We all know how hard it is to get into Harvard as a freshman. Anyone who went there will be sure to tell you twice! And getting in as a transfer is basically impossible. We don’t tell you this to break your spirit, we tell you this because if you’re going to apply, you should go into the process knowing that you have a 1% chance of getting in. There have been years when they don’t let anyone in.
Harvard’s supplement is a beast. And because there are a few questions that slightly overlap, you need to be extra careful about not repeating information. Be mindful of what information they already know from previous supplements! For example, you are going to tell them your origin story in the first supplement (that they call a personal statement) so when they ask you about your field of specialization at Harvard, you don’t need to tell them the full story again. Let’s dissect the questions:
Please provide a statement (250-650 words) that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve.
This essay should cover three things: an origin story about academic interests, your reasons for wanting to transfer, and what you hope to gain by attending Harvard. All of the details should be wrapped up in a story about you. Starting with your origin story, you’ll explain how your academic interests came to be. Let them get to know you a little bit better. Then, touch on where things went south at your current institution in a way that isn’t dramatic or off-putting. Explain why it isn’t the school for you, but don’t bash them. Maybe you currently attend X school because you needed to save money, or maybe the program that you want isn’t offered. Perhaps you misjudged the school initially or the location isn’t conducive to finding internship and research opportunities. Finally, transition into why Harvard is where you should be. Academics should be the star, but anything that Harvard can offer you that your current school can’t can also be included. Do not mention that graduating from Harvard will solve all of your problems, it’s gross and completely untrue. There are unemployed Harvard grads and billionaires that didn’t graduate from college. Clearly identify your goals, and then point to something at Harvard that will help you achieve them.
Did any time elapse between high school and college or have you left any school or college voluntarily for an extended period of time?
This is a yes or no question, and if you choose, yes, the below prompt will pop up.
Please give a detailed explanation. (3,000 CHARACTERS)
This is not a trick question. Harvard wants the facts, so take them through the details of your gap year. The writing should be concise, grammatically correct, and edited multiple times. We’ve found that students really panic when applying to Harvard, and that panic translates into overwritten and unnecessarily flowery supplements. There is no need to call your gap year an “eye-opening, soul-expanding mission to find myself and hold space for my future while gaining empathy for those around me.” Just tell them what you did and why.
Briefly, please indicate the most influential factors in your original decision to attend your present college, such as location, cost, size of student body, only option, special program offered, Early Decision plan, etc. (3,000 CHARACTERS)
Honesty is key here. Harvard wants to know why you currently attend X school. Start by looking at the factors that they suggest, it could be one or more of those reasons. And if you have a more personal reason for attending X school, such as a family matter, illness, or unusual circumstance, feel free to include that as well. If you chose X school because you thought you wanted to be in a certain program and you no longer do, that’s fair.
One response we will caution against is “I didn’t care about my grades until I got to college and now that I’m here, I’m ready to dedicate myself to my studies.” Your performance in high school is a huge aspect of your evaluation, and one year of good grades simply won’t cut it. It also makes it sound like you just want to trade up.
What alternatives to transferring to Harvard are you considering? (3,000 CHARACTERS)
This is another scary question for Harvard transfer hopefuls because they feel that if they say they’re applying to more than one college, then Harvard will get their feelings hurt and pass on them. It’s an unfair question to ask, tbh. We don’t suggest lying, but we do think that you can use this space to dive deeper into additional reasons you have for applying to Harvard. Your response could look like this:
Harvard is my top choice because:
1-2 reasons you have for applying to Harvard that did not fit into your other supplements.
My criteria was X,Y,Z and Harvard was the only school that truly fit the mold.
Then name a few other schools that you’re applying to, and note that while the programs are similar, they do not compare to Harvard’s offerings.
In an effort to not annoy the person reading your application, you definitely shouldn’t repeat yourself. You should really only use this extra space if there is valid and pertinent information that you have not had the opportunity to include.
Please indicate your field of specialization and briefly outline your academic plans at Harvard College. (3,000 CHARACTERS)
If you don’t know how to answer this question, you shouldn’t be applying to Harvard. Harvard needs to make sure that you’re going to graduate on time, even as a transfer student, so you should tell them exactly what you plan to do with the rest of your years as a student there.
Include the following:
Remind them of your intended major
What courses will you take? Choose two upper-level courses with reasons why you want to take them
What professor are you going to shadow, work with, or research alongside? Explain why you’re a good fit
Any other special academic programs that you plan to join/apply to
What are your current postgraduate/career plans? 3,000 CHARACTERS
The best way to answer this question is to envision your life in 5-10 years from now. How have you used your degree? What are you up to? Dream big and use your imagination. Think about potential career trajectories that you’re interested in and picture yourself using your Harvard education to achieve that goal.
What does that day, 5-10 years from now, look like? Don’t waste any time or space setting up the story, drop them directly in the scene. Are you a professor, historian, engineer or entrepreneur? Whatever it is, make sure that you include vivid detail and a clear expertise in the subject matter that you studied at Harvard.
Briefly discuss one book that has strongly influenced you. 3,000 CHARACTERS
Do. Not. Pick. A. Classic. And don’t you dare choose anything that you were assigned in school. Harvard needs to know that you read during your free time, and telling them that the last book that influenced you was To Kill A Mockingbird is a surefire way to confirm that you haven’t picked up a book since high school.
Instead of starting with the book, think about the quality or personality trait that you want Harvard to know about you. Something they don’t know yet. A fancy book title will not impress them. Harvard wants to know how and why the book influenced you, not just the title. Once you’ve figured out what side of yourself you’re trying to highlight, think of a list of books that might achieve that goal. For example, if you’re a creative amateur chef that loves dreaming up new recipes, you might think of the first few cookbooks that you’ve read. Pick the strongest book from the list and start writing your story.
We’re pros at helping students sort through lengthy supplements. Contact us here if you need help.