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Harvard University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accrediting body recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation confirms that Harvard meets rigorous standards for quality and effectiveness in higher education. The institution undergoes regular review processes to ensure it maintains its academic integrity and commitment to continuous improvement.
In addition to its overall institutional accreditation, Harvard University's various schools and programs often have specialized accreditations relevant to their fields of study. These accreditations provide further assurance of academic quality and professional relevance, which is significant for prospective students evaluating specific disciplines.
Prospective students can be confident that degrees awarded by Harvard University are recognized as meeting high standards of educational excellence. This accreditation also enables access to federal financial aid programs, which can be a crucial consideration when choosing a college or university.
Harvard University maintains a highly selective admissions process characterized by stringent academic and evaluative standards. Prospective students are required to submit a secondary school record along with recommendations as part of their application. Notably, a high school diploma or its equivalent is not strictly required for admission, and the university does not have an open admission policy.
Applicants benefit from the possibility of dual credit; however, Harvard does not grant credits for Advanced Placement (AP) exams or other college-level exams. Detailed requirements regarding computer use, specific competencies, or standardized test scores such as the SAT, ACT, or TOEFL are not explicitly stated.
The applicant pool is exceptionally competitive, with over 56,000 candidates vying for fewer than 2,000 available spots annually. This translates to an acceptance rate of approximately 3%, placing Harvard University among institutions with the lowest acceptance rates nationally.
Admitted students typically demonstrate outstanding standardized testing performance, with a mean SAT score of 1530-well within the top 5 percent nationally-and an average ACT score of 35, also ranking in the top percentile. These scores reflect the university's emphasis on academic excellence and high achievement.
The application fee for undergraduate admission to Harvard University is set to cover the costs of processing and reviewing each applicant's materials. Prospective students should expect to pay this fee when submitting their applications, unless they qualify for a waiver.
Fee waivers are available for those applicants who demonstrate financial need, ensuring that the cost of application does not hinder access to the university. Students may request a waiver by following the procedures outlined by Harvard's admissions office, typically involving verification of economic circumstances through documentation.
This provision supports a fair and equitable admissions process by alleviating financial barriers for qualified candidates. It is advisable for applicants concerned about the application fee to consult the university's official resources or admissions staff early in the process to understand the necessary steps for obtaining a waiver.
Harvard University hosts an ROTC branch unit on its campus, providing students the opportunity to participate in Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs directly within the university environment. This presence allows prospective students interested in pursuing military leadership training to integrate their academic and ROTC experiences seamlessly at Harvard University.
Harvard University permits transfer students to enroll for the fall term, providing an opportunity for those seeking to continue their education elsewhere. The institution accepts transfer credits, which can facilitate the transition and recognition of prior academic work completed at other colleges or universities. However, specific details regarding acceptance of credit from exams such as CLEP or DANTES are not provided.
Harvard University offers a diverse range of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic and cultural experiences of its students. These programs allow participants to engage in rigorous coursework while immersing themselves in international environments tailored to various fields of study.
The university facilitates semester-long and summer study abroad programs in partnership with reputable institutions around the world. These programs often include coursework directly applicable to students' majors or areas of concentration, ensuring academic continuity and credit transfer.
In addition to traditional study abroad options, Harvard provides faculty-led programs that emphasize specialized research, internships, and cultural fieldwork. These shorter-term experiences combine classroom instruction with practical, on-site learning to deepen students' understanding of global issues.
Harvard also supports language immersion programs aimed at developing proficiency and cultural competence in languages critical for global engagement. Such programs are often integrated with broader academic goals and advanced language study.
A key feature of Harvard's study abroad offerings is the extensive advising and support structure, which assists students in selecting programs that align with their academic plans and personal interests. This guidance ensures students maximize the benefits of their international experiences while fulfilling degree requirements.
Median composite SAT score
1530Median composite ACT score
35Percent of students submitting ACT scores
19%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
54%High school completions
High school diploma or equivalent is not requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
Data not availableOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
YesCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
NoOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
YesApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall