How to Get Into Harvard as a Foreign Student
Last Updated on Aug 21, 2024
“How to get into Harvard?” is one of the most common questions asked by you. This is why I decided to write an overview of things you need to do in order to even be considered by Harvard University. Everyone has equal chances of getting accepted, even as a foreigner.
I’m not a Harvard guru, neither do I work for the admissions office. I just want to give you some advice on how you can make your dreams come true and get accepted as getting into Harvard is possible. Whether you’re an American or foreign student.
How to Get into Harvard as a Foreign Student
While this article mainly applies to Harvard it can be helpful if you’re applying to any other good university.
Admission rules vary depending on the level of studies (undergraduate and postgraduate), mode of study (stationary, extension, online etc), faculty and year, so make sure you check Harvard’s Admissions Office website for the most recent updates and deadlines.
Do You Know WHY Do You Want to Study at Harvard?
While Harvard might be your dream school just because it’s the best, it doesn’t mean it’s the best school for YOU. Each Ivy League school or even non-Ivy are different in various ways and you should definitely consider looking at other schools as well.
While Harvard is good for some people, it might not be good for you. It doesn’t mean that you’re not good enough, but your methods of studying and learning are simply different. Here’s what I think you should consider when making a decision if Harvard is for you.
Harvard students are self-starters. If you can’t get yourself to be creative, push yourself to work on your own without a kick from your teachers or parents, then it might not be the best choice for you. I’m not saying that people who need a push are worse in any way, but some people just don’t have a specific character and for instance, this is exactly why so many freelancers go back to the office job in a few months – simply because they cannot work on their own.
As I mentioned in my other article regarding Harvard University the methods of teaching are different at Harvard than anywhere else I studied (and I did study at many universities) as a lot of things aren’t going to be told in the class. I often hear from a lot of friends of mine saying for instance “How did you find out about this study abroad opportunity or these scholarships? Nobody told us anything about this in my school”.
I don’t want to be brutal here, but nobody told me about this either. I researched, asked around, tried different options and never stopped until I found what I was looking for. This is how everything is taught at Harvard: teachers are there to answer your questions and point you in the right direction in order to help you improve, but not to give you a list of things to learn for the next test. You should know what to do.
Harvard is not the type of college you’d go to just to have fun and attend parties. Don’t get me wrong, they’re many parties and I enjoyed myself, but Harvard students think about their future after graduation and even beyond that. I’ve been working in NYC while attending Harvard to get a professional experience that allowed me to get a placement in Argentina straight after graduation, but I knew that getting the job in South America wasn’t the end of the goals. I planned way further away.
Things You Can Do To Improve Your Application:
Take Care of Your Grades
A lot of you ask me if it’s important to have good grades in order to be accepted. My answer here is going to be simple: yes, grades obviously matter. Harvard’s acceptance rate is 3%, so people chosen are the best of the best. I know that grades aren’t the most important thing, but they’re still important.
If you’re a foreign student you’re required to take SAT for undergraduate studies and GRE / GMAT for graduate studies apart from the finals required to graduate in your home country. For instance, in Poland, we had to take a final exam and also received other grades and if you want to study in the US you have to take SAT.
Everything matters and while your grades aren’t THE most important thing in your application, someone at the admissions office will look at them at some point, so keep them decent.
- Books that can help you prepare for the SAT: SAT Official Study Guide, SAT Practice Tests, How to Stop Procastinating
- Tests that can help you prepare for the GMAT: The Official Guide for GMAT, GMAT Practice Tests
- Workbooks that can help you prepare for the GRE: The Official Guide to GRE, GRE Practice Tests
Find your Passion and Get Noticed
Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate program you need to show Harvard why should they accept you. Why it should be you and not hundreds of other candidates.
Don’t pretend that you love something, but stay true to what you really enjoy. If you love to dance, try to be the best dancer by training a lot. Why don’t you start coding websites if you’re into IT? If you love linguistics, go learn some lesser-known languages. The possibilities of things to do are endless! It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you’re great at it.
