What steps should I take to earn a scholarship to Harvard University?
I'm a junior in high school and I've been dreaming about Harvard since I was a kid, but my family doesn't have a ton of money for college. I'm trying to figure out how scholarships work there. I've heard Harvard is really good about financial aid, but I'm not sure if you have to apply separately for scholarships or if it's just based on your application and need.
Are there specific things I should be doing now to improve my chances? Would things like National Merit or local scholarships help, or is everything at Harvard need-based? Any advice from people who got significant aid from Harvard or know how the process works would be appreciated. Really hoping there’s a way for someone like me to actually afford it if I get in!
Also, how competitive is it, and does applying for aid hurt your chances of getting in?
Are there specific things I should be doing now to improve my chances? Would things like National Merit or local scholarships help, or is everything at Harvard need-based? Any advice from people who got significant aid from Harvard or know how the process works would be appreciated. Really hoping there’s a way for someone like me to actually afford it if I get in!
Also, how competitive is it, and does applying for aid hurt your chances of getting in?
6 months ago
•
72 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Harvard University primarily offers need-based financial aid, not merit-based scholarships. This means that if you're admitted and your family can't afford the full cost, Harvard will do its best to meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need. You don’t need to submit a separate application for scholarships at Harvard—when you apply for financial aid, they consider your family’s financial circumstances using documents like the CSS Profile and FAFSA.
As a junior, you should focus on academic excellence, leadership, and meaningful extracurricular involvement, since strong applications matter for both admission and future aid. While National Merit, local, or outside scholarships won't change Harvard's own need-based awards (they’ll reduce your calculated need), winning them can still look good on your application and provide extra funds for personal expenses or summer programs.
Applying for aid will NOT hurt your chances of admission if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident—Harvard is "need-blind" for domestic applicants, meaning your financial need isn’t considered in the admissions decision. The process is highly competitive, of course, but your financial need is never a disadvantage.
Harvard’s commitment to affordability for admitted students is sincere. For families making under $85,000 a year (as of 2024), the expected parent contribution can be $0. Focus on building the strongest application you can, knowing that if you get in, there’s real support to help you attend.
As a junior, you should focus on academic excellence, leadership, and meaningful extracurricular involvement, since strong applications matter for both admission and future aid. While National Merit, local, or outside scholarships won't change Harvard's own need-based awards (they’ll reduce your calculated need), winning them can still look good on your application and provide extra funds for personal expenses or summer programs.
Applying for aid will NOT hurt your chances of admission if you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident—Harvard is "need-blind" for domestic applicants, meaning your financial need isn’t considered in the admissions decision. The process is highly competitive, of course, but your financial need is never a disadvantage.
Harvard’s commitment to affordability for admitted students is sincere. For families making under $85,000 a year (as of 2024), the expected parent contribution can be $0. Focus on building the strongest application you can, knowing that if you get in, there’s real support to help you attend.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years