How to Get into Harvard From India: Acceptance Rate, Admission Requirements & Application Process

What is the Acceptance Rate at Harvard University?

Everyone hears and aspires to get into Harvard. However, the acceptance rate at Harvard University is just 4%, meaning that out of 100 applicants, only 4 are granted admission. Harvard is therefore one of the hardest Ivy Leagues to get into!

Harvard received 61,221 applications for the class of 2026 and made 1,984 admission offers. Given that the admissions rate for the class of 2023 was only 3.2%, Harvard is among the most selective universities in the country. Out of every 100 that apply, only 3 manage to get in! Harvard claims to have an average graduation rate of 98%.

Harvard's Acceptance Rates for the Last 5 Years:

Year	Harvard Acceptance Rate
2019	4.5%
2020	4.9 %
2021	4.5%
2022	3.3%
2023	4.50%

Suggested: Universities with High Acceptance Rate!

How to Get Into Harvard From India: Admission Requirements

The next question that is frequently asked of our Yocket experts is: How difficult is it to get into Harvard University? What are the prerequisites for Indian students applying to Harvard? What is the required GPA? Etcetera. So, let us attempt to give you more clarity about these aspects!

Here are the Harvard University Admission Requirements for International Students:

1. What GPA Do I Need for Harvard?

For Harvard you need to aim for a GPA of atleast 4.0 since the average GPA of Harvard University admitted students is approximately 4.18. Ensure the other aspects of your application are impressive, even if your GPA is poor!

Another factor to consider is the calibre of the classes you enrol in. Harvard admissions officers won't be impressed if you get straight A's in simple high school classes. They'll want to see proof that you passed challenging classes with A's.

2. What SAT Score I Need for Harvard?

SAT scores ranged from 1460 to 1580 for the middle 50% of admitted Harvard students, or the 25-75th percentile. Having a high SAT score gives you an advantage because it is excellent enough to rely on the average score of the other applicants.

You might be able to send SAT results from multiple tests - a process known as super scoring - to certain Harvard schools. It implies that you can retake the SAT repeatedly, submitting just the results in which you scored the highest! Therefore, regardless of the test date, the application readers will add the highest score from one section to the highest score from another.

3. What ACT Score I Need for Harvard?

Similar to SATs, Harvard schools have minimal ACT criteria too. 33-35 was the ACT Composite score of students admitted to Harvard that fell into the 25–75th percentile.

Students can select which ACT scores to submit to the Harvard colleges. You may only submit your best test if you have taken more than one.

In addition, Harvard expects you to complete the ACT Writing and SAT Essay sections. Therefore, performing extremely well in these sections is of immense importance.

4. What GRE Score I Need for Harvard?

Harvard's graduate school admissions process is just as tough as its undergraduate admissions process. Therefore, if you are seeking your GRE results to get into Harvard, be aware that most Harvard schools do not specify a GRE cut-off score.

The majority of Harvard applicants who are accepted have average GRE scores that fall between:

• GRE Verbal: 155 - 166
• GRE Quant: 155 - 170 for Quant
• GRE Analytical Writing: 4.5 - 5.0

It is possible for many programs to demand scores of at least 160, or the 90th percentile.

It's crucial to keep in mind that each program has very different scoring criteria. While verbal expectations are higher for degrees involving reading and writing, such as literature, quantitative expectations are higher for programs related to math and science, such as computer science.

5. What GMAT Score I Need for Harvard?

Rather than revealing the average GMAT score for accepted students, Harvard reports the class median. Harvard Business School's GMAT median score is 730.

6. What IELTS Score I Need for Harvard?

Harvard's & majority of schools accept scores of about 80 on the TOEFL and 7.5 on the IELTS, respectively. Before submitting your results to Harvard, ensure that you check with the particular program and school, as the scores may differ between them.

Documents Required to Get Into Harvard University

Here are the documents required for admission at Harvard from India:

• Academic transcripts
• Bachelor’s degree (for PG programs)
• Passport
• Visa
• Birth certificate
• Essays
• SOP & LORs
  
• Portfolios and Resumes
  
• Standardised Test Scores

Let us elaborate on some of these documents.

• Essays

One of the most crucial elements of the Harvard University admissions requirements is a strong essay. Ensure that your essay pitch is compelling and accurately captures your goals, character, and distinct overall experience.