It’s all right to experiment with your passions if you’re unsure what do you want to do. I actually tried to do it all. I rode horses, danced ballet, learned foreign languages, volunteered with wildlife and did many other things that supported my application. You can also take part in some international competitions like I did with art history and philosophy.
All I want to say is that you need to get noticed and prove that you’re special in some way. Why? Harvard wants to see that you’re not only smart and capable of learning a lot for the exams. They want to know that you can change the world in by making an impact on other people. If you’re from a small town or country with not that many opportunities make your own opportunities. Eg. learn aerial silks from YouTube – that’s how I started doing it!.
Not all of us are given the same chances and for example years ago in Poland, I didn’t have the same range of possibilities as if I’d been growing up somewhere or example in California. But if you work with what you have people will recognize it.
- Books that can give you some ideas: The Big Book of Hobby Ideas, How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness, From Profile Building to Essay Writing
Don’t Be Afraid of Standing Out
I’ve been called crazy for years as my friends and even family couldn’t understand my passion for traveling. They didn’t know why I wanted to help kids and lions in Africa or desperately tried to learn Dutch. I should have been just trying to study in order to get a job that’s respected by society. Later on, just settle down, just like everyone else was doing.
Remember that it’s fine to be different, the more different you are the more chance of getting accepted you have. Be crazy, be original!
Don’t Ignore Things Around You
For many years I’ve been surprised that I can find a common ground with almost anyone and I always had something to talk about. How is it possible? Simply because I never ignore any information around me. For instance, I’m not a bit fan of basketball, but when I had a chance to listen to my friends talking about it I didn’t think that it’s stupid and walked away. By living this way I’ve gained some knowledge about literally everything.
The Most Important Part of Your Application is the Student Letter
The student letter is the most important thing from your application! It’s your chance to shine and show Harvard who you are. Don’t just write that you’re smart, you’re good at math etc. Tell a unique story as you want this letter to be engaging and not make them stop reading it after the first paragraph. Use this advice also when it comes to cover letter for a job as well.
You also should explain why do you want to attend Harvard (and not, for example, Yale or Brown). This part obviously shouldn’t say that it’s because Harvard is the best.
- Books that can help you write your student letter: Harvard Business School Successful Application Essays, 50 Successful Harvard Application Essays
Your Interview Can Go Different Ways
I cannot say much about the interview at Harvard as my program was specific and I didn’t have one. However, I had an interview for postgraduate programs at University College London (UCL) and King’s College London and in both cases, I got accepted, so here’s my advice: you shouldn’t talk about yourself too much during the interview, keep it short and try to engage with the person interviewing you.
In the case of my interview for UCL (University College London), it was just a casual talk about my passions, plans for the upcoming summer and my potential research. As you can imagine I didn’t speak about heading to Ibiza with my friends for a party in July but showed that I’ll use the summer to travel in order to learn this and that. I was obviously going to enjoy myself during the summer, but there are many ways to portray the same thing.
My interview at King’s College way more strict. The woman interviewing me wanted to check my knowledge about my BA thesis in order to see if I was actually interested in my topic. I cannot tell you what kind of questions you’re going to get, but be prepared for any individuality.
- Books that can help you prepare for the interview: How to Win Friends & Influence People, How to Interview Like a Top
Money & Financial Aid
You always ask me if you can get a scholarship for Harvard. Good news: you can! Harvard officially states on their website: The financial aid policies for foreign citizens are exactly the same as those for US citizens. All aid is need-based, and admissions decisions are made without regard to whether an applicant has applied for financial assistance. Problem solved 🙂
Don’t Be Afraid of Your Language Skills
If English isn’t your first language you obviously need to pass either TOEFL or IELTS exam. I can’t tell you if it’s easy or not, as it all depends on YOUR language knowledge. But what I can say that you shouldn’t worry about it too much. For a very long time, I was doubting myself a lot. Even after Harvard, I thought that my English wasn’t good enough.
Don’t worry, everyone is in the same position. While I was the only non-native English speaker in my class it didn’t mean I was the worst. Remember that many Americans can’t even spell properly. Many others hold an American passport but English isn’t their first language either. Do your best and you’ll be fine.
