2 answers
Bikramjeet
Student
Jalandhar, Punjab, India
1
Question
Asked
142 views
Can a Person with not so fancy certificates or achievements in school get into Harvard ??
Hey i am Bikram, right now i am in my high school but i don't have any fancy certificates or achievements yet (except one or two). What should i do in my college(Bachelors) or is it even possible for a person with a decent background but a good record in college (doing bachelors) get into harvard (for masters) and what should i do to reach upto that level ?
IMPORTANT:- I can only go with a scholarship as i am not very much rich and can't afford the fee of harvard, so technically my chances declines there too.
I don't have a very big question. This is my simple question and i respect everybody who can reply to my query
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1 answer
Martha D. Kramer
Corporate Training and Communications
30
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
Hi, Bikram, and thank you for sharing your heartfelt question. My initial answer is yes, if you have an excellent record as an undergraduate and scores on the requisite admissions exam, you could get into Harvard. Since you would have a more recent academic record, your high school record would not be important. A few questions to consider:
- What do you want to study as a Harvard graduate student? The rules for scholarships seem to vary (see link for graduate school of education below)
- Harvard is clearly an excellent institution and great place to meet bright and motivated people. But is it the best place for your field? You may be able to get a terrific education and more financial aid at another place.
- Are you willing to work as a teaching or research assistant to help pay expenses?
- Have you considered applying to Harvard as an undergraduate? It has recently expanded its financial aid for undergraduates (see 2nd link below). Also, undergraduate admissions is need-blind meaning that needing financial aid should not work against you.
Wishing you good luck!
Harvard Graduate School of Education - https://college.harvard.edu/guides/understanding-your-financial-aid-award-international-students
Harvard financial aid - https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/03/harvard-expands-financial-aid/
- What do you want to study as a Harvard graduate student? The rules for scholarships seem to vary (see link for graduate school of education below)
- Harvard is clearly an excellent institution and great place to meet bright and motivated people. But is it the best place for your field? You may be able to get a terrific education and more financial aid at another place.
- Are you willing to work as a teaching or research assistant to help pay expenses?
- Have you considered applying to Harvard as an undergraduate? It has recently expanded its financial aid for undergraduates (see 2nd link below). Also, undergraduate admissions is need-blind meaning that needing financial aid should not work against you.
Wishing you good luck!
Martha D. recommends the following next steps:
This was super helpful, thank you!
Bikramjeet