Alert: Important Update

The Harvard College Admissions, Griffin Financial Aid, and Student Employment Office is excited that all students of Harvard College have returned to campus this fall! However, the Delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread nationally and locally. While Harvard health officials have deemed it safe for staff and visitors to be on campus, the office has decided out of an abundance of caution to keep its operations and events virtual until at least January, 2022.

In addition, the office has made the difficult decision to suspend its in-person information sessions and tours throughout the fall, as well as close the Visitor Center to the public. Virtual options will remain available, and staff will continue to respond to inquiries via email and phone.

Our staff have successfully supported students and applicants remotely since the pandemic began, and we know that they will continue to do so, regardless of their office location.

Last Updated: September 15, 11:05am

Admissions

The Future is Calling

Harness your curiosity and learn about the world—and yourself. Through our liberal arts and sciences curriculum, you'll discover how to use your passions to build a bright future.

We are committed to making the application process accessible for all students. If the admissions application fee presents a hardship for you or your family, the fee will be waived. You can request a fee waiver directly through the Common Application or the Coalition application if you meet their respective indicators of economic need. If you do not meet these indicators, please fill out our Admissions Application Fee Waiver Request Form. This form is only open during the admission application period (August through March 1).
There is no formula for gaining admission to Harvard. Academic accomplishment in high school is important, but the Admissions Committee also considers many other criteria, such as community involvement, leadership and distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character. We rely on teachers, counselors, and alumni to share information with us about an applicant's strength of character, his or her ability to overcome adversity, and other personal qualities.
There is no single academic path we expect all students to follow, but the strongest applicants take the most rigorous secondary school curricula available to them. An ideal four-year preparatory program includes four years of English, with extensive practice in writing; four years of math; four years of science: biology, chemistry, physics, and an advanced course in one of these subjects; three years of history, including American and European history; and four years of one foreign language.

Black Lives Matter

The Admissions & Financial Aid Office stands with Black people around the nation, and we unequivocally state that Black Lives Matter.

Read the full statement

In Response to COVID-19

The Admissions & Financial Aid Office and the Visitor Center are temporarily closed while staff are working remotely. We encourage you to explore Harvard College through our online information sessions and virtual tour.

In addition, we have revised our application requirements to extend our standardized testing policy through the 2021-2022 application cycle (January 29, 2021). We will allow students to apply for admission without requiring ACT or SAT test results.

You can view more detailed information about our campus operations on Our Path Forward.

Learn more about campus reopening plans

Why Harvard

Discover what makes Harvard the standard for liberal arts and sciences education. From our unparalleled academics to our revolutionary financial aid, we strive to offer the best resources to the next generation of leaders.

Explore

While our campus is currently closed to visitors, you can still connect with current students, explore our campus, and learn more about everyday life at Harvard.

Take a Virtual Tour

Calculate Your Estimated Scholarship

How affordable is Harvard? See for yourself with our Net Price Calculator.

Net Price Calculator

How to Apply

We’ll guide you through the Common Application or Coalition Application and answer any questions you have along the way.

Admissions Deadlines

November 1

Restrictive Early Action admissions deadline. Restrictive Early Action applicants are notified by mid-December. Learn more about applying under our Restrictive Early Action program.

January 1

First-Year Regular Decision admissions deadline. Regular Decision applicants will be notified by the end of March. View the full first-year admissions timeline.

First-Year Application Timeline