Exploring the Essay Requirements for Harvard University

When it comes to applying for one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, Harvard University, it's important to understand the essay requirements, deadlines, and the best ways to approach each of the essays that are required for consideration.

The Essays

Harvard University requires prospective students to submit a series of essays, designed to showcase your personality, your critical thinking skills, and your writing abilities. These essays include:

1. The Common Application essay: The Common Application essay is a 650-word limit submission that is used by most top universities. Prospective students are typically given a choice of prompts. Students can elect to answer one prompt in 650 words or less.
2. Harvard University supplement essay: In addition to the Common Application essay, prospective students are required to submit one essay that provides additional insight into their candidacy. This essay is limited to 500 words and the prompt is as follows: "You may wish to include an additional essay if you feel that the college application forms do not provide sufficient opportunity to convey important information about yourself or your accomplishments. You may write on a topic of your choice, or you may choose from one of the following topics:
• Unusual circumstances in your life
• Travel, living, or working experiences in your own or other communities
• What you would want your future college roommate to know about you
• An intellectual experience (course, project, book, discussion, paper, poetry, or research topic in engineering, mathematics, science, or other modes of inquiry) that has meant the most to you
• How you hope to use your college education
• A list of books you have read during the past twelve months
• The Harvard College Honor code declares that we "hold honesty as the foundation of our community." As you consider entering this community that is committed to honesty, please reflect on a time when you or someone you observed had to make a choice about whether to act with integrity and honesty. (650 words)

The Deadlines

For the Class of 2025, the application deadline for Harvard University is November 1, 2020. This deadline is applicable to all early action applicants. As for regular decision applicants, the deadline is January 1, 2021.

Approaches to Each Essay

Given the character/word limits and the open-ended nature of each essay prompt provided by Harvard University, prospective students need to approach each essay carefully.

• The Common Application essay: The key to success in writing the Common Application essay is to choose a prompt that resonates with your own personal experience. When crafting your essay, make sure that your writing is clear, concise, and engaging.
• Harvard University supplement essay: For the additional essay required for Harvard, you have the liberty to write on any topic that you believe is essential in describing who you are as a person or candidate. If you decide to write on one of the provided prompts, make sure that you use your essay space effectively to include a unique perspective.

Tips for Approaching the Essays

• Start early: It would help if you started the essay writing process as soon as possible. You should set a goal to finish your essay draft a few days before the deadline. This allows you to read through the essay a couple of times to avoid any embarrassing errors.
• Use your unique voice: Your essays should demonstrate and convey your personality. Make sure that the language and tone you use match your unique voice.
• Give your essay to someone for feedback: It is essential to have a second (or third) set of eyes on your essays before submitting. Seeking feedback will help you catch errors or improve phrasing.
• Show your intellectual curiosity: Provide thoughtful insights or demonstrate your curiosity about a given subject or topic to show the admissions team your intellectual prowess.

Wrapping Up

With these essay requirements, deadlines, and approaches, hopefully, you are better equipped to tackle your Harvard University application. Remember to choose your approach according to the prompts, meet the word limit, and make sure to show the admissions officers who you are as a person.