Applying to Harvard College as a First-Year Student: What You Need to Know

Harvard College is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, and each year, it attracts thousands of applicants from around the globe. For students preparing to apply as first-year candidates, understanding Harvard’s admissions process is essential.

This blog provides a comprehensive overview of Harvard’s first-year application process, including key requirements, timelines, and special considerations.

Who Is Considered a First-Year Applicant?

You are considered a first-year applicant if:

• You are currently completing or have recently completed secondary school.

• You are seeking your first bachelor’s degree.

• You may have taken college-level courses while in high school (such as dual enrollment), but have not enrolled in a college or university after graduation.

Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or who have enrolled full-time at a college or university after high school are not eligible to apply as first-year students.

First-Year Application Requirements

All applicants must apply using either the Common Application or the Coalition Application (Powered by Scoir). Required materials include:

• Completed application (with personal essay and short-answer questions)

• Harvard-specific supplement (five 150-word responses)

• Activities list

• $85 application fee or fee waiver request

• School Report and high school transcript (including counselor recommendation)

• Two teacher recommendations

• Midyear School Report (submitted after first semester grades)

• Final School Report (for admitted students only)

Standardized Testing

While not required, applicants may submit any of the following if available:

• SAT or ACT

• AP exam results

• IB predicted or actual scores

• A-Level or GCSE results

• National leaving exam scores

Test scores may be self-reported during the application process. Admitted students must submit official scores if they choose to enroll.

Application Timeline

Restrictive Early Action (REA)

• Application deadline: November 1

• Decision released: Mid-December

• Recommended test submission: By end of October (November test scores are acceptable)

• Financial aid application should be submitted by the application deadline

Regular Decision

• Application deadline: January 1

• Decision released: End of March

• Test scores may be submitted through the February ACT or December SAT

• Midyear School Report due by mid-February

• Financial aid documents should be submitted by February 1

All students must reply to admission offers by May 1. No enrollment deposit is required.

Understanding Restrictive Early Action

Harvard’s Restrictive Early Action (REA) is a non-binding early admissions plan. Applicants receive a decision in mid-December but are not obligated to enroll. However, REA does come with some restrictions:

• You may not apply to other private colleges under Early Action, Early Decision, or Restrictive Early Action plans.

• You may apply early to public universities, military academies, or universities outside the U.S. as long as those programs are non-binding.

• You can apply to other universities through Regular Decision or Early Decision II.

Applicants who are deferred in the early round are permitted to apply elsewhere under binding Early Decision II programs.

Is There an Advantage to Applying Early?

Statistically, the acceptance rate may appear higher for REA applicants, but this is largely due to the strength of the applicant pool. There is no strategic admissions advantage to applying early; students should choose the timeline that best allows them to present a complete and competitive application.

Mailing Applications

Although Harvard strongly recommends online submission, applications sent by mail are also accepted and are treated equally by the admissions committee. Note that mailed application materials become the property of the university and will not be returned.

Final Thoughts

Applying to Harvard requires careful planning, academic rigor, and thoughtful reflection. Understanding the specific requirements and deadlines can make the process more manageable and help students approach their application with confidence and clarity.

Whether applying through Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision, each applicant is encouraged to highlight not only their academic record, but also their unique talents, experiences, and potential contributions to the Harvard community.