Guide to Harvard Admission from India: Eligibility Requirements, Admission Process and Tips 

Aspiring to pursue education in the United States, Harvard University stands out as a coveted destination for many. If you’re in India and aiming for admission to Harvard, this article delves into crucial aspects such as admission requirements, the application process, recommendations, deadlines, foreign admissions, entrance exams, extracurricular activities, and essays. Discover the comprehensive guide to applying to Harvard University. In this blog, we will talk about Harvard University’s eligibility for Indian students.

Admission Criteria for Harvard University

Applicants aiming for Harvard University eligibility for Indian students must adhere to the following criteria:

Academic Requirements

Prospective students are expected to exhibit a stellar academic history, having completed a challenging high school curriculum inclusive of rigorous coursework in Maths, Science, Social studies, and Language arts. A high GPA and SAT (1500 out of 1600) or ACT (34 out of 36) scores are generally sought. The application process for these programs begins in September. 

Documentations

For international students applying to Harvard’s graduate programs, the following documents are required. Each graduate school under Harvard University has a separate application portal.

• Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of 105 USD (8,622 INR).
• Bachelor’s Degree
• GPA or aggregate of 3.0/4.0 (85%)
• GRE Scores ranging between 260-340
• Personal essay
• TOEFL-iBT Score of 100
• 2 Recommendation Letters
• Resume
• Writing Sample (if required)
• Work Experience (if required)

Language Proficiency

International students from India must validate their English proficiency through the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test.

Recommendation Letters

Two recommendation letters from teachers familiar with the applicant’s academic prowess and personal attributes are mandated.

Extracurricular Activities

Harvard University values well-rounded individuals who have excelled in extracurricular pursuits such as sports, music, community service, or leadership roles.

Admission Essay

Applicants must craft a compelling essay showcasing their personality, aspirations, and passion for learning to enhance their chances of securing admission to Harvard University.

Also Read: Harvard’s 5 New Free Online Courses for Programmers

Admission Process for Harvard University

Harvard University employs a highly competitive admissions process, with a rigorous evaluation of each application. The steps include:

1. Application Review: The admissions committee meticulously reviews your application, considering academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation.
2. Interview: Upon selection, you might be invited for an interview. The interview provides an opportunity to delve deeper into your academic and personal background.
3. Admission Decision: The admissions committee evaluates your academic qualifications, extracurricular activities, essay, and interview performance before making the final admission decision.

Harvard University Application Process for Indian Candidates 

For Indian students aspiring to apply to Harvard University, the application process involves the following steps:

1. Research: Conduct thorough research on Harvard University and its programs. Explore the university’s official website, attend virtual information sessions, and seek insights from current or former students.
2. Program Selection: Harvard University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Choose the program that aligns with your academic and professional goals.
3. Create an Account: Register for an account on the Common or Coalition Application platforms, allowing you to apply online to multiple universities.
4. Complete the Application Form: Provide your personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, and essay as part of the application form.
5. Submit Required Documents: Essential documents such as transcripts, standardized test results, letters of recommendation, and language proficiency scores must be submitted.
6. Payment of Application Fee: Use a credit card or bank transfer to pay the application fee during the submission process.

CBSE vs. ICSE vs. IB: Which Curriculum Gives You the Best Chance to Study at Harvard?

Do you want to study at Harvard? Then you must have asked yourself the question- CBSE, ICSE, or IB which curriculum is better for you. The answer is that Harvard University does not have an official preference. As long as you are qualified, you will be admitted.  Nevertheless, we have provided a short description of how each curriculum affects your chances of admission.

IB (International Baccalaureate)

The IB curriculum is considered the best curriculum for admission to Harvard. The reason? IB curriculum is globally recongised. Moreover, the curriculum ensures that the student has a more holistic development. Extracurricular activities are given equal importance as studies.

CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)

Another option is the CBSE. The CBSE board have a proper syllabus. Therefore, you can get high GPAs. Moreover, the STEM courses are given high importance. Therefore, if you plan to enroll in an engineering or medical field, you can choose this broad. However, it is important to remember that there isn’t any research-based learning. If you plan to complete your studies from a CBSE board ensure you have a strong extracurricular activities profile to back you up.

ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education)

You can also complete your studies from the ICSE board. This board is suitable for you if you are planning to take up a language course at Harvard.  ICSE board has a proper syllabus and covers a lot og subjects. The drawback? This board is not globally recognised. ICSE board students must get International certifications/test scores to get recognised abroad. 

In short, IB is the best board that you can choose. It brings the most value. This is followed by boards like CBSE and ICSE.

FAQs

We hope that this blog helped you discover Harvard University eligibility for Indian students. Follow Leverage Edu today to explore more courses and destinations to study abroad. Thank you for reading!