Harvard University

WHY CHOOSE

Harvard University?

Harvard University’s reputation as a premier institution isn’t a recent development. It’s rooted in its history as the first institution of higher education in America. 

Harvard students have access to courses, research institutes, and faculty mentors from all parts of Harvard.

Harvard is a special place inclusive of diverse, energetic, and talented people who are driven to grow and succeed.

Harvard University has a vast offer of study programs: law, medicine, astronomy, sociology, etc. Thus, whatever the interest of a student, Harvard has an option.  Harvard is at the top in almost all fields of study.

Harvard has an estimated endowment of $50.9 billion, which makes it the wealthiest education institution in the world. When split per student, the university has the fifth largest endowment in the whole of the United States.

Criteria & Eligibility

Harvard University’s eligibility criteria for undergraduate admission typically include factors such as academic achievements, standardized test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and an interview.

  1.  SAT/ACT
  2. Transcript of Records
  3. Personal Statement/Essay (there are essay prompts that you can see on Common App, you can choose one from them, or create your own narrative).
  4. Letters of Recommendation
  5. Financial Aid docs (if you will apply), like: Tax Return forms, Statement of Income or Non-filing of Income Tax if applicable. Also, you may be asked to set up a CSS profile since it’s needed.
  6. and your application submitted using Common App or Coalition.

Things like extracurricular list, demographic profile, etc., can be filled into the Common App or Coalition platform.

Note: for documents written in your language, it’s better to submit a translated version of it. For financial documents, you are also encouraged to include a USD conversion.

Additional for internationals is English Proficiency Test, either:

  1. Duolingo
  2. IELTS
  3. TOEFL
  4. other tests that are accepted but not listed above.

English Proficiency Test is not mandatory though. It is also waived if you attended an institution that uses English as medium of instruction for at least 2 years (if I remember correctly), or if English is your first language.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  1. Application Form: Complete the Common Application or Universal College Application, including the Harvard Supplement.
  2. Transcripts: Submit official high school transcripts, and if applicable, college transcripts.
  3. Standardized Test Scores: Provide SAT or ACT scores, and any other required tests (such as SAT Subject Tests).
  4. Letters of Recommendation: Typically, submit letters of recommendation from teachers and/or counselors.
  5. Essays: Write personal essays as specified in the application requirements.
  6. Extracurricular Activities: Detail your extracurricular involvement and achievements.
  7. Interview: While not always required, an interview may be part of the admission process.

About University

Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636 as Harvard College and named for its first benefactor, the Puritan clergyman John Harvard, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Its influence, wealth, and rankings have made it one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Harvard University added additional programs during the 19th century, namely law in 1816 and divinity in 1817. Harvard celebrated its bicentennial birthday during the 19th century. On the school’s 200th birthday, then-President Josiah Quincy publicly displayed the school’s new shield with the motto “Veritas” for the first time. The school adopted this shield officially in 1843. Quincy was Harvard’s 15th president, and he kept this office between the years of 1829 and 1845. The school’s teaching methods evolved during this era also. Harvard began offering more classes and a greater variety, allowing students more freedom to choose their classes. Lectures replaced the recitation teaching style as well.

During the 20th century, Harvard’s international reputation for scholarship grew as a burgeoning endowment and prominent professors expanded the university’s scope. Explosive growth in the student population continued with the addition of new graduate schools and the expansion of the undergraduate program. It built the largest and finest academic library in the world and built up the labs and clinics needed to establish the reputation of its science departments and the Medical School. The Law School vied with Yale Law for preeminence, while the Business School combined a large-scale research program with a special appeal to entrepreneurs rather than accountants. The different schools maintain their separate endowments, which are very large in the case of the college/Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and the Business, Law and Medical Schools, but quite modest for the Divinity and Education schools.

During his presidency, Summers focused on laying the foundations for renewal that will be necessary to sustain Harvard’s excellence into the 21st century and beyond. Under his leadership, the University made numerous changes directed at providing the best educational experience for students across the University. His ambitious plans also encompassed significant growth in the faculties, the further internationalization of the Harvard experience, expanded efforts in and enhanced commitment to the sciences, and support for the humanities and the arts.

 With a rich history, Harvard has significantly influenced academia, boasting numerous Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and leaders across various domains. The university comprises multiple schools, such as Harvard College for undergraduates, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Law School. Admissions to Harvard are highly competitive, emphasizing a holistic approach that considers academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. Harvard is renowned for its commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation, contributing substantially to advancements in diverse fields. The institution values diversity and inclusion, fostering a global community. Harvard’s alumni network includes influential figures in politics, business, science, and the arts. Notably, the university upholds a need-blind admission policy for U.S. citizens and provides generous financial aid to meet admitted students’ demonstrated financial needs.

About City

The city of Cambridge is part of the Greater Boston area of Massachusetts. Home to world-renowned educational institutions Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,Cambridge embraces its dual position as a college town and bustling metro, just across the Charles River from Boston.   Because its educational titans dominate the city, intellectually curious residents are never short of activities.

Cambridge is home to a number of annual street fairs and festivals. The Cambridge Carnival in Massachusetts, held in August, is a Caribbean-style carnival featuring costumes, music, street-parades, dancing, and food, which represent the diverse cultures of the Caribbean islands. The Cambridge River Festival, held in June, features music, art, food, and a variety of hands-on art-making activities for kids. October’s Head of the Charles Regatta is a 2-day regatta where sailing fans can watch racers from all over the world compete along the Charles River. Each September on the weekend after Labor Day Cambridge celebrates the Italian Festival of Saints Cosmas and Damian. Considered one of New England’s premier cultural festivals, this large celebration consists of parades, ethnic food, candlelight processions, amusement rides, games, and live entertainment.

Cambridge is a dense, urban community located adjacent to Boston founded in 1630. About 106,000 people reside in the city’s 6.3 square miles. Based on 2009 LiDAR data, a University of Vermont analysis found that 30 percent of the city’s land area is covered by the urban forest canopy. There is a maximum potential to expand the canopy by another 35 percent, with the remainder being unsuitable for urban forest expansion. Institutional, commercial, and residential land uses dominate the landscape. Significant green space is located around Fresh Pond, a drinking water supply reservoir; the Alewife Reservation; Danehy Park located on a former landfill; and the Charles River Reservation. The City also has a significant network of neighborhood parks and recreation facilities.

Climate

Cambridge, MA has a humid continental climate, with mild to warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with average highs in the summer months hovering around 80°F (27°C) and winter temperatures dropping to an average of 28°F (-2°C). Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, though snowfall is heaviest in January and February. Cambridge is known for its frequent strong winds coming off the Atlantic Ocean.

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