By and large, there is no formula for gaining admission to Harvard. Wide spectrums of excellences are strongly welcomed. Here are some tips as following:

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.

What admissions criteria does Harvard use?
There is no formula for gaining admission to Harvard. Academic accomplishment in high school is important, but the Admissions Committee also considers many other criteria, such as community involvement, leadership and distinction in extracurricular activities, and work experience. We rely on teachers, counselors, headmasters and alumni/ae to share information with us about applicants' strength of character, their ability to overcome adversity and other personal qualities - all of which play a part in the Admissions Committee's decisions.

Are there quotas for international applicants?
There are no quotas or limits for international students. All students are considered in the same pool, regardless of citizenship or the school they attend. A student's chances for admission and financial aid are not affected by citizenship or by the location of the school which the student attends.

Does Harvard admit international transfer students?
Yes. Students who will have completed one full year of university by the time of matriculation here should apply as transfer students. The transfer application form differs from the freshman application form. Please request a copy from the Office of Transfer Admissions, 8 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 or from our web site. Students may apply to transfer during their first or second year of university. Like all other candidates, transfer students are admitted for their talent and promise and without regard to their financial resources. Financial aid is offered on the basis of need to international students who transfer, as is the case with all students.

What should students know about visas?
All applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must submit the Financial Statement for Students from Foreign Countries (sent with the application materials), whether applying for financial aid or not. Then we can issue a Certificate of Eligibility (the I-20 form) to admitted students who accept our offer of admission. Students may present this form to the nearest U.S. Consulate to receive the F-1 Student Visa.

What if English is not a student's first language?
A strong knowledge of English is essential for successful study at Harvard, including the ability to understand and express thoughts quickly and clearly. We require the results of the SAT I and three SAT II Subject Tests for all candidates. The SAT II English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) is not acceptable for this purpose. Students are not required to submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Candidates whose native language is not English should not take any of their three SAT II tests in their native language.