- Books that can help you prepare for IELTS and TOEFL: Official Guide to IELTS, TOEFL Practice Tests
Good luck!
If you have any specific questions or doubts, post a comment below. However, these days I decided not to reply to all comments on this post for a reason: some things can be found in Google search within 5 minutes. For instance, I don’t know where you can pass SAT in your country, or if Harvard offers a course you’re interested in – but their official website will tell you this. While I can find this information for you, it won’t get you to Harvard or any good school, as they value research abilities.
Hi! I’m a foreign student from Zimbabwe and I was wondering how important the SAT is when applying to Harvard. My SAT Score is at the 25th percentile and I’m really worried that this will hurt my chances. I’m doing Early Action so I will be unable to retake the SAT before I apply. However, I did great in the Math section but my critical reading and essay scores weren’t so good which brought me down to the 25th percentile. Math is my passion and I definitely plan to study it in college. I guess my question is, will Harvard be willing to overlook my English scores because I’m international and have a Math focus? For what it’s worth, my new SAT scores are 790 in Math and 680 in critical reading and stuff. I do the IB Diploma and get pretty consistent good grades. Thanks so much for your time! 🙂
Hi Jonathan! Being international gives you no bonus points – there are many foreigners who apply, so nobody cares about your nationality. The most important part of application is as I mentioned the cover letter, so I’d focus on that 🙂 Good luck!
Thank you so much anna:)
I’m from Indonesia.
Hi, Anna! I really like your article. I am hoping to go to Harvard to improve my understanding of e-learning and distant learning, but I am a bit worried about my grades in my undergraduate degree. I was just an average student since I needed to work multiple jobs along the way to finish my education and help my family. I did not fail any course but I got some low grades. Do you think it will affect my application? I know you said that the cover letter si the most important part but I am still worried. Hope to hear from you! =D
While the cover letter is the most important, grades matter as well. I know someone who got in with lower grades, but he had outstanding extracurricular things in his CV. You’ll definitely have to pass GRE/GMAT with a perfect score in this case.
Cherie
Google Harvard Extension School. Easy back door into a “Harvard” degree. If you read her blood g, Ana mentions this is what she did to get into Harvard. And tuition is cheaper than regular Harvard.
Hi Anna!
I’m a foreigner as well, and am thinking about studying psychology at Harvard. However I did a CAE language exam, do they accept that intstead of TOEFL or IELTS?
You’d need to check their current requirements on the website 🙂
May i have your phone number (whatsaap)i need that for more information about harvard i mean if may i?yes I know it’s not polite to say…I’m a high school kid from Indonesia.If number i can’t have it i wanna ask about harvard and u can answers this from my email right?i wait it.Thx:)
Anna. I read that at Harvard Extension school, you took the class on Feature Writing. I’m thinking f taking the same class. Was Martha Nichols your lecturer? I’m concerned she only has a masters and is not on regular faculty.
https://www.extension.harvard.edu/academics/courses/feature-writing/24756
Yes, I took this course, but it looks like things have changed quite a lot. Lecturers used to change every year, as this course was led by Nieman Fellows. I just looked into Martha Nichols and she’s not a Nieman Fellow.
Thanks for your input. I think I’ll sit this one out.
Hi anna.. I like your atticle.. I wanted to go to harvard because i want to reach my goals as a lawyer. Really hope to talk to you more one day for strong inspiration
You should also read some articles or blogs of alumni that would help you a bit. They can give you some interesting tips and tricks.
Hey Anna! Thank you for this helpful article. I am already a degree holder, and I’m planning to take up further studies through a second bachelor’s degree or a masters degree. Do you have any tips for me? Thank you
Hey Anna! I’m still in middle school in Australia and I was wondering how old I have to be to take the SAT’s. I want to be an entrepreneur so could you also recommend some other universities? Thanks!!!
Noone can really recommend universities unless they know how you learn things, what do you want to get from the university, and details of your desired career. An ‘entrepreneur’ is a very broad term. I quickly searched on Google and I know that you need to be at least 13, but under special circumstances you could be even 12.
