Harvard: Supplemental Essays

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, MA, was founded in 1636 and is currently ranked #3 in National Universities by the 2024 U.S. News & World Report. Harvard accepted 3.59% of regular decision applicants and 8.74% of early action applicants to the Class of 2028.

Despite Harvard’s previous commitment to remaining test-optional through the Class of 2030, the college announced on April 11 it would require students applying for fall 2025 admission to submit either an SAT or ACT score.

Harvard has five supplemental essay prompts for the 2024-2025 application cycle. Unlike previous years, applicants are required to answer every question.

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TTA Top Tip: Each essay has a maximum word count of 150. This is both a blessing and a challenge! While it’s less writing overall, Harvard is challenging applicants to be concise and intentional with each response. These essays are your opportunity to showcase your unique voice and perspective. Don’t be afraid to zoom in on specific anecdotes or experiences—this almost always leads to a more memorable essay!

HARVARD: SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS

1. Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard? (150 words)
2. Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue. How did you communicate or engage with this person? What did you learn from this experience? (150 words)
3. Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are. (150 words)
4. How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future? (150 words)
5. Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you. (150 words)

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APPLYING TO HARVARD UNIVERSITY?

Are you thinking about applying to Harvard? Confused on how to start writing these essays? Contact us to discuss our Essay Guidance Program or Personal Boot Camp. By working on your applications now, you will be able to reap the benefit of increased odds in the early round of admissions.

Top Tier Admissions is tracking the 2024-2025 supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you!

Interested in reading more about Harvard?

• Harvard Acceptance Rate and Admissions Updates
• How to Get into Harvard Business School
• Harvard: Early Acceptance Rate
• Forbes College Rankings Shake-Up: Harvard Dethroned
• Harvard’s Supplemental Essays (2023)

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Siena Swift

Creative Content Coordinator at Top Tier Admissions

Siena is a Pomona College graduate and award-winning student journalist with a passion for impactful communication and global education. After guiding prospective students as a tour guide at Pomona and spearheading sustainability initiatives across the Claremont Colleges, Siena honed her skills in social media strategy and event programming as an admissions office intern. Since graduating, she has worked with Top Tier Admissions, where she now serves as the Creative Content Coordinator. In this role, Siena manages social media strategies, creates engaging content, and supports webinars. Her work combines her love for communication, education, and creativity, all while contributing to the growth and engagement of the Top Tier Admissions community.

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