How to Apply
If you have taken or are currently enrolled in the courses for admission and meet the other admission criteria, you may submit the following to the program office:
- A completed online application form
- Nonrefundable $100 application fee
- 2 application essays
- Résumé
- Official transcripts in sealed envelopes from each college or university from which you have earned a degree (also see guidelines for foreign degrees; note that you must be financially clear from all prior schools)
- TOEFL scores (if your native language is not English; see English Proficiency Requirement)
When to apply
We admit students 3 times a year, according to the term in which they anticipate completing the courses required for admission.
| If you will complete your preadmission courses | Submit your application between | Expect a decision soon after |
|---|---|---|
| in the fall | October 15–November 30 | February 1 |
| in the January term and spring | March 15–April 30 | July 1 |
| in the summer (Harvard Summer School) |
July 15–August 15 | October 1 |
Application advice
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Apply in the term that you will complete your final preadmission course.
Early application ensures you receive degree credit for your coursework. It is particularly important if you will seek financial aid. If you delay application, you risk losing credit for courses if admission criteria or degree requirements change.
There is a $125 late fee if you complete more than 4 courses before applying.
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Collect application materials while completing your preadmission courses.
This helps ensure timely admission. During your first semester, you could request your transcripts. Keep a copy for your records, and mail the second copy during the application period. If needed, you should take the TOEFL in advance of the application dates and have your foreign transcripts evaluated.
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Start the online application form early in the application cycle.
By beginning the online application form early, you can access essay questions and instructions for mail-in supplementary materials. All you need to complete the online application form are the names of your past schools and dates of attendance. See the dates below. Log in to complete the form.