Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of some of the most frequent questions we receive from prospective applicants.

Application and Program Questions

How can I tell whether I should apply?

We often receive inquiries from students who want to know whether to apply to the program. It is very difficult to predict outcomes without reviewing the completed application. In particular, we cannot make a full assessment just from seeing just your vita, resume, or transcript.

How can I be admitted to a Harvard Ph.D. program?

You must distinguish yourself among your peer group. Every year, we only admit the very best candidates. Because we have a limited number of places, we are sometimes forced to turn down candidates who could have successfully completed the program.

What are the criteria for admission to the Ph.D. program?

• While there is no perfect set of criteria for admission, we especially look for candidates who ...
• Have a strong interest in and great potential for undertaking research
• Have excellent grades, e.g., in the range of A to A-
• Have competitive GRE scores
• Have solid preparation in coursework and research experience (e.g., a strong plan of study at a respected university)
• Have solid letters of recommendation from distinguished faculty and mentors

If I am interested in a particular research sub-area (such as materials or biophysics), and it appears as a choice in more than one top-level research area on the application form, how should I best respond?

SEAS is extraordinarily interdisciplinary in its approach to research. Keep in mind, that while you are applying to a particular degree program, it is far more important to determine which faculty member's lab does the kind of work you are most interested in pursuing. With that in mind, use your statement of purpose to elucidate this.

Increasingly, research falls between areas, and hence, the sub-area selection should be seen more as a guide than as an absolute commitment.

Are there differences in the course requirements for the Ph.D. in Applied Physics versus the Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences?

There are NO differences in the course requirements for the Ph.D. degree in Applied Physics versus the Ph.D. degree in Engineering Sciences. All SEAS students must take the same number of courses.

The difference is the name of the degree a student will earn. Students must decide, based on their own interests and future plans, whether an Applied Physics degree or an Engineering Sciences degree is a better fit.

Note: admitted students can change their degree program after they arrive, providing they have appropriate support from their faculty adviser.

We recommend that students in the process of applying to SEAS focus on identifying specific faculty members whose work they find of interest.

Who should write my letters of recommendation?

The strongest letters of recommendation are from people who (a) know your work and (b) know what is expected at a major research university. The most helpful letters will not simply claim that you are smart, are creative, work well independently, etc. The best letters are packed with specific information about what you did and what the results were.

Should I contact members of the faculty if I am interested in their research?

We encourage serious-minded candidates (i.e. those who have a clear sense of what they would like to do and whom they would like to work with) to get in touch with relevant faculty to discuss their research plans.

What can I do to improve my chances of admission?

1. Undertake an ambitious course of study (including advanced courses) and do well
2. Become involved with a research project, take part in research internships during the summer, or work in an industry research lab.
3. Obtain recommendation letters from people who (a) know your work and (b) know what is expected at a major research university

What is the minimum scores on the TOEFL?

80 is the minimum score on the Internet-based Test (iBT).

What is the minimum score for the GRE?

There are no minimums for the GRE.

I am an international student and will earn a degree from an institution outside of the U.S. Can I apply to SEAS?

Applicants who wish to pursue a degree at the Graduate School must hold the equivalent of a US bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from an institution of recognized standing.

Applicants from institutions outside of the US; applicants must hold the equivalent of  US bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) from institutions of recognized standing (either a three or four year undergraduate degree).

Students who are unsure of the US equivalency of their degree(s) should consult a reputable credential evaluation service.

When is your application deadline for prospective Master's and Ph.D. and students?

The standard deadline dates for each year is:

• December 15 (5 p.m. EST)

Note: We do not offer rolling admissions. ALL admitted students begin their studies in the fall.

How do I obtain an application for admission?

You can access the online application on the GSAS site.

Please do not send any application materials directly to us. If you do so, we cannot guarantee that your application will be processed in time for review.

What does the application require?

1. The completed application form (including the supplemental SEAS section).
2. The statement of purpose
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. C.V. or Resume
5. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
6. Official GRE score report for the general test *
7. No test other than the TOEFL iBT will be acceptable as proof of English proficiency. GSAS will use the students' scores on the speaking section of the TOEFL iBT to determine the oral proficiency of admitted students.
8. The application fee of $105.00
9. Statement of financial resources (for master's applicants only)
10. NOTE: Please do not send multimedia-based documents or files, theses, or academic papers. We recommend listing such achievements on your C.V. or Resume.

