Harvard College application process at a glance

Preparation
1st Nov:
Early Action
deadline

Assessment

13th Dec:
1st Jan:
Decision day Regular Decision
for EA
deadline

Lower Sixth
L
Summe
er

Sug
ggested timing

Before you apply...

Create list of target colleges
Figure out the requirements:
Common Application and collegespecific supplemental questions
Prepare, register and take SATs1
SAT Reasoning Test
SAT Subject
j
Tests

Write application essays

Consider supplementary materials
Consider Financial Aid packages

Upperr Sixth
Auttumn

Get your school transcript

Gather recommendations
Retake SATs if needed
Submit your application; pay
the fee or submit a fee waiver

Decision

1st Mar:
28th Mar:
Deadline for
Decision day
Financial Aid for Regular pool
application

What you need to do

Attend your interview (if offered)
Update Admissions Office on
major achievements (if applicable)
What Harvard will do
Assess all of your application
materials,, including
g a report
p from
your interview

1st May:
Deadline for
responding to
offers

1st Jul:
Last date2 for
Harvard to give
offers from
the waitlist

What to do if you are accepted

Celebrate!
Choose the right college for you
Review Financial Aid offers
Talk to recent graduates in the UK
Attend weekend for admitted students
What to do if y
you are p
put on the waitlist
Stay positive
Update Admissions Office on major
achievements (if applicable)
Explore other options
What to do if you are not offered a place
Explore other options
Consider reapplying next year
Consider college transfer options

Note: Most of this information also applies to other US colleges.

Please check for differences in requirements and deadlines!

1. Please remember to check the latest SAT testing dates for Early Action and Regular Decision.
2. This date is a target only; it may vary from year to year. The number of students admitted from the waitlist also varies from year to year, depending on yield rates