How to Apply
To apply, submit the following materials:
- Undergraduate online application form (login required)
- Nonrefundable $100 application fee
- A 2-page essay
- Résumé
- Official transcripts in sealed envelopes from each university and college attended
- If you have attended colleges and universities outside the United States and Canada, you must submit official evaluations of your academic work by the Center for Educational Documentation or a comparable agency (you must be financially clear from all prior schools)
- TOEFL scores (if your native language is not English; see the admission criteria for more information
Application advice
-
Apply in the term that you anticipate completing your final preadmission course.
If you wish to receive financial aid and timely feedback on the status of your application you should apply early (see When to apply for the dates of each application cycle). A $125 late fee is charged if you have completed more than 6 degree courses when you apply. In addition, if you delay your application you run the risk of losing degree credit for completed coursework, as admission and degree requirements are subject to change.
-
Gather application materials while completing the preadmission courses.
This helps to ensure that you are admitted in a timely manner. For example, during your first semester, you could order 2 official copies of your transcripts in sealed envelopes to be sent to your home. Keep 1 copy for your records and reference, 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 transfer credits evaluated.
-
Start online application early in the application cycle.
Begin applying online when the application cycle begins (e.g., October 15, March 15, or July 15) to start the process and receive essay questions and other mail-in supplementary material instructions. All you need to complete the online application portion are the names of the schools that you have attended and dates of attendance. Log in to complete the form.
When to apply
We admit students 3 times a year. Apply according to the following schedule:
| If you will complete your 3 preadmission courses | Submit your application | Expect a decision after |
|---|---|---|
| in the fall | Oct. 15–Nov. 30 | Feb. 1 |
| in the January term and spring | March 15–April 30 | July 1 |
| in the summer (Harvard Summer School) | July 15–Aug. 15 | Oct. 1 |