How hard is it to get into Harvard for graduate studies?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Can I get in from a state school (ASU) with a high GPA and GRE?
Is that what they mostly look at for graduate, what else?
Do I need to go to an Ivy League for Undergrad to have a shot?</p>

<p>Intended Major: Economics</p>

2

<p>You can get in from a state school, but the odds are long for everyone:</p>

<p>Admissions Information 2009-2010
Number of Applications Received: 863
Number Admitted: 33
GRE Scores (Admitted Applicants)
Quantitative: 770 – 800
Average: 797
Analytical: 3.5 – 6
Average: 5.0</p>

3

<p>Often undergraduate research will come into play as well.</p>

4

<p>Undergraduate research always comes into play.</p>

<p>Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships too.</p>

5

<p>^If you’re planning to do graduate studies in Economics, research is very important. Most applicants will have done some sort of research as undergrads.</p>

6

<p>okay: research, GPA, GRE, what else is important?</p>

7

<p>^That’s it, basically. Throw in a few decent ECs and you’re golden. But I’m under the impression that ECs don’t matter as they do for MBA applicants.</p>

8

<p>Strong letters of recommendation.</p>

<p>Concrete goal(s) expressed through a clear and concise personal statement, which is a deceptive misnomer–“statement of purpose,” really.</p>

9

<p>^Jesus! I can’t believe I forgot about recommendation letters! Those are DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY of the utmost importance.</p>

10

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</p>

<p>Finally, someone who realizes what is wrong with the term “personal statement”!</p>

<p>Much love from Cambridge,</p>

<p>ksarmand </p>

<p>XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO</p>

11

<p>What are examples of “good ecs”?</p>

12

<p>Frankly, ECs aren’t very important in grade school admissions. Research and academic performance will have much more of an impact.</p>

13

<p>No matter where you are coming from it is very VERY hard to get in to Harvard for grad school.</p>

14

<p>I happen to know a few students from ASU here. I came from a community college and a UC… We’re not all private school / Ivy league alums here…</p>

15

<p>Extracurricular activities have no bearing on graduate school admissions. Get the best grades you can, engage in independent research with faculty, enroll in REUs and international internships, impress the movers and shakers in your faculty with your willingness to work hard, score well on your standardized tests, and write killer statements of purpose, and you’ll be fine. Don’t worry that you weren’t president of the glee club.</p>

16

<p>Hello, I know this is old, but how dp you engage in research.
I don’t know what to do.
Thank you very much for your help.</p>

17

<p>If you don’t even know how to get a research position, then why on earth are you looking to get a graduate degree at any institution whatsoever, much less Harvard? Do you even know what a graduate degree means?</p>

18

<p>The Dept. of Economics in Harvard’s FAS is a different animal from the Business School. This post, with more specifics, really belongs in the Graduate School forum.</p>