Harvard University is a place where the brightest minds come together to learn, grow, and thrive. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, and one of the most prestigious universities in the world. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at Harvard and provide you with all the information you need to know.
Acceptance Rate
Every year, thousands of students apply to Harvard, but only a small percentage are accepted. For the class of 2024, the acceptance rate was just 4.9%. The university is highly selective, so if you're considering applying, be sure to put your best foot forward.
Student Population Size
Harvard has a relatively small undergraduate population, with around 6,700 students enrolled. However, when you include graduate and professional students, the total population comes to around 22,000.
Location
Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just across the Charles River from Boston. The area is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its many prestigious universities.
Tuition Breakdown
Harvard is one of the most expensive universities in the country, with tuition and fees totaling $51,925 for the 2020-2021 academic year. However, the university is also one of the most generous when it comes to financial aid, with over 60% of students receiving some form of assistance.
Requirements for Each 4 Year Undergraduate College Program
Harvard College, the undergraduate division of Harvard University, offers a variety of programs for students to choose from. Here are the requirements for each:
- Arts and Humanities: Students in this program must take 8 to 12 courses in the arts and humanities, including at least one course in a language other than English.
- Engineering and Applied Sciences: Students in this program must take 16 courses in science and engineering, including at least one course in computer science.
- Social Sciences: Students in this program must take 12 to 16 courses in the social sciences, including at least one course in quantitative reasoning.
Essays, Requirements, Teacher Recommendations
In order to be considered for admission to Harvard, prospective students must complete a number of requirements, including submitting essays and teacher recommendations. The specific requirements are as follows:
- Common Application OR Universal College Application
- $75 application fee OR a fee waiver request
- ACT with writing or SAT (with or without writing)
- 2 SAT Subject Tests (recommended, except in the case of financial hardship. However, homeschooled applicants, as well as those applicants who attend or have attended a school outside of the U.S. where English is not the language of instruction, may request a waiver of this requirement.)
- School Report and high school transcript
- Teacher Report (2)
- Mid-Year School Report
- Final School Report
Most Popular Subjects
Harvard offers a wide range of subjects for students to study, but some are more popular than others. According to the university's website, the most popular subjects among undergraduates are:
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Government
- Applied Mathematics
- Biomedical Engineering
Admissions Rates by Department
The acceptance rate at Harvard can vary depending on the department you're applying to. Here are the acceptance rates for some of the most popular undergraduate programs:
- Economics: 6%
- Computer Science: 3%
- Government: 8%
- Applied Mathematics: 9%
- Biomedical Engineering: 8%
Popular Employers from That School
Harvard graduates are highly sought after by employers, and many go on to work for some of the most prestigious companies in the world. Some of the most popular employers among Harvard alumni include:
- McKinsey & Company
- Google
- Microsoft
- Goldman Sachs
- Harvard University
Most Popular Student Traditions
Harvard has a rich history and many unique traditions that students look forward to participating in. Some of the most popular traditions include:
- Housing Day, when first-year students find out what house they will be living in for the rest of their time at Harvard
- The Harvard-Yale football game, one of the longest-running rivalries in college sports
- Primal Scream, when students run around campus in their underwear to relieve stress during exams
School Strengths
Harvard is known for many things, but here are some of the university's biggest strengths:
- Academic rigor and prestige
- Alumni network
- Financial aid
- Diversity and inclusivity
- Research opportunities
School Weaknesses
Despite its many strengths, Harvard is not perfect. Some of the university's weaknesses include:
- High tuition and cost of living
- Lack of emphasis on undergraduate education
- Cutthroat culture
How Many Rounds They Have to Apply for Admission and Deadlines
Harvard has a single application deadline for all undergraduate programs, which typically falls in early January. However, prospective students can choose between two application rounds: Single-Choice Early Action or Regular Decision. The deadlines for each round are as follows:
- Single-Choice Early Action: November 1
- Regular Decision: January 1
The Bottom Line
Harvard is undoubtedly an exceptional university, but it's not the right fit for everyone. Students who are interested in attending should do their research carefully and consider all the factors before making a decision. Good luck!
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