3 answers
Bikramjeet
Student
Jalandhar, Punjab, India
1
Question
Asked
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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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2 answers
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
119
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Yes, it's definitely possible. Getting into Harvard for a master's degree is quite different from applying for an undergraduate program. Master's programs focus more on who you become during college rather than your high school achievements. Many students at top universities didn't have big awards early on. What really matters are strong grades in your bachelor's program, meaningful projects or research, solid recommendation letters, and clear growth in your field. So, if your high school record seems average, don't worry—it doesn't close any doors.
During your bachelor's degree, aim to build depth instead of just collecting certificates. Keep your GPA high, get involved in research or internships related to your field, and develop skills you can showcase through projects or experience. Professors are important too, as strong recommendation letters from mentors who know your work well can make a big difference. Admissions teams look for students who show curiosity, consistency, and growth over time, not just those with flashy achievements.
Regarding scholarships, many Harvard master's programs offer funding, fellowships, or need-based aid, but competition is tough. To improve your chances, focus on becoming academically strong and clearly defining your goals and impact. It's not about being perfect but about working hard, growing, and understanding why you want that degree. Many students start from ordinary backgrounds and make it to top schools, so your situation is more common than you might think.
During your bachelor's degree, aim to build depth instead of just collecting certificates. Keep your GPA high, get involved in research or internships related to your field, and develop skills you can showcase through projects or experience. Professors are important too, as strong recommendation letters from mentors who know your work well can make a big difference. Admissions teams look for students who show curiosity, consistency, and growth over time, not just those with flashy achievements.
Regarding scholarships, many Harvard master's programs offer funding, fellowships, or need-based aid, but competition is tough. To improve your chances, focus on becoming academically strong and clearly defining your goals and impact. It's not about being perfect but about working hard, growing, and understanding why you want that degree. Many students start from ordinary backgrounds and make it to top schools, so your situation is more common than you might think.
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