Harvard University: A Brief Overview of One of the Most Prestigious Universities in the World Harvard University, founded in 1636, is one of the oldest universities in the United States. The university is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is home to over 20,000 students. Unsurprisingly, Harvard is among the most selective colleges in the world, with an acceptance rate of less than 5%. Despite its highly competitive admissions process, Harvard remains one of the most sought-after universities in the world. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive overview of Harvard University, including its student population size, location, tuition breakdown, requirements for each 4-year undergraduate college program, admission rates, popular employers, student traditions, school strengths and weaknesses, and the process for applying to the university. Student Population Size, Location, and Tuition Breakdown Harvard University has a total student population of approximately 20,000 students. Of these, nearly 7,000 are enrolled in undergraduate programs and over 13,000 in graduate programs. The university is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is just 5 miles from downtown Boston. The location of the university offers students a chance to immerse themselves in one of the most dynamic cities in the world, with access to a wide variety of cultural attractions and a diverse population. However, living in the Boston area can be expensive, as the cost of living is significantly higher than other parts of the country. The tuition for Harvard University varies depending on the program in which you are enrolled. For undergraduates, the annual tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $54,002. However, the total cost of attendance, including room and board and other fees, is approximately $77,000 per year. While the tuition is certainly steep, Harvard offers a need-blind admissions policy, which means that the university does not take into account an applicant’s ability to pay when making admission decisions. Additionally, Harvard is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all undergraduate students, regardless of their ability to pay. Requirements and Essay Prompts for Each 4-Year Undergraduate College Program Harvard University offers four undergraduate colleges: Harvard College, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the School of Government, and the School of Education. Harvard College: - Common Application or Coalition Application - $75 application fee or fee waiver - SAT or ACT with Writing or TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores for international students - Two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation - Application essay required, with three essay prompts to choose from: 1. “What you would want your future college roommate to know about you” 2. “How you hope to use your college education” 3. “A topic of your choice” School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: - Common Application or Coalition Application - $75 application fee or fee waiver - SAT or ACT with Writing or TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores for international students - Two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation - Application essay required, with an essay prompt specific to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: “Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below” School of Government: - Common Application or Coalition Application - $75 application fee or fee waiver - SAT or ACT with Writing or TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores for international students - Two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation - Application essay required, with an essay prompt specific to the School of Government: “Tell us about something you’ve done- academically or personally- and what impact you think it had on the world around you.” School of Education: - Common Application or Coalition Application - $75 application fee or fee waiver - SAT or ACT with Writing or TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores for international students - Two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation - Application essay required, with an essay prompt specific to the School of Education: “Please describe how you have prepared for your intended major, including your readiness to succeed academically in your upper-level courses once you enroll at the university.” Academic Requirements and Teacher Recommendations In addition to the application materials required for each undergraduate program, applicants must meet general academic requirements set forth by Harvard University. These requirements include a rigorous course load, excellent grades, and standardized test scores. Harvard University requires applicants to submit two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation. These recommendations should speak to the student’s academic abilities, character, and overall potential. It is important to choose teachers who know you well and are able to speak to your strengths. Most Popular Subjects and Admissions Rates by Department Harvard University offers a wide variety of undergraduate programs. Some of the most popular majors include economics, computer science, government, psychology, and biology. However, the admissions rates for each program vary significantly. For the class of 2025, the admissions rates by department were as follows: Economics - 4.2% English - 3.7% Government - 3.6% History - 3.6% Mathematics - 2.3% Computer Science - 3.5% Psychology - 4.4% Biology - 3.7% Chemistry - 1.3% It is important to note that these admission rates are highly competitive, and acceptance into any program is not a guarantee. Popular Employers from That School Harvard University graduates are highly sought-after by employers. Some of the most popular employers for Harvard graduates include the following: - McKinsey & Company - Boston Consulting Group - Google - Goldman Sachs - Microsoft - Bain & Company - J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Most Popular Student Traditions Harvard University is known for its many traditions, which have been part of the school’s history for centuries. Some of the most popular traditions include the following: - The Harvard-Yale Game: This annual football game between Harvard and Yale is one of the oldest rivalries in college sports. - Primal Scream: On the eve of final exams, students gather in Harvard Yard to release stress by screaming at the top of their lungs. - Housing Day: On this day, first-year students are assigned to one of Harvard’s 12 residential houses, where they will live for the remainder of their undergraduate career. - The Hasty Pudding Theatricals: This theater group, which has been around since 1844, puts on an annual production that is known for its satire and humor. School Strengths and Weaknesses Harvard University is known for its academic rigor, exceptional faculty, and commitment to financial aid for students. Harvard graduates are highly sought after by employers in a variety of industries, and the university has a strong reputation for excellence. However, the high cost of attendance and competitive admissions process can be a barrier for many students. Additionally, some critics argue that the university could do more to improve diversity and inclusivity on campus. Admission Process and Deadlines There are two rounds for the undergraduate admissions process at Harvard. The deadline for Early Action is November 1, and students are notified of their admission status in mid-December. The deadline for Regular Decision is January 1, and students are notified of their admission status in late March. In conclusion, Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Despite its highly competitive admissions process and steep tuition, the university remains a top choice for students seeking a rigorous academic experience and access to some of the most influential professionals in a variety of industries. If you are considering applying to Harvard, it is important to carefully review the specific application requirements for the undergraduate program in which you are interested and to gather strong letters of recommendation from your teachers and counselors. Good luck!