How to Get Into Harvard University From India?

Getting into Harvard University from India is very challenging due to its low acceptance percentage. Harvard University's acceptance rate is around 3-4% for International students. Therefore, all international students must mandatorily fulfil the necessary Harvard University admissions requirements to get admission into the university.

The standard requirements for Harvard University admissions include a strong academic profile, a well-written statement of purpose, and LOR, along with standardised test scores. Additionally, candidates must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or more and TOEFL score of 80 or higher to apply for admission to the university. This article covers all the necessary details on how to get into Harvard University from India after 12th. Interested candidates can read the complete article to learn more about Harvard University admissions, acceptance rate, scholarships, and more.

Harvard University Highlights

Understanding Harvard University Acceptance Rate

Harvard University is very selective for international students. As per the latest statistics, Harvard University acceptance rate 2024 is approximately 3-4%. For the class of 2027, Harvard University had a total of 56,937 applicants, among which only 1,966 students were admitted indicating a very low Harvard University acceptance rate for international students. Therefore, international students need to prepare a strong application form to fulfill Harvard University admissions requirements.

Harvard University Acceptance Rate for Class 2028

How to Get Into Harvard University from India After 12th?

Indian students who are wondering how to get admission to Harvard University after 12th can follow the below-mentioned steps for a successful admission:

• Try to secure an excellent academic performance in high school to build a base for your educational excellence.

• Appear for standardised tests like SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT in advance as per your course requirements.

• Engage yourself in extracurricular activities such as sports, cultural activities, personal development courses, certification programmes, etc to supplement your application.

• Choose the course that matches your academic profile and expertise. Prepare your application following the major programme.

• Gather prior work experience in your relevant field as many top-rated Harvard University courses demand prior work experience for international students.

• Fill out your application form with accurate and complete information. Submit the Harvard University application form before the admission deadline along with necessary documentation.

• Apply for various scholarships and funding opportunities to manage their studies in the USA.

Harvard University Admissions Requirements

To get enrolment at Harvard University, students need to demonstrate an excellent academic profile through valid academic transcripts starting from high school. Apart from the educational qualifications, Harvard demands certain prior work experience for specific courses, English language proficiency, standardised test qualification, and many more. Here are some of the major Harvard University admissions requirements for Indian students to apply for the university after 12th grade.

Educational Qualification

International students need to show an exceptional level of academic performance to get enrolment at Harvard University. What GPA do I need to get into Harvard? Harvard does not have any minimum GPA requirements, however, international students are suggested to have at least a GPA of 3.5 or higher to get admission at the university.

Standardised Tests

Qualifying for the minimum cutoff scores in standardised tests like SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT is mandatory for international students to apply at Harvard. Generally, a single test is required by the university for most of the major courses. However, some programmes might require additional entrance tests to select potential students.

English Proficiency

For non-English speaking students, Harvard University asks for English proficiency tests to evaluate their language knowledge. IELTS exam is the most accepted ELP test for popular major programmes. However, Harvard University also accepts TOEFL, PTE, DET, etc to enrol overseas students.

Extracurriculars and Awards

Students can strengthen their Harvard University admission form through various extracurricular achievements and awards. Include all personal as well as professional achievements and honorary awards along with their certificates to stand out among other potential candidates.

Personal Essays and Supplementary Materials

Craft your personal essay describing your aims, achievements, knowledge, understanding of the applied programmes, and career ambitions. A good personal essay can attract the attention of the admissions committee and highlight your application. Do not exaggerate your achievements and personal details. Try to keep it brief and to the point. Remember incorrect elaboration can lead to rejection of the application.

Strong recommendations from teachers, mentors, or employers can have a significant impact on the application. Include 2-3 letters of recommendation along with your application form at the time of application submission.

Documents Required for Harvard University Admission 2024

To complete the application process at Harvard University, students must provide the below-mentioned documents:

• Completed application form

• Official academic transcripts

• Secondary school report

• Standardised tests such as GMAT, GRE, SAT, or ACT

• English Proficiency Score Report (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE)

• Two letters of recommendation

• Personal essay or Statement of Purpose

• Midyear School Report (after your first semester grades)

• Resume or CV

• Student visa USA

• Proof of financial support

How to Get Into Harvard from India with a Scholarship?

Harvard University offers multiple scholarships and financial aid for international students. These scholarships are generally merit-based or need-based and cover half or complete tuition fees and living expenses in USA. However, international students need to provide appropriate proof of their need to the scholarship committee. Here are some key points on how to get into Harvard from India with scholarship for international students:

• Submit all the necessary documents to be considered for financial aid at Harvard.

• Look for various external scholarships offered by USA and the Indian governments, NGOs, organisations, and personal agencies. Research and apply for these scholarships early.

• Maintain a strong academic record.

• Demonstrate Leadership and Impact: Scholarship committees look for students who have made a positive impact in their community or school. Highlight your leadership roles and any initiatives you’ve undertaken.

• Research for scholarship process on the official university website and apply before the deadline.

Also Read: Scholarships in USA for International Students