Top 50 FAQs about Harvard University

Introduction to Harvard University

As one of the world’s most prestigious and renowned universities, Harvard has a rich history, a distinguished faculty, and a diverse student body. Whether you’re a prospective student, an alum, or just curious about this iconic institution, this comprehensive list of FAQs will provide you with valuable insights into various aspects of Harvard University, ranging from its admissions process, academics, campus life, and more. Join us as we delve into the top 50 FAQs about Harvard University and uncover the facts and information you’ve been curious about!

Here are the top 50 FAQs about Harvard University

1. What are the deadlines for applications?

Ans- The online application typically opens in mid-September and closes in mid-December.

2. Can I submit my application materials after the deadline has passed?

Ans- After the deadline, the Admissions Office will not accept or forward materials.

3. Can students apply to start classes in the Spring semester?

Ans- No, Harvard only accepts students who are able to start the program in the Fall semester.

4. Are GRE scores necessary for applicants?

Ans- Submission of GRE test results is optional, as the GRE examination is not a criterion for admissions.

5. What is the minimum TOEFL score required?

Ans- There is no minimum TOEFL score requirement for admission to Harvard. Students who speak English as a second language can only get a waiver for the TOEFL requirement if they have a bachelor’s degree from a university where English is the primary language of instruction.

6. How long should the writing sample/statement of purpose be?

Ans- There are no formal requirements regarding the length of SOP. Students should note that the university reads all applications and should write only a short SOP. Most Statements of Purpose should be 3-5 pages long.

7. What is the percentage of applicants who get admission to History PhD?

Ans- Generally, only 5% to 6% of applicants get admission to the History PhD program.

8. Can I apply to multiple programs?

Ans- Students can apply to Harvard’s GSAS (Graduate School of Arts and Sciences) three times. This means you can apply to the same department three years in a row or to different departments.

9. Do I need to submit two applications if I’m applying to different departments?

Ans- Yes, if you apply to more than one department, you must fill out a separate application for each. In addition, you will need to create two separate accounts with the Admissions Office.

10. Can I approach a faculty member directly to work with him or her?

Ans- Yes, you can contact a faculty member with whom you want to work. If you have general questions and want to speak with someone in person, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.

11. Is there a terminal Master’s Degree Program available for the history subject?

Ans- The History department at Harvard does not offer a Terminal MA.

12. Is a Master’s degree required for admission to the PhD program?

Ans- If you have a bachelor’s degree, you can apply to the PPOL PhD Program; a master’s degree is not required.

13. Do PhD students get paid at Harvard?

Ans- Regardless of need or background, all incoming students receive a fellowship that includes tuition, single-person health fees, and a living stipend ($47,586 for 2023-2024).

14. How long does it take to get a PhD at Harvard?

Ans- The average time to complete a PhD is five years.

15. Is it possible to take a gap year after being accepted to Harvard?

Ans- Yes. Students admitted in the Early Action and Regular Decision rounds may defer their admission by checking the ‘I defer’ box on their admitted student reply form.

16. Does Harvard have an online master’s program?

Ans- Yes, Harvard offers an online Master of Education Leadership program, where you must select one of two Professional Pathways — Higher Education or PreK-12 — that corresponds to the area of practice or student community where your work will have an impact.

17. Does Harvard have an undergraduate architecture program?

Ans- Harvard offers a four-year undergraduate program in Architectural Studies that teaches design through the context of Harvard College’s liberal arts tradition.

18. What if I haven’t finished my BA yet and will not have my Spring grades before applying? Will it hurt my application?

Ans- The Admissions Committee recognizes that most applicants applying in their senior year will not have grades for a few semesters. As previously stated, many students come straight from their BA, and it only asks for their grades when they are available.

19. When will I get the admission notification?

Ans- The department has until March 15th to notify the Admissions Office of admissions decisions, and they communicate with students via postal mail. Harvard makes admission offers earlier than March 15th as it is the last date. Hence, you will have until April 15th to respond to an admission offer.

20. Does Harvard offer financial assistance to students?

Ans- Harvard students get a very competitive funding package, the details of which are on the Financial Aid Office website.

21. Does Harvard University offer health insurance?

Ans- Harvard University Health Services provides comprehensive student health and insurance coverage information. Their main office is on 75 Mount Auburn Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

22. What are the three best things about Harvard?

Ans- Students at Harvard have access to courses, research institutes, and faculty mentors from across the university. It’s the ideal place to pursue your favorite and yet-to-be-discovered academic interests. It also offers individualized instruction.

23. When was Harvard founded?

Ans- Harvard University came into existence in 1636.

24. Does Harvard have any notable alumni?

Ans- Harvard has had 161 Nobel Laureates, 23 heads of state, and 132 Pulitzer Prize winners as its alumni.

25. What are the most important requirements for admission to Harvard?

Ans- For admission consideration to Harvard, you must have excellent high school grades. The average weighted GPA of freshmen matriculates is 4.18.

26. What is the significance of the name Harvard?

Ans- In 1639, the school got a new name Harvard University after the Rev. John Harvard. When Harvard died, he left half his estate and the entire library to the school. Due to this, the school got his name.

