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- We're here to help. To apply for admission as a first-year or transfer student at Harvard, you will start with the Application. Fill out the Common Application, the Universal College Application, or the Coalition Application (choose one, we have no preference), followed by the supplement to help us get a better sense of who you are.
- Profile. The Profile section is a place where you'll share detailed information about yourself, including contact information, demographics, and fee waiver request.
- Common App Fee Waiver. The application fee covers a very small portion of the administrative costs of processing applications. However, if the fee presents a hardship for you or your family, it will be waived.
- Family. In the family section, you'll share information about your household, your parents, and any siblings. Most colleges collect this information for demographic purposes.
Read stories of how students overcame challenges, learned from experiences, and grew as people in their Harvard essays. See examples of personal, reflective, and compelling writing that impressed the admissions committee.
Harvard College Writing Center 1 Strategies for Essay Writing Table of Contents Tips for Reading an Assignment Prompt . . . . . 2-4 Asking Analytical Questions . . . . . . . 5-7 Thesis . . . . . . . . . . 8-10 Introductions . . . . . . . . . 11-13 What Do Introductions Across the Disciplines Have in Common? . 14-17
The Writing Center offers free tutoring and workshops for Harvard students on various aspects of writing, including essays. Learn more about the center's services, staff, and events on their website.
- Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?
- Briefly describe an intellectual experience that was important to you. (200 words) Brainstorming Your Topic. Harvard admissions officers are being considerate here, as they’re telling you explicitly what they would like you to write about.
- Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are.
- How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future? (200 words) Brainstorming Your Topic. Although the packaging is a little different, this prompt has similarities to the classic “Why This College?”
Learn from successful Harvard applicants who share their essays and insights on how to write compelling supplemental essays. Find out what admissions officers look for and how to stand out from the crowd.
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Learn how to apply to Harvard College with the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Find out about school reports, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, and supplemental materials.
