,000 to $55,000 per year, plus additional living expenses similar to those of undergraduates.

The word 'average' can be subjective here. If it means an average GPA, then yes, that can be overcome by showcasing in your application that you focus on holistic development and have an interest in the field of study. However, academic achievements, standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT for undergraduates, GRE or GMAT for graduates), extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays often have great weightage making admission extremely competitive. Preparation typically involves excelling academically, participating actively in extracurricular activities, and presenting a compelling application that aligns with Harvard's values and academic mission.