Hey everyone! Thanks for coming back to this series. Today we’re going to dive into applying to graduate school—specifically, answering the question “How hard is it to get into Harvard Graduate school?”

To answer this question, we’re going to look at a few different stats. The first stat we’ll look at is Harvard’s acceptance rate. If you want to know how hard it is to get accepted into Harvard, looking at their acceptance rate will give you a good starting point.

Next, let’s look at some of the things they take into consideration when reviewing applications. Knowing what they’re looking for will give you an idea of how hard it is to get in, because it will help you figure out if you’re a good fit for the program and school.

Finally, let’s look at some of the programs offered by Harvard Graduate School and see if you might be a good fit for any of them. As always, if you want to leave your thoughts or questions about this topic in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!

So you applied to Harvard. Now what? This article will help you through the process of getting into Harvard Graduate School.

A PhD is one of the hardest degrees you can earn, and should only be pursued if you’re serious about researching a subject, most likely in science or engineering. It can also launch a variety of more advanced careers, such as becoming a college professor or an entrepreneur. Selective programs like Harvard’s PhD program focus on research and education and require intense ambition from their applicants. Have you been wondering how hard is it to get into Harvard graduate school? Get ready because you are about to gain access to all you need to know about Harvard Graduate School!

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How Hard Is It To Get Into Harvard Graduate School

Many students want to know how hard is it to get into Harvard Graduate School. Perhaps the most popular myth about the University that too many students have heard is that you have to be super smart or have an IQ score of 160 or above to even get through the door. Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers graduate degree programs in 30 academic departments and programs, as well as interdisciplinary programs. It is renowned as a breeding ground for future leaders around the world.”

This may sound obvious, but you would be surprised by how many highly qualified students simply don’t apply. They may have many good reasons for not doing so, such as not wanting to live through a New England winter (I get that!) or wanting to go somewhere else instead, but feelings of inadequacy are by far the most common.

The low acceptance rates may intimidate you. But do you know your chance of getting accepted if you don’t apply? Spoiler: It’s zero.

Plus, acceptance rates are much higher for Harvard’s grad programs than they are for undergrads (for undergrads last year it was only 4.6%!). In my program, for instance, about 10% are accepted. I’ve heard of other programs that accept closer to 30% of applicants. But the thing about acceptance rates is that some applicants may have zero chance of getting in, and this brings down the average. These people may have F’s in classes in their chosen field, or they may have made mistakes on their application. They may have sent in a statement of purpose that mentions how much they want to go to Duke (I’ve heard this really happened!).

But still, people who don’t get in the first time can refine their applications and reapply — if this is something they want to do.

This is my earnest advice: If you kicked decent butt in college, you automatically have a better chance than whatever the acceptance rate might be. So do yourself a favor and just apply (but keep reading because there are other important pieces of advice to consider, too).

Is It Hard To Get Into Harvard Grad School

Just because you went to an Ivy League school doesn’t mean you should get a Master’s degree just because you can.

Oh, sure, the name of your graduate program might be “Master’s in English,” or “Master’s in Electrical Engineering,” or maybe even “Master’s in Literature.” But what does that really mean?

I’m guessing it has something to do with you finishing college and then going to grad school for four years, which is what all Ivy League students are supposed to do. And, for the most part, that’s about it.

Even if you have no idea who these great people are—like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams—you’ve probably heard of them because they were the founders of your graduate programs’ colleges. And that’s cool—because those people were all lawyers and politicians who wrote legal documents and wrote laws and won elections. They were also scientists who studied heat and electricity, made inventions, and helped shape our country. And they were also humanists (think: artists) like Mark Twain who wrote some of the most-beloved stories ever written—and yes, this means that he won a Pulitzer Prize!

Harvard Graduate School Admission Requirements

All grad school applications require thoughtful attention to detail and clear explanations of why you want to complete an advanced degree, and while Ivy League graduate schools call for similar requirements, the standards and expectations are much higher. Review the various components of the Ivy League application below to get a sense of common requirements and steps.