• SOPs and LORs

Harvard University, similar to other universities, acknowledges that nobody is flawless. Knowing your shortcomings is just as vital as knowing your strengths. Thus, be sure to include a few of the drawbacks in your Statement of Purpose (SoP).

Additionally, letters of recommendation, or LORs, are a crucial part of your application. Make sure you carefully select the people who will recommend you. The majority of universities abroad require students to submit a recommendation from someone from their home university. Thus, if you are a college student, please ensure that you have maintained good relationships with at least one of the professors!

Suggested: Sample LOR for MS

• Portfolios and Resumes

Resumés are required for admission to some Harvard graduate schools, such as the Harvard Business School. Having appropriate job experience might make a big difference in your application for some courses.

A portfolio of your work is required for admission to some courses in art and design at Harvard University. Make sure your portfolio is varied and accurately captures your artistic side if you want to get into Harvard.

Suggested: Most Expensive Universities in the US

Harvard University Application Process

Once you have sorted the documents and checked the prerequisites, what is next? To apply, duh! Firstly, know that applications for graduate and undergraduate programs can be made using these portals:

• Coalition Application
• Common Application
• Universal College Application

Secondly, applying to Harvard costs USD 75 / INR 6,220 as their application fee. As soon as feasible, begin the Harvard application process. This will give you time and room to correct any errors.

Thirdly, ensure you submit the following Harvard University admission documents as soon as you've chosen the portal:

• Standardised Test Scores
• English Language proficiency proof
• Official academic transcripts
• Essays
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation - at least 3
• Resume - wherever required

The Harvard application must be turned in before submitting the accompanying documentation.  Make sure you submit all Harvard supplements or questions along with the application. This will assist the admissions committee in evaluating your application.

Suggested: All about US University Admissions!

What Does Harvard Look for in an Application?

Harvard is more concerned with the calibre of your extracurricular activities than the quantity. Students in high school who plan to attend Ivy League universities have most likely been informed that they must possess a broad range of skills.

Students overcommit to extracurricular activities as a result, enrolling in as many as they can. Take part in high-quality extracurricular activities that precisely align with your areas of interest rather than enrolling in everything. You should pursue leadership positions in the extracurricular clubs or organisations that you become a member of, or consider establishing your club!

Consider engaging in extracurricular activities outside of your school too. Examine some issues that your community is facing and what you can do to assist. Being a volunteer and having empathy for others might assist in showing what kind of person you are. It would be even better if you could solve a social problem in your town with an original solution, such as initiating beach cleaning drives in India!

Suggested: Cost of Studying in USA

How Hard is it to Get Into Harvard?

With an acceptance rate of merely 4%, getting into Harvard is definitely hard. It is tough to get into Harvard and we would advise you to always apply at other US universities with a high acceptance rate, in case you get rejected at Harvard. Moreso, you can even apply at Harvard with a gap year as well!

Tips to Get Into Harvard University

You must start preparing immediately if you are wondering how to get into Harvard. The following advice will be useful:

• Conduct Research: Do extensive research on the college and programs you want to apply to. You must then begin working on your profile, contacting recommenders, and curating an impressive statement of purpose.
• Begin Preparation Early: Besides preparing for the standardised tests, concentrate on achieving exceptionally high grades in your school. Take plenty of mock tests at home to ace the exams!
• Develop Your Entire Profile: Harvard is seeking candidates who are not just scholars. Focus on enhancing your whole resume by adding employment history, volunteer activities, extracurricular involvement, etc.
• Use Student Groups to Find Information: Talk with other applicants and learn more by joining the Harvard University Yocket group or other social media groups!
• Never Underestimate Yourself: Never undervalue your abilities or reputation. Admissions at Harvard operate extremely differently. Something that you may have dismissed as unimportant could turn out to be a crucial cornerstone. Only once in your life will you do this; therefore, give it your best shot!

Suggested: How to Finalise University from Multiple Admits?

From the Desk of Yocket

Many students dream of being accepted into Harvard, and if you work hard and begin your preparations early, you can achieve this goal. Realise that while getting into Harvard is challenging, it is not unachievable!

Embarking on your study abroad journey alone could get overwhelming, wouldn't you agree? Well, do you know who can serve as a great companion? Yocket Premium! We are here to simplify every complicated step involved in studying abroad. Whether it is shortlisting and applying to prestigious universities like Harvard or getting loans and student visas, our Yocket experts can guide you throughout.

Schedule A Consultation Call Today!