Hey everyone! I'm dreaming big and hoping to apply to Harvard next year. I'm curious about the scholarship opportunities available there. Does anyone have tips on how to get a scholarship at Harvard? I'm aware it's incredibly competitive, but I'd love to know what qualities or achievements might strengthen my chances. Also, are there specific financial aid options I should be aware of? Any advice from current students or others in the process would be greatly appreciated!
While Ivy League schools like Harvard offer robust financial aid, they typically provide need-based aid rather than merit-based scholarships. At Harvard, the aid provided is mostly on the basis of financial need, and almost all of it comes from Harvard directly.
To be considered for Harvard's need-based