Does Harvard have Early Action?
I’m currently trying to finalize my college list, and Harvard is at the top for me. I’ve heard some of the Ivies have early programs, but it’s hard to keep track of which is which. Does Harvard offer Early Action, or is it just regular decision? Also, is it restrictive, or can I apply early elsewhere too?
I’m hoping to plan out my deadlines and want to make sure I don’t miss any opportunities. If anyone has already applied EA to Harvard or can explain how it works there, I’d love to hear more about what to expect.
I’m hoping to plan out my deadlines and want to make sure I don’t miss any opportunities. If anyone has already applied EA to Harvard or can explain how it works there, I’d love to hear more about what to expect.
1 week ago
•
10 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 1 week ago
Advisor
Harvard does offer an early program called Restrictive Early Action (REA). This means you can apply early, with a deadline typically around November 1, and you’ll receive your admissions decision in mid-December.
The 'restrictive' part is important. Harvard REA doesn't let you apply to other private colleges' early action or early decision programs at the same time. However, you can still apply early to any public university or international institution, as well as regular decision programs at private schools.
For example, if you want to apply to Harvard REA and the University of Michigan’s Early Action, that’s allowed since UMich is a public institution. But you couldn’t apply early to both Harvard and Yale, since both are private and have restrictive early programs. You also can’t apply Early Decision anywhere else if you apply REA to Harvard.
If you are admitted to Harvard REA, you’re not obligated to attend. That’s a difference from Early Decision, which is binding. So REA can be a low-risk way to show your interest and get an early answer, but keep in mind you’ll need to follow the restrictions carefully.
Lots of students use this as a chance to get a decision before January and then use the rest of senior year to compare offers or apply elsewhere in Regular Decision if needed. Applying REA to Harvard can also boost your admissions chances, but not as much as applying binding RD at schools with that option.
The 'restrictive' part is important. Harvard REA doesn't let you apply to other private colleges' early action or early decision programs at the same time. However, you can still apply early to any public university or international institution, as well as regular decision programs at private schools.
For example, if you want to apply to Harvard REA and the University of Michigan’s Early Action, that’s allowed since UMich is a public institution. But you couldn’t apply early to both Harvard and Yale, since both are private and have restrictive early programs. You also can’t apply Early Decision anywhere else if you apply REA to Harvard.
If you are admitted to Harvard REA, you’re not obligated to attend. That’s a difference from Early Decision, which is binding. So REA can be a low-risk way to show your interest and get an early answer, but keep in mind you’ll need to follow the restrictions carefully.
Lots of students use this as a chance to get a decision before January and then use the rest of senior year to compare offers or apply elsewhere in Regular Decision if needed. Applying REA to Harvard can also boost your admissions chances, but not as much as applying binding RD at schools with that option.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years