Harvard University accepts 0.97% of transfer applicants and if you compare it with other universities then you will find it a bit competitive. If you want to give a shot to transfer into Harvard University then you must have a current GPA of at least 4.18; though the ideal GPA would be 4.35. Furthermore, you have to submit standardized test scores.
Key Takeaways
- Harvard University is one of the renowned and worlds one of best universities located in Cambridge, Massachusetts
- This university is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States and it sits among the most prestigious universities in the world
- Harvard University offers 50 undergraduate majors, 134 graduate degrees, and 32 professional degrees
- This university offers 4 years full-time undergraduate program and mainly focuses on liberal arts and sciences
- To qualify for the Harvard university transfer program, you must have completed at least one continuous academic year in a full-time degree program
Harvard University Overview
Harvard University is a large, highly residential research university and it offers 50 undergraduate majors, 134 graduate degrees, and 32 professional degrees. Last year, Harvard university granted 1,665 baccalaureate degrees, 1,013 graduate degrees, and 5,695 professional degrees. This university offers 4 years full-time undergraduate program and mainly focuses on liberal arts and sciences. Harvard university is composed of ten academic faculties plus the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Arts and Sciences offers a wide range of academic disciplines for both undergraduates and graduates. However, the other faculties offer only graduate degrees. This university has three main campuses: the 209-acre (85 ha) Cambridge campus, an adjoining campus across the Charles River in the Allston neighborhood of Boston; and the medical campus in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area. Harvard university’s endowment is valued at $53.2 billion which makes it the largest of any academic institution in the world. Below are the rankings of Harvard University –
- #2 in National Universities (tie)
- #13 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie)
- #3 in Best Value Schools
- #23 in Most Innovative Schools (tie)
- #211 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)
- #27 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie)
- Biomedical
- Electrical / Electronic / Communications
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- #10 in Biocomputing/Bioinformatics/Biotechnology (tie)
- Computer Systems
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics/Science
- #7 in Theory (tie)
- #8 in Writing in the Disciplines
- #23 in Study Abroad (tie)
- #4 in Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects
- #41 in First-Year Experiences (tie)
- #14 in Senior Capstone (tie)
About Harvard University Transfer Program
Every fall, Harvard university allows a small number of transfer students to Harvard College. Harvard University looks for students who have an excellent academic experience that will prepare them for rewarding liberal arts programs. Harvard University looks for –
1. A clearly defined academic need to transfer
2. A proven record of achievement at your current institution
3. Strong faculty recommendations
Last year, Harvard University received more than 1,500 transfer applications which are far exceeded the number of students admitted and enrolled each year as transfer students. So, it is quite clear that transfer admission at Harvard University is very competitive.
Eligibility Of Harvard University Transfer Program
To qualify for the Harvard university transfer program, you must have completed at least one continuous academic year in a full-time degree program. You have to complete the academic year from one college and not more than two academic years. You have to complete at least two full years of study at Harvard. However, if you have completed more than two years total of college at any institution regardless of courses taken then you won’t be eligible for transfer admission. At Harvard University, students are eligible to transfer only from a liberal arts curriculum that is similar to Harvard’s. If you are coming from a vocational, professional, technical, online, extension, or performance program then you won’t be able to qualify ordinarily or transfer admission. If you are enrolled part-time then you have to complete one full-time, continuous academic year then you will become eligible for the transfer program.
Application Requirements Of Harvard University Transfer Program
Below are the application requirements of Harvard University Transfer Program –
1. Transfer Application from the Coalition Application or Common Application.
2. Harvard College Questions and Writing Supplement for the Common Application
3. $75 fee (or request a fee waiver)
4. Standardized testing: you have to submit ACT or SAT scores
5. SAT or ACT (with or without writing): Strongly recommended, if you have taken these tests
6. AP, IB, or other examination results: Optional
7. Self-reported scores are acceptable during the application process; official scores are required of enrolling students who provided test scores as part of their application.
8. College/Dean’s/Registrar’s report
9. Official College Transcript
10. College Instructor Recommendations (2)
11. Official High School Transcript
Harvard University’s Transfer Deadlines
| Closing Date | Reported Deadline |
| Fall Transfer Deadline | March 1 |
| Winter Transfer Deadline | |
| Spring Transfer Deadline | March 1 |
| Summer Transfer Deadline |
Decision Dates for Harvard University Transfer Applicants
| Deadline | Notification Dates |
| Fall Transfer Deadline | June 15 |
| Winter Transfer Deadline | |
| Spring Transfer Deadline | |
| Summer Transfer Deadline |
What Harvard University Looks for in the Application Profile
Harvard university strictly checks the transfer applications during the entire process. Below are some questions that Harvard university asks themselves when they look over the application profile –
1. Has the student reached your maximum academic and personal potential?
2. Has the student worked to capacity in their academic pursuits or their employment?
3. Does the student reserve power to do more?
4. Does the student show initiative? Are they a self-starter? What motivates them?
5. Where will the student be in one, 5, or 25 years? What will they contribute to those around them?
6. What does the student care about deeply from an intellectual, extracurricular, and personal standpoint?
7. What has the student learned from their interests? What have they done with their interest? Have they achieved results? With what success or failure?
8. When it comes to extracurricular activities, have they taken full advantage of the opportunities that were presented to them?
9. What is the quality of their extracurricular activities? Did the student exhibit genuine commitment or have leadership roles in those extracurricular activities?
10. What choices has the student made for themselves and why?
11. Is the student a late bloomer?
12. How open is the student to new ideas and people?
13. Will the students be able to deal with the pressures and freedoms of life on campus?
14. Will the student be able to contribute to both Harvard and their classmates? Will they benefit from their Harvard experience?
15. Will other students want to room with them, share a meal, be in a seminar together, be teammates on a sports team, or collaborate in an extracurricular activity?
FAQs about Harvard University Transfer Acceptance Rate, Eligibility, Application Requirements, etc.
Is It Worth It To Transfer To Harvard?
Yes, it is worth it to transfer to Harvard University. Many transfer students said that Harvard’s liberal arts education, learning philosophy, and extracurricular opportunities are more than exceptional enticement enough to make the change mid-college worth it.
How Hard Is It To Get Into Harvard As A Transfer?
It is quite difficult to get into Harvard as a transfer because it has a transfer acceptance rate of only 0.97%. Last year it has accepted only 15 transfer students. Harvard University accepts 1 out of every 100 transfer applicants. So, it clearly indicates how hard it is to transfer to Harvard University.
Do Ivy Leagues Accept Dual Enrollment?
Most Ivy League schools do not accept dual enrollment credits under any circumstances.
What GPA Will Harvard Accept?
If you want to get into Harvard university then you need close to a 4.0 unweighted GPA. However, the ideal GPA would be 4.35 or higher.
References:
1. https://admissionsight.com/how-to-transfer-to-harvard/
2.http://www.collegetransfer.net/HarvardUniversityHarvardCollege/TransferProfile/tabid/145/Default.aspx
Last Updated on October 26, 2022 by Magalie D.
Magalie D. is a Diploma holder in Public Administration & Management from McGill University of Canada. She shares management tips here in MGTBlog when she has nothing to do and gets some free time after working in a multinational company at Toronto.