Hi ,Anna i’m from Tunisia and my base subjects are maths , sciences and physiques but theire graduate are not very well but i’m very good in languages …I do well on them … And i’m also crazy about travelling and i’m an active girl on my town and Harvard is my dream ..do you think that i have chance tout go to Harvard ? And what i should do to developpe my chances ? Answer me please as fast as you can and thanks for your articel
Hi! Anna.I’m in Japan.
I like your article!
I found a Japanese website that says I should do volunteer or charity and things like that to enter Harvard .
What dou you think about this? Is this true?What did Harvard students do as a volunteer ?
I hope you reply me!
Hi! It’s always good to volunteer or do any extracurricular activities, but the niche depends on your desired major and what do you want to do in the future, so it all makes sense.
I have passed Cambridge English Proficiency (C2 level). Do I have to obtain TOEFL or IELTS too? Or should I stay with what I already have? How much does this matter?
You need to check current requirements.
Hi Anna, I’m a masters student from nigeria but studying in India, I’d really like my PHD in pharmacology from Harvard. But was told international certificate is not being accepted except certificate from Canada. how true is this? I’ll really like you to put me through, as I felt harvard will help me open doors to discovery of new drugs for diseases tormenting humanity.Thank you
As a high school student in Australia looking to attend Havard for an undergraduate degree. I have not yet found my passion but have attempted to explore it in as many ways as I can manage. Is this an issue and what can I do to increase my chances of acceptance?
Hi Anna, i wanted to know why do you want to work in Argentina?
I did an internship there.
Hey Anna, I’m only 14 so it’s a bit early to think about college, but anyway: I live in the Netherlands, and my parents don’t have a huge income. And I would like to know how you get a scholarship if your school doesn’t give opportunities for you to study abroad. I want to go for the Ivy-League schools especially. My dad did study in Princeton, and I’ve heard that children from graduates get in faster. I have done passed the Cambridge Masters exam, does this maybe help? Thanks a lot in advance, really want to know if it is possible for me!
Hey,
If your father has studied in Princeton then you will have a higher chance of being admitted if you apply. It’s called a ‘legacy’. And with the Cambridge Masters exam, are you saying that you passed it? I think it could help in terms of showing how intellectual you are at a young age, but it wouldn’t really help.
Good luck with your studies!
Chris
My name is Patrick from Ghana.I’m an undergraduate student; My question is do you always have to write a Professional Exams like the SAT to get into Harvard. Don’t they have any entrance Exams as a means of getting into the university?
You need to pass SAT to be accepted to any university in the US.
It is not true for all universities. IVY schools, yes, but there are several US universities and colleges that will accept you without ACT and SAT. International student here studying CS in Texas.
Great work on the Article.
HI ANNA!
Thanks for taking the time to write this article on getting into Harvard.
I’m Emmanuel Bosike and I’m from Papua New Guinea, which is where I’m residing right now while studying online at Torrens University Australia for their Bachelor in Business program.
Is it possible for me to get into Harvard with a Diploma?
This is my first year. I believe having two leadership roles in high school (School Captain & Scripture Union President) as well as participating in various extracurricular activities will further boost my chances.
Please Advise.
Dear Anna,
I am an international student. I believe that the minimum requirement for Havard Undergraduate is at least has an ielts 6.5. I already had an IELTS 6.5 since last year and now wondering how to allocate my time efficiently. I am learning ACT now so obviously have some times contraint. I am just curious whether I should aim for a higher IELTS score or just be done with it as a bare minimum and focus on other stuffs such as ACT score, community work, and essay
Thanks for those information. ☺️☺️
Hi Anna, I am 12th grade student from the Philippines, I currently preparing for the final examination this week. And I will soon graduate high school. I want to major medicine. Is it possible for me to prepare and comply all of the requirements for the admission application to get into Harvard? What usually the time gap for me to complete all of my essentials? I know that it is too late for me to prepare and be able to get in yet I am just asking if I have any chances or possibilities? Thank you very much, hoped you to respond. Whatever would be the answer, I would love that and it will be so much appreciated. Thank You. Salamat !!!