27. What kind of student does Harvard seek?

Ans- The university gives each applicant careful, individual attention during the admissions process. It wants to find students who will be the best teachers for one another and their professors.

28. How many Indians are there at Harvard?

Ans- In 2020, there were approximately 505 Indian students at Harvard among the 213,062 overall Indian students in America.

29. What accounts for Harvard students’ success?

Ans- The majority of Harvard graduates have very successful careers in the sciences, business, or politics.

30. What factors contribute to the success of Harvard students?

Ans- Due to a large network of high-profile contacts formed while studying at this university, Harvard graduates succeed.

31. Is Harvard a public or private institution?

Ans- Harvard University is a medium-sized private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

32. What is the nickname of Harvard University?

Ans- Harvard’s nickname is Crimson.

33. What is the acceptance rate for Harvard University?

Ans- The acceptance rate for Harvard University is 3.4%.

34. Name some famous Indian alumni from Harvard?

Ans- Some of the famous Indian alumni from Harvard University are-

• Rahul Bajaj, the Bajaj Group.
• Ratan Tata, Ex-Chairman of Tata Sons.
• Kapil Sibal, Indian lawyer and politician.
• Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group.
• P. Chidambaram, Former Finance Minister of India.

35. How many applications can you make to Harvard?

Ans- submission of incomplete application at Harvard might contribute to the two-time limit.

36. What is the design of Harvard logo?

Ans- The Harvard University logo is a shield with three books and the Latin slogan “VERITAS” (‘truth’ or ‘verity’).

37. Is there an MBBS program available at Harvard?

Ans- Harvard is a prestigious university that offers various medical programs and is an excellent choice for MBBS study.

38. What is Harvard-style teaching?

Ans- Professional schools (such as Harvard’s Law, Business, Education, or Medical School) frequently use the ‘case method’ of teaching, where students can face real-world problems or scenarios.

39. Students from how many countries pursue Harvard?

Ans- Harvard’s undergraduate population includes students from all 50 states and over 80 countries.

40. Can I get a Harvard certificate free of cost?

Ans- Harvard OCW, Harvard’s open online course platform, includes a free certificate of completion.

41. Where do Harvard students eat?

Ans- All first-year students eat together in Annenberg Hall. Students typically eat in their house dining halls from sophomore to senior year, though they can also choose to eat in other house dining halls.

42. What is the core curriculum of Harvard University?

Ans- The core curriculum includes humanities (social studies, literature, language arts, and fine arts) and Math/Science (mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology).

43. Why should I choose Harvard University?

Ans- Harvard’s courses encourage you to ask difficult questions, venture into unfamiliar territory, and pursue curiosity. Students at Harvard have access to courses, research institutes, and faculty mentors from across the university.

44. What is the minimum age for admission to Harvard?

Ans- Students must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.

45. How do you get a full scholarship to Harvard?

Ans- Harvard does not provide merit-based financial aid or full-ride scholarships. However, nearly half of the Harvard University classes receive need-based scholarships or financial aid.

46. What SAT/ACT scores are necessary for admission to Harvard?

Ans- Aim for the 75th percentile with a 1580 SAT or a 35 ACT to have the best chance of admission.

47. Who was Harvard’s first graduate?

Ans- Benjamin Woodbridge of Newbury was the first to graduate.

48. When did Harvard begin accepting girls?

Ans- In 1920, the Harvard Graduate School of Education became the first to admit women.

49. Who was the first Native American to graduate from Harvard?

Ans- Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck (circa 1644-1666) was the first Native American to receive a diploma from Harvard University.

50. Where do Harvard students stay?

Ans- First-year students live in Yards, residential neighborhoods in the geographic and historical center of the Harvard campus.

Key takeaways

• Established in 1636, Harvard is one of the world’s most prestigious and famous universities. Harvard has a rich history, an expert faculty, and a diverse student body.
• There are no formal requirements regarding the length of SOP at Harvard. Students should keep in mind that Havard goes through all the applications and should not write excessively long writing samples. Most Statements of Purpose can be 3-5 pages long.
• Harvard gives each applicant careful, individual attention during the admissions process. It tries to find students who will be the best teachers for one another as well as their professors.

If you like this blog, please share your thoughts in the comments below. Click here to contact us for more information on international universities. We would be happy to help you!

Liked this blog? Read next: Boise State University Courses | Your handy guide to studying here!

FAQs

Q1. Does Harvard have a good campus life?

Ans- Harvard is a vibrant community with a supporting and encouraging campus life.

Q2. Do boys and girls live in the same dorm at Harvard?

Ans- Gender-inclusive housing allows you to live together in a room or suite regardless of the gender of your roommates.

Q3. Is the MBA course at Harvard expensive?

Ans- The current tuition for Harvard’s two-year MBA program is $76,000 per year, but approximately half of students receive a need-based scholarship from HBS (Harvard Business School), with scholarship awards averaging $42,000 in 2021-2022. These benefits reduce the cost a student might have to pay.