Does Harvard accept a GED instead of a high school diploma?
I'm currently working on finishing up my high school requirements, but due to some personal circumstances, I'm thinking about getting my GED rather than a traditional diploma. I've always dreamed of applying to Harvard, but I'm worried that having a GED might hurt my chances.
Is Harvard okay with applicants who have a GED? Has anyone here actually been accepted to Harvard with one, or know someone who has? Any insight into whether this makes the application process tougher or if I should focus on building up other parts of my application would be really helpful. I would also love to know if Harvard treats GED applicants the same as those with standard diplomas, or if there's an extra process involved.
If anyone has personal experience with this, please let me know what you did to strengthen your app!
Is Harvard okay with applicants who have a GED? Has anyone here actually been accepted to Harvard with one, or know someone who has? Any insight into whether this makes the application process tougher or if I should focus on building up other parts of my application would be really helpful. I would also love to know if Harvard treats GED applicants the same as those with standard diplomas, or if there's an extra process involved.
If anyone has personal experience with this, please let me know what you did to strengthen your app!
3 weeks ago
•
61 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 3 weeks ago
Advisor
Harvard does accept the GED instead of a traditional high school diploma. They specifically mention on their admissions website that a GED certificate is an acceptable credential for meeting the education requirement. So, having a GED will not automatically disqualify you from applying.
In practice, Harvard evaluates candidates holistically, meaning your entire academic and extracurricular profile is taken into account. However, because most applicants have traditional diplomas, having a GED can sometimes prompt admissions officers to look a bit more closely at other parts of your application. They’ll want to see strong evidence of academic potential, intellectual curiosity, and engagement in your community.
To strengthen your application, focus on building a compelling academic record outside of your GED. For example, you might consider taking community college courses, enrolling in AP or IB classes if possible, or pursuing academic opportunities online. If you have high standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT, if you choose to submit them), that can help show readiness for rigorous college-level work. If you’ve participated in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, unique projects, or any community service, make sure those are reflected in your application as well.
You might want to address the circumstances behind your decision to pursue a GED in the "Additional Information" section of your application. Be honest and, if you overcame significant challenges, discuss how those experiences have shaped your goals or work ethic. For instance, a student I advised earned a GED after dealing with a major illness. She emphasized the self-motivation it took to continue her education independently, and highlighted how this motivated her to create a tutoring program for other teens facing medical difficulties. This story was authentic and set her apart from many applicants.
There isn’t a special or extra process for GED applicants, but demonstrating academic readiness and initiative is key. With a GED, your application might just need to tell a slightly different story—one that shows Harvard you’re prepared and truly excited for their academic environment.
If Harvard is your dream, the GED won’t close the door for you, but making your application as strong as possible in other ways is essential.
In practice, Harvard evaluates candidates holistically, meaning your entire academic and extracurricular profile is taken into account. However, because most applicants have traditional diplomas, having a GED can sometimes prompt admissions officers to look a bit more closely at other parts of your application. They’ll want to see strong evidence of academic potential, intellectual curiosity, and engagement in your community.
To strengthen your application, focus on building a compelling academic record outside of your GED. For example, you might consider taking community college courses, enrolling in AP or IB classes if possible, or pursuing academic opportunities online. If you have high standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT, if you choose to submit them), that can help show readiness for rigorous college-level work. If you’ve participated in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, unique projects, or any community service, make sure those are reflected in your application as well.
You might want to address the circumstances behind your decision to pursue a GED in the "Additional Information" section of your application. Be honest and, if you overcame significant challenges, discuss how those experiences have shaped your goals or work ethic. For instance, a student I advised earned a GED after dealing with a major illness. She emphasized the self-motivation it took to continue her education independently, and highlighted how this motivated her to create a tutoring program for other teens facing medical difficulties. This story was authentic and set her apart from many applicants.
There isn’t a special or extra process for GED applicants, but demonstrating academic readiness and initiative is key. With a GED, your application might just need to tell a slightly different story—one that shows Harvard you’re prepared and truly excited for their academic environment.
If Harvard is your dream, the GED won’t close the door for you, but making your application as strong as possible in other ways is essential.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years