You can’t study medicine in the USA as an undergrad to start with, you need to pick another subject first. Most people prepare for years to be the best of the best, so I’m afraid I can’t give you a timeline – everyone’s case is different.
Hi Anna, I live in South Africa. Thanks for the enlightening article.. I would like to ask, how do I go on about writing the SAT? Which website can I visit, I would like to apply to Harvard University.
I honestly had no idea, since I didn’t have experience with South African test centers for SAT, but I searched in Google, and in about 180 seconds (I swear I looked at the timer for a reason) found a list of test centers, dates and more. Harvard is very competitive and all about students knowing to do their research and finding information 😉
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/find-test-centers
Hi Anna , I’m from India and I want to know that Can IELTS be waived off in Harvard for pursuing PhD as my medium of instruction was English in Graduation ?
You would have to check with them. In my case, IELTS was never waived for any university despite my previous programs being taught in English.
hi Anna .
firstly i’m thankful for all those helpful information but i still have one question…
I’m 16 years old Moroccan student and this is my last year in high school .
but i’m worried if i’m to late to prepare for my SAT and my TOEFL
; so please .. should you tel me if i still have a chance or not …
I’m afraid it’s too late for you. Work on improving your English.
so …. It’s too much late for me . Harvard was one of my dreams for years . but as a foreign student it was and still impossible for me . so i should drop all those things as quick as possible . thanks Hanna .you know ? your helpful article gave me for a short moment such positives vibes ….. I’m sorry….
Hi!
In my country, there’s no elementary, middle or high schools. Whatever, I’ve left 2years until I graduate. I’ve been reading about Harvard requirements and so on. There’s only one thing I don’t get:in Georgia after school, you take specific exams and continue studying at university and I’m wondering should I take them or not because I don’t know how long can I study in Harvard and if I can even graduate there. I just don’t like that VUS thing…
I loved an article and I’ll be glad if you help and give me some advice 🙂
With love <3
In order to get accepted to any college in the US you need to take SAT, which I assume is an equivalent of the exam in Georgia. I’d suggest you take both because you should have a backup plan 🙂
Hey Anna
I am from India and I want do Psychology postgraduate from Harvard University
Then for which exam I should prepare GMAT/GSE or something else.
Please help
You need to check the requirements for your specific program on their website.
Hi Anna,
I am a Nigerian and want to study surgery in Harvard University.
Do they offer surgery please?
Hey, I heard if you have a bachelor degree then you can’t apply again for a bachelor degree in Harvard. Like you can’t retake it in another major. I’ve been looking everywhere to check it that’s true but I can’t find anything. Can you help me?
Yes, it’s true. They have the same rule in the UK as well. If the university finds out that you have another undergraduate degree or currently pursuing one they have the right to remove you. That said, I know people who did it and never admitted it and were fine, but some others were not.
Hi, Anna. I am a pharmacy student from Bangladesh. I intend to my masters in pharmacology from harvard or from a good university. But is charity or social work recommended for a science studen?
I don’t understand your question.
Hi Anna, I am from Pakistan.My Sat score is 1550.My TOEFL ibt score is 117.I want to take admission in Harvard.My family income is $10000(year).I hear that all university in USA require proof to pay for one year to college.We cannot pay to much money.Can I get in Harvard with full scholarships without proof to pay for one year to college.
International students are eligible for the same amount of aid as US students, and the application process is essentially the same -> https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/applying-aid/prospective-students
Hi, thank u Anna for giving me a little hope but as a high schooler from Macedonia(poor and unknown country)I dont know if I CAN make it to Harvard.My family doesnt have too much money and I really want to became a doctor(neurosurgeon) but as I see I cant go to Harvard College without someone helping me ,so I will pray to God every day and every night to send me someone that knows more about US and how to arrive there.
Hope everybody of us will be happy in the future and will be in that college where we dream ourselfes to be. 🙂
Hello, You mentioned that the most beneficial thing one can gain from studying at Harvard University are connections and you can meet a lot of intelligent and influential people from all over the world that can open many doors to your future career and I’ve heard it a couple of times before but I don’t fully understand what do you mean when you say that people who study there can open many doors to your furure, can you make an example, please? Thank You.
