Applying to Harvard Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between undergraduate and graduate schools?

Undergraduate refers to a program for students who are attending college in pursuit of their first degree, such as a bachelor of arts or science.

Graduate refers to a program for students who have already received their bachelor's degree and who are now seeking more advanced education in their field, such as a master's degree or doctorate.

What's the difference between Harvard College and Harvard University?

Harvard College is a part of Harvard University focusing on educating undergradutes. It is part of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and offers programs in the liberal arts. Harvard University refers to the entire educational institution, including the undergraduate college, the graduate and professional schools, research centers, administration, and affiliates. A list of the schools and major academic units shows some of the hierarchical structure, as does an organizational chart.

I'm in high school and my dream is to go to the Harvard someday. What do I do to prepare?

The Undergraduate Admissions Office says that there is no formula for getting into Harvard College. "Successful applicants present strong academic credentials, evidence of highly developed talents or interests, motivation and character. We hope that every student who is committed to excellence in its many forms will explore the opportunities at Harvard and consider applying to the College," their Web site states. More details about their requirements are on their Web site and in their application materials.

What is the average GPA and test scores for students entering Harvard?

The Undergraduate Admissions Office does not make average test scores and GPAs available. The majority of students admitted to Harvard College have scores ranging from 600 to 800 on the SAT I and SAT II Subject Tests. They consider many other factors during the application process, not just test scores and grades. Other admissions offices at Harvard might have different requirements for test scores.

How much does Harvard cost?

Information about the cost of attending Harvard College is available in the Cost of Attendance section of the Financial Aid Office Web site. The cost of attending any of Harvard University's graduate and professional schools should be listed on their respective Web sites. Harvard offers a variety of financial aid options to allow students of all income levels to attend the university.

How do I contact the Admissions Office about my application?

If you have questions about the status of your application, check the contact information provided by the admissions office. Some offices maintain web sites where you can check the status of your application online. Others require you to call or write an admissions officer directly. A list of admissions office web sites can be found on the Harvard Homepage at http://www.harvard.edu/admissions/.

How can I request or download application materials from Harvard University?

Each school at Harvard has its own admissions office, admissions policies, and admissions materials. Many of these offices have forms for requesting an application and/or application materials for downloading or applying online, such as the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid. To find Web pages for the various admissions offices of the schools at Harvard, please visit "Harvard University: Admissions Offices".