Admissions Checklist

Admissions Checklist

Application Checklist and Answers to Most Commonly Asked Questions

The following information is most frequently overlooked by prospective students when filling out their applications. In order to process your application as quickly as possible, we suggest that you use this as a checklist before mailing your paper application or submitting your online application. If you would like more detailed information, please refer to the appropriate section of the website.

Application Deadline and Fee Information

View the deadlines on the Application Instructions and Deadlines page.

The application fee is $105. The application fee must accompany the application. No application will be processed without the application fee. Do not send the fee separately. The online application fee must be paid by credit card. The application fee is not refundable.

Supplemental Data Form

Fill out this form as accurately as you can. Complete the entire form (where applicable, use 00's).

If you are NOT applying for financial aid, you must be able to prove that you have sufficient assured resources for the first two years at GSAS. The total minimum resources needed to cover educational and living expenses for the following academic years are:

Current and former GSAS students should direct questions to the financial aid office directly at 617-495-5396 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The GRE General test is required by all departments. The GRE code for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is 3451. Some programs allow the GMAT to substitute, see Program Details. The GMAT code for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is HRL-X8-30. Be sure to take the GRE Subject test if it is required by the department to which you are applying. You should take the GRE or GMAT in sufficient time for your score report to arrive by the application deadline.

Minority Students

The GSAS actively encourages applications from qualified students from ethnic groups historically underrepresented in graduate schools. These groups include Native Americans, Black/African Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Mexican Americans. Contact the Office of Diversity and Minority Affairs ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) to receive information on the application process, financial aid, and minority graduate student life.

Applicants Submitting More Than One Application

Each application must have its own transcripts, recommendations, financial data, test scores, etc. Supplemental material must be uploaded and attached to your application. An application fee must accompany each application (unless you are applying to a program particiating in HILS See: applying to a Harvard Integrated Life Sciences (HILS) program)

Transcripts

The Graduate School requires that you submit your application online, and that your recommenders submit letters of recommendation online. Upload your statement of purpose, transcripts, and additional academic information in the Essays section of the application. In addition to the uploaded transcripts, the Graduate School requires that you submit original, hard-copy transcripts. Please send your official, original transcripts here:

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Harvard University
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 9129
Cambridge, MA 02238-9129

Transcripts sent via an express mail service should be addressed to:

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

Original transcripts for applicants to the Division of Medical Sciences should be sent to:

Student Affairs/Admissions Office
Division of Medical Sciences-TMEC 435
Harvard Medical School
260 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115