Harvard University

Academic Requirements

About Harvard University

Founded in 1636, Harvard is a private Ivy League research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is known for its strengths in law, medicine, business, and social sciences, and has produced numerous US presidents, Supreme Court justices, and business leaders. Harvard has a student body of around 23,000, and its alumni have won 160 Nobel laureates, 18 Fields Medals, and numerous other awards.

Acceptance Rate

Overall: 4%
Early: 13.9%
Tychr Student: 17%

US News Ranking

#3

Student-faculty Ratio

7:1

Number of Applications

57,786

Undergraduate Programs

92

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Rankings

#3

US News

#5

QS World

#2

The World Rankings

Admissions Overview

Application Deadlines

Restrictive Early Action: Nov. 1
Regular Decision: Jan. 1

Common App

Accepted

Class Rank

Considered

SAT/ACT

Optional

TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge or Duolingo

Optional for International Students

TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge or Duolingo

Optional for International Students

Popular Majors

Economics

The Economics major at Harvard explores the principles and theories of how societies allocate resources. Students gain a solid understanding of economic systems, markets, and policies, enabling them to analyze and address real-world economic issues.

Computer Science

Harvard's computer science major focuses on the fundamentals of computing and programming. Students delve into topics such as algorithms, data structures, artificial intelligence, and software development, preparing them for careers in technology and innovation.

Social Sciences

The social sciences major at Harvard encompasses the interdisciplinary study of human society and behavior. Students engage with various disciplines to gain a comprehensive understanding of social dynamics, institutions, and human interactions.

History

The History major at Harvard delves into the study of past events and their impact on societies. Students explore various periods and regions, examining historical narratives, sources, and interpretations, and developing skills in research and analysis.

Government

The Government major at Harvard encompasses the study of political science and public policy. Students examine political systems, international relations, public administration, and policy-making processes, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of governance and politics.

Applied Mathematics

The Applied mathematics major at Harvard combines mathematical theory with practical applications. Students study topics such as calculus, statistics, optimization, and modeling, preparing them for careers in fields like finance, engineering, and data science.

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FAQs

Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, just across the Charles River from Boston.

Harvard has a highly competitive admissions process, with a low acceptance rate. Only a small percentage of applicants are admitted each year.

Harvard has a diverse student body, with an undergraduate enrollment of around 6,800 students and a total student population (including graduate and professional students) of approximately 23,000.

Harvard boasts an impressive list of alumni, including prominent figures in various fields such as politics (e.g., Barack Obama), business (e.g., Mark Zuckerberg), literature (e.g., T.S. Eliot), and entertainment (e.g., Natalie Portman).

Yes, Harvard is committed to making education affordable and offers need-based financial aid to eligible students. The university has a generous financial aid program that aims to ensure that all admitted students can afford to attend.

Harvard is renowned for its research activities across multiple disciplines. Students have access to cutting-edge research facilities and can collaborate with world-class faculty on a wide range of research projects.

Yes, Harvard has a large and beautiful campus that spans several neighborhoods in Cambridge. It comprises various schools, libraries, research centers, residential halls, and iconic landmarks like Harvard Yard and Widener Library.

Harvard operates on a semester system, with two main academic terms: fall semester (September to December) and spring semester (January to May). There is also a shorter January term and a summer session with a range of courses available.

The student-to-faculty ratio at Harvard varies across different schools and programs. On average, it is around 6:1, which means there are approximately six students for every faculty member. This low ratio allows for close interaction and personalized attention from professors.

Yes, Harvard offers a variety of online courses and programs through its Harvard Extension School and HarvardX platforms. These online offerings provide flexible learning opportunities for individuals who may not be able to attend classes on campus.