Alert: Visitor Center Closed to the Public
The Visitor Center will be closed to the public on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. During this time, staff will not be available to answer emails or phone calls. Normal business operations will resume after 1:00 p.m.
Last Updated: July 23, 10:15am
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Aerial Harvard view, students walking on campus and in classroom
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Overview
We consider each application with care.
When reading an application, we get to know the person behind the numbers. We take into consideration your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and life experiences. Just as there is no typical Harvard student, there is no ideal Harvard applicant. We look forward to learning more about you.
Starting an Application
For all first-year and transfer applicants, your first step will be to fill out and submit an application. You can do so through the Common Application or the Coalition Application - Powered by Scoir. For first-year applicants, the Common Application opens on August 1 and the Coalition Application opens on August 15. For transfer applicants, both applications open on September 1.
We have no preference and each application is treated equally by the Admissions Committee.
Application Requirements
All applicants—both international and U.S. candidates, first-year and transfer—must complete the following application components:
- Common Application or apply Coalition, Powered by Scoir
- Harvard College Questions for the Common Application, or Coalition Application Harvard supplement
- $85 fee (or request a fee waiver)
- SAT or ACT (with or without writing)
- Optional: AP or other examination results
For first-year:
- School Report (which includes a counselor letter) and high school transcript
- Teacher Report (2)
- Midyear School Report (after your first semester grades)
- Final School Report (for admitted students only)
For transfer:
- College/Dean’s/Registrar’s report
- Official College Transcript
- College Instructor Recommendations (2)
- Official High School Transcript
Click below to learn more about each component.
No student with a bachelor's degree or other first university degree from any other university, whether American or foreign, is eligible for admission to Harvard College. Students interested in continuing their studies beyond the bachelor's degree might wish to consider one of the 12 Harvard University graduate schools.
Timeline
Timeline
Admissions Deadlines
November 1
Restrictive Early Action application deadline - learn more about Restrictive Early Action.
January 1
Regular Decision application deadline
March 1
Transfer application deadline
Application Tips
Get step-by-step tips on filling out your college application. From the application fee waiver to the writing supplement, we've gathered some tips to help you complete your application.
U.S. Military Veterans
Individuals who have served in the U.S. military bring valuable perspectives to our community and we welcome applications from veterans for both first-year and transfer admission. If you are a veteran, please review the information on our U.S. Military Veterans page. There, you'll find details on whether to apply as a first-year or transfer student, financial aid, and making the transition to college life.
International Applicants
We welcome applications from all over the world. Our admissions and financial aid processes are the same for all applicants - regardless of nationality or citizenship.