I am an Engineering Student from Pakistan. I want to do my masters from Harvard University.
What are the basic requirements for my bright chances in Harvard?
Also How much minimum GPA is required?
Is there anything else required ?
Hey
Im Tomi from Nigeria
Does my GPA has to be 4.0 on the dot? and i missed early action…… do you think i would get admitted by regular decision
thanks for the article
Hello Anna, I’m from Uzbekistan and I’m 19, I have IELTS (band 8.5) but no SAT, can I study at Harvard in bachelor without SAT ?
No, you can’t. Check requirements on the admissions page.
Hi! I’m writing this comment from Mongolia in Asia and I’m in 8th grade now, right now I’m really worried about my future and can you give some advice on how to prepare to join famous universities like Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge, etc… SORRY FOR MY BAD ENGLISH 🙁 I HOPE YOU WILL REPLY TO MY COMMENT FROM ITALY!!!
I just did in the post 🙂
Hi Anna, I am a Kenyan student who completed my high school this year, 2018. My question is: could you send me a copy of how your own student letter or cover letter looked like as you have mentioned that it is very important?
There are many examples online 🙂
HI Anna,i am from kenya and i have liked youre article,i have completed my form four course year 2018,my question is which grade am i required to have inorder to get a chance to study bachelor in phamarcy in Harvard university
Hi Anna. I’m a Nigerian and I’ve lived and studied there all my life. I plan on doing the IB diploma program in Denmark and then apply to study law in Harvard. Since I’m African and most of my studies were in a Nigerian school, will the IB diploma boost my chances of getting accepted? Alongside other extracurricular activities of course.
It doesn’t matter where you’re coming from since there are many international students in the US. IB diploma won’t boost your change of getting accepted, but extracurricular activities might.
Hi Anna,
I’m 15, currently writing from Australia. I graduate High school in two years and plan to study in an Ivy League(preferably Harvard). I was wondering how my Australian grades would be transferred to their standards and to what year they would be to(ie year 10) (sorry for my incompetency) s. Also which tests should I be doing to be accepted (like SAT). Sorry for my lack of knowledge.
You need to check their admissions page.
Hi Anna!!! This is an incredible article you have written and I read every word of it. Twice. I just have one doubt regarding Harvard. I want to pursue English Literature as a major being an Undergraduate student. So is it absolutely necessary to give a SAT or ACT test for admission or will an IELTS or TOEFL test be enough for my purpose?
Please do reply. I have been hunting around for this answer everywhere. 🙁
You need both. https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/international-applicants
Hi Anna! Thank you for sharing important information.
I am a high-school student from Turkey and I really like computer science so I am taking Harvard’s CS50 course which gives you a certificate after you complete the course, problem sets and the final project. I am also the main programmer of our Robotics team and I know several coding languages but my grades are not actually making me “stand out” or a special person and since I am in a very difficult school I don’t have enough time to spend on both, I like math a lot and doing math projects for science competitions but for example my geography is almost below-average. So what would you suggest me to do and what should be the main thing for me to focus on, I am also the leader of our school’s Mun club, and I am preparing for SAT but my school is not providing me so much help actually
And since our education system is really bad and changing almost every year I am sure that I won’t go to a college im Turkey. Thank you for your help.
Hey there! Your article surely helped me get my perspective right about a few aspects of Harvard admissions, but the real question is this: What are the grades that matter and how am I going to sustain myself there financially? I’m 14 and I’m from India. My family belongs to the upper middle class and we’re not rich, but we’re not struggling in any way whatsoever (My family’s annual income would be around $20,000, which is above average, here in India) I am really into Entrepreneurship and Investing (Real estate especially), by that I mean I am genuinely intrigued by them and am interested to pursue something in that particular field. I look forward to tarting my own startup, and work on building my very own legacy. But for that, do I need to go to Harvard school of Business? I personally feel like if I can make it to Harvard in the first place and avail financial aid, I’d surely be able to LEARN more about everything related to business in general. After I graduate, I would have a backup option as I’d be a Harvard graduate in case my startup doesn’t seem to work out. I’m not saying I’m going to Harvard for backup, (the main motive for going to Harvard is and remains: LEARNING)
My first question: Would I be able to afford Harvard with Financial aid as an International student and what would be the average yearly costs of living (tuition + everything) there?
