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Frequently Asked Questions: Admissions
High School Preparation
Are there secondary school course requirements for admission?
There is no single academic path we expect all students to follow, but the strongest applicants take the most rigorous secondary school curricula available to them. An ideal four-year preparatory program includes four years of English, with extensive practice in writing; four years of math; four years of science: biology, chemistry, physics, and an advanced course in one of these subjects; three years of history, including American and European history; and four years of one foreign language.
Is it to a student's advantage to take advanced, accelerated or honors courses?
Yes. Although schools provide different opportunities, students should pursue the most demanding college-preparatory program available.
Must a student have certain grades or marks to be considered for admission?
The Admissions Committee recognizes that schools vary by size, academic program, and grading policies, so we do not have rigid grade requirements. There is no single academic path we expect all students to follow, but the strongest applicants take the most rigorous secondary school curricula available to them. We do seek students who achieve at a high level, and most admitted students rank in the top 10-15% of their graduating classes.
How familiar is the Admissions Committee with secondary schools? their rigor? what marks mean in a particular school or educational system?
We have worked hard for many years to learn about schools in the U.S. and around the world. Our careful study of different schools, curricula, and educational systems benefits, too, from information we receive directly each year from schools, extensive personal communication we have with school personnel, and the interview reports we receive from our alumni/ae, who meet thousands of applicants to the College each year. We can always learn more, so we welcome information students think might be helpful to the Admissions Committee in understanding their accomplishments in their school communities.
Does Harvard rank secondary schools in the U.S. and abroad?
No. While we understand there are differences in the overall strengths of secondary schools, we are most interested in how well applicants have taken advantage of available resources.
What if a student has attended more than one secondary school?
We ask students to provide Secondary School Reports from the college counselor of each school they have attended in their last two years of secondary school.
Does Harvard consider non-required test results, such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Abitur, or GCE A-levels?
Yes. We value any information that helps us form a complete picture of an applicant's academic interests and strengths.