* While only the general GRE test is required for fulltime students, we also recommend submitting the GRE subject test as well (especially for international students).

* The GRE test is recommended, but not required, for applicants to the AB/SM program.

What is the institutional and department code?

When requesting official score reports, indicate the receiving institution as Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Code 3451.

There is no department code; leave it blank.

What is the postal address for mail sent by FedEx, DHL, UPS, and other carriers?

Harvard University
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Admissions Office
Holyoke Center
1350 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02138

How do I find out the status of my application?

If you have questions about your application or your application's status, please call the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Admissions Office at (617) 496-6100 between 2 P.M. and 5 P.M Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Please note that we do not give admissions decisions over the phone, by fax, or e-mail.

Does the Graduate School admit for fall, spring and/or summer?

No. New students are admitted once a year, to begin studying in the fall.

May I defer my admission?

Decisions on deferral are made on a case-by-case basis, and we cannot guarantee that requests to defer admission will be approved.

Can I transfer credits for previous academic work into your graduate programs?

Ph.D. students can petition for up to 5 transfer classes to count toward the Ph.D. The masters degree does not allow for any transfer courses. To count toward the degree, all "transfer" courses must be approved by the student's faculty advisor and the Committee on Higher Degrees after the student begins graduate study.

What are the degree requirements?

Read about degree requirements for the Ph.D., S.M., and M.E. degree

Should I apply for the S.M. degree and follow through to the Ph.D. later on if it suits me?

If you are ultimately interested in performing research, you should apply to the Ph.D. program directly because:

1. S.M. and M.E. programs are course-intensive and are not focused on research.
2. There is extremely limited financial aid available (only in select areas of study) for the S.M. and M.E. programs; all Ph.D. students receive full financial aid.

I am an international student. What are the requirements for undergraduate programs outside the U.S.?

Applicants who wish to pursue a degree at the Graduate School must hold the equivalent of a US bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from an institution of recognized standing. The following guidelines apply to undergraduate programs outside the US:  

• British-patterned education: bachelor's degree with honours  
• French-patterned education: degree or diplome requiring four years of post-baccalaureat study  
• Germany: minimum three to four years of post-secondary study (vordiplom plus one year)
• Other European countries: university degree requiring a minimum of four years of study
• Middle East: university degree requiring a minimum of four years of study   
• Canada: three-year bachelor's degree from Quebec, four-year bachelor's degree from all other provinces 
  
• Latin America: university degree requiring a minimum of four years of study
• India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal:  bachelor's degree in engineering, master's degree in all other fields
• Philippines: five-year bachelor's degree or four-year bachelor's degree plus one year of graduate work  
• Other Asian countries: university degree requiring a minimum of four years of study  
• Students who are unsure of the US equivalency of their degree(s) should consult a reputable credential evaluation service.

Please visit the following site for a complete list of guidelines.

In what subjects do you offer graduate degrees?

While our programs cover a wide range of topics, Ph.D. and master's students are awarded their official degree in one of four areas (applied mathematics, applied physics, computer science, engineering science).

For more information about degrees awarded for our collaborative programs, such as the Information, Technology and Management degree, please visit the respective sites on each program.

What areas are covered by a degree in engineering sciences?

Engineering sciences includes biomedical engineering, environmental sciences and engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

What are the fees and estimated associated costs of attending?

All students admitted to our Ph.D. program receive full financial support. This includes tuition, fees, and a cost-of living stipend ($2,446 per month before taxes in 2010-11).

Support is independent of need provided a student remains in good academic standing and is making satisfactory progress towards his/her Ph.D. degree.

All students who receive financial support participate in the educational program for about ten hours a week for one term—usually as quarter time teaching fellows or in a similar capacity, during their second year of study.

On an extremeley limited basis, financial support is available to students in our master's programs. Applicants to our master's programs should complete the Statement of Financial Resources for Graduate Study as part of their application.

For 2010-11, tuition for the two-term academic year is estimated at $37,916 (including University health service fees). After the second year of study, tuition costs drop substantially.

Graduate dormitory accommodations are available to single students. Rates are $5,482-$8,608  per 9-month academic year. Meals are available in the graduate dining hall. Dormitory residents are required to enroll in the meal plan at a cost of $2,108.

What if I have specific questions not covered here?

For additional information about graduate admissions, visit GSAS.