My second question: Do the exams I give here in India are a deciding factor or SAT is the only exam I need to focus on? Will they ever look at my past scores here in India or is it only SAT? If yes, what kind of scores or exam performances will they be looking at?
My third question: What are the benefits of graduating as a Harvard graduate against any other college graduate? Apart from it being a ‘harvard’ graduate, what are the ACTUAL advantages one would be looking forward to receive?
Thank you for your time.
Abhi
i am a foreign student from cameroon, working with the customs administration. i really wish to engage in a professional masters at the Havard university for a period of one year.what are the implications?
Hi Anna, my name is Isabella and I’m extremely young at the age of twelve right now, and meanwhile I’m this young my dream is going to Harvard and study Zoology, meanwhile many girls say “ I wanna be a veterinarian, because I love animals” well I don’t love animals I just wish I could enter to Harvard in order to help animals in danger of extinction, we humans do so much damage to them and meanwhile I’m many years away from fulfilling my dream, I have a slight question; see I love writing and my teacher compliments me all the time that I should be an author and I tell her I want to write articles about animals’ suffering yet she doesn’t encourage me so much on that, well my question is if you’re a foreigner what is the highest percentage they can give you on a scholarship? Greetings, Isabella.
Hi Isabella, you can get a full scholarship a foreigner, don’t worry 🙂
Hey Anna, coming directly to my question, would the reputation of my undergrad college matter to admission officers when I apply for a master’s degree ? I read somewhere that ivies prefer to take in students from elite college rather than average ones. Also, I am a foreign student, so would that cause some more impact, good or bad?
Hard to say, but I wouldn’t worry about it too much since I guess you cannot change it. Focus on your extracurricular activities and achievements 🙂
Hi Anna i am a 16 year old from Australia wanting to get into Harvard do i need to do any tests in Australia or can i go straight to sat and ielts
Hi Anna i am a high school student in Australia do i have to do the HSC or can i go straight to sat and ielts
Hi Anna! First of all, thank you so much for all this information! I’ve been going crazy on google and the univeristy’s website, but this insight is really precious! I do have a doubt, that I can’t find much information about. I’m a marine biologist, and I’ve been working offshore for the last 4 years. Although I really like what I do, and all the travels and places it takes me, it’s not an easy life, and doesn’t really give me much opportunities to build a carrier. To do so, I need to complement my education. Through this years I came to realize what I’m passionate about, what I want to fight for and to the rest of my life! So, I’m really keen on doing another degree, but in political science and international relations. Harvard is a really good university for that, and yes, I DO like a challenge! I feel very lazy if I’m not challenged! But, I’m turning 30 years old this year. And I’m really afraid that might be problem. So, I would love your opinion about this! Thank you so much in advance! And Again, thank you for this post!
Hi Anna, I liked your article so much. I would like to study Business at Harvard. Can I talk in the student letter maybe about a story of my childhood related to business administration? Or what theme should I select?
Thank you
I am a 11th grade student from Turkey. I want to apply for Harvard after my high school graduate. I am not sure about what to study but have some ideas about it. My past two year’s grades are bad(3.25 and 2.9 by the order) but I just decided to study. Study Hard. And I think I make the upcoming two year’s gardes quite good(3.80 – 3.9) and it makes a four year avarage GPA of about 3.4 and I want to make really good scores on SAT and maybe on TOEFL. What do you think about my chances on the Acedemical part. I know it isnvt th empst important part of my application but in it’s own area how bad or good they are?
I’d focus on improving your English first for sure. Grades are not everything though, you can have worse grades if you have other great achievements.
hy anna and thank you for the advices
i’m currently a university graduate in finance and i want to study computer science in any U.S university from the beginnings (bachlor degree ) , and i want to know what should i do to be able to get in yet I am just asking if I have any chances or possibilities? Thank you very much, hoped you to respond. Whatever would be the answer, I would love that and it will be so much appreciated. Thank You
Hello Anna first of all thank you because of your greatful advice but I have a question
Well you sat it doesn’t matter where you are from but what about me….
You know I’ve been accepted in the second level of Olympiad but I am originally from Iran however I’m just 16
don’t you think that it’s a big problem for me?
Not a problem, but I’d be more worried about the visa.
I’m an international student. Our grading system is quite different from US grading system. Is it necessary to submit my high school gpa/transcript or could I cover it up only with SAT score? If I need to submit my gpa, how does it affect into my entire application. And, If my grade is average then how can I make it up? Is it possible to make it up with good ECA and student essay?
Hi Anna!
I’m not an American and English is not my first language.
I just wanted to know if it is compulsory to take the TOEFL exam….??
You don’t have to: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/international-applicants
Hey, Anna! I just read your story and it inspired me so much. I am a Spanish exchange student, currently in the US during my Junior year (because of a really selective scholarship program in my country). Getting into an Ivy League School has always been my dream and my motivation to keep working on my grades.
Even though, I don’t get to take AP classes in my home country, so my GPA can’t go higher than a 4.0. Besides, I don’t know which tests are required to apply (either ACT, SAT, PSAT, TOEFL) as an exchange student, and I would really want to start taking them by the time I go back to Spain, since I would focus on my applications once and for all.
With no doubt, I think my best shot on getting in is my life story, that is, how I was able to adapt and get the strength to move on despite all the BUMPY roads in my past. I am not pretending to make the admission readers feel sorry, but to let them know how an inspiring story (I’m even thinking on writing a book) I got to live, and how I’m the one to be chosen.
Back on my grades, I have a 4.0 and national tests left to take.
All being said… any advice? Which tests should I take? Is my grade high enough? Is my story a good point?
I will love to make this work!
Thanks for your time,
Dani
Hi, aside passing the SAT, are other results tendered for the admission processes.
Hello Anna and tnx for your nice and useful article.
I am from Afghanistan and am 17.I am at high school grade 11. I have plan to study my undergraduate at Harvard. In our country, we need to get preparation for Kanor exam and I don’t know for getting into Harvard, should I pass it? you maybe don’t know the answer of this question but please my next one. I don’t have any GRE or SAT or Toefle certification and haven’t ever passes them. But should I get preparation for them very earlier before finishing my high school or maybe after my high school. Because I want to plan considering time too.
Can you please guide me, I am an Indian student 9th grade this year. I really want to study at Harvard but I feel I need someone to tell me how exactly is it to enter there… Whether I am capable or not .
Hi Anna!
There was a lot of good information to begin with. Thank you for being helpful to everyone on the comment section.
But I would like to ask how much should I score to get in. Like the bottom score in both IELTS and SAT.
And would it be helpful if I put a certificate for my second language or take it as a SAT Subject?
Thank you for your reply Anna.
No one can tell you that, because not only SAT matters, but most people have it close to perfect. In terms of IELTS it depends on the program.
I can speak pretty fluently 4 different languages which are Italian, English, Chinese, Spanish, while I’m studying Russian, French and Thai. Actually I don’t know if the knowledge for those languages are enough for get a good impression from the teacher, so I commented this post because I really wante to go to Harvard. (I can study more languages… Because I need at least two years for finishthe Italian high school.)
Hi Anna,
I wanted to ask, how do we take the SAT? As a foreign student I’m unsure how i’ll be able to take the SAT.
Please reply soon,
Arissa.
Here’s the link to register: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/international
Hi Anna!
Thank you for writing an article that really helped me!
I want to go to Harvard and study pedagogy.
But there’s one thing I’m worried about.
There are 2 B’s in 9th grade.
Can this be a big cause of elimination from college?
Hi. Thank you so much for the info.I’m a foreign student from Iran. I’m passing the last year of my highschool now and I hope to get greencard intime and I want to apply for Harvard Uni. I would try my best to achieve my goal. I got so much inspiration from your site and I appreciate it.