Hurricane Sandy and Early Action Deadlines

Applications and Supporting Materials (10.27.2012)

We continue to observe our long-standing policy of ensuring that applicants facing circumstances beyond their control are not penalized in our admissions and financial aid programs. If there is a good reason for not being able to meet a deadline (whether it be a natural disaster such as Hurricane Sandy or a personal challenge), we are happy to accept late applications and support materials. All you and your recommenders need to do is explain the reason in a brief note to fileroom@fas.harvard.edu with the subject line "Hurricane Sandy."

SAT Testing (11.02.2012)

To: Early Action applicants intending to submit November SAT scores.
Re: Cancellation or rescheduling at test centers due to Hurricane Sandy

We understand that in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy some SAT testing dates have been postponed or cancelled in affected areas. Please know that your Early Action application will be considered thoroughly with all available information even if you are unable to sit for the November test administration due to circumstances beyond your control.

Because standardized tests are only one factor in our holistic admissions process, our admissions committee may make decisions on applications with less than complete testing records. Please note that, regardless of testing records, the admission decisions of many Early Action candidates are deferred to the regular admissions process at which time new information of all kinds can be considered.

It is important to remember that any candidate has the same likelihood of being admitted whichever timetable he or she chooses, Early Action or Regular Action. We are committed to our long-standing policy of ensuring that applicants facing circumstances beyond their control are not penalized in our admissions and financial aid programs.