• Application and fees: As with any other college, Ivy Leagues require prospective students to fill out an application. This usually asks for a range of basic information, such as name, gender identity, address, birthdate, citizenship status, intended area of study, phone number, and contact information. In addition to providing answers to all questions on the application, individuals must also pay a fee. These can range from $50 to $100, though some schools may charge as much as $175.
• Transcripts: In order to verify whether an applicant earned the grades required for admissions consideration, Ivy League graduate programs require transcripts from all colleges or universities applicants attended. Some may also require high school transcripts if admission is highly competitive. Each school maintains a unique process for reviewing transcripts. At Yale University, for instance, prospective degree seekers can upload unofficial transcripts during the application process but must provide official transcripts if they receive a letter of admittance.
• Test scores: Depending on the particular discipline an individual plans to study or the department they hope to join, Ivy League grad programs require applicants to take at least one of several advanced study standardized tests. In addition to the most commonly required GRE, students may need to take the GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT if they plan to study business, law, or medicine, respectively. Some schools do not specify score requirements, but applicants can review average scores from past admissions to get a sense of expectations. Depending on the competitiveness of the program, some schools may also want to review ACT or SAT scores that were taken for undergraduate education.
• Letters of recommendation: In addition to all the information potential students provide themselves, Ivy League graduate schools also want to hear from others who can speak to an applicant’s preparedness for the program and their likelihood of contributing something unique to the student body. When selecting individuals to write these letters of recommendation, applicants should think carefully and strategically. Do not ask anyone who doesn’t know you well and who you don’t maintain a professional or academic relationship with, as they won’t be able to speak to the nuances of what makes you an exceptional student and strong grad school candidate. Most schools look for two to three letters from former professors, mentors, or supervisors.

• Personal statement or statement of purpose: While much of the application process calls on applicants to provide hard facts such as test scores, GPAs, and work history, personal statements/statements of purpose allow students to introduce themselves to admissions committees in a more personal way. Learners should use this opportunity to highlight unique qualities, discuss their academic passions, and clearly lay out what they bring to the table.
• Resume/CV: The resume or CV exists for students to demonstrate relevant professional and academic accomplishments. When creating this document, ensure all major achievements appear on the document, but focus on succinct descriptions for each. It’s also important to ensure organization reigns supreme: start with a header at the top that clearly states your name and contact information. Use bullets, indentations, and bolded text so readers can easily identify individual sections. Select a professional-looking font, and avoid grammatical errors and syntax issues.
• Interview: While it’s becoming less common for applicants to visit campus and interview with members of the admissions panel, schools are increasingly utilizing alumni living in the prospective student’s region to conduct interviews. These may be done in-person or online. Interviews tend to be more conversational. These face-to-face interactions offer students the chance to demonstrate other qualities about themselves that are not easily conveyed in an application or personal statement, such as confidence, charisma, diplomacy, and character. While some may decide to emphasize points made on their applications, others use interviews as an opportunity to introduce other facets of themselves.
• Portfolio: Not all programs require portfolios, but for those that do, applicants should ensure they put their best work forward. The majority of art and design degrees require portfolios as a way of examining where an applicant stands in their artistic career and if they are ready for advanced study at an Ivy League. When selecting materials for an admissions portfolio, applicants should work with their professors, mentors, or colleagues to identify pieces that show their growth over time and demonstrate the evolution of their creative eye. Admissions panels typically do not want a large portfolio, so judiciously select works that highlight the unique angles and strengths of your artistry.

So—is it hard to get into Harvard? The answer is yes, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.

Harvard is a competitive school, and they’re looking for students who are going to make important contributions to their fields of study. However, they also want a diverse student body. They’re looking for students who bring unique perspectives and experiences from their own lives and backgrounds.

As long as you can tell a compelling story about your experiences that shows how you’ve grown as a person and why you’re excited about studying your chosen field at Harvard, then the fact that the admissions process is competitive shouldn’t stop you from trying.

You never know what could happen unless you put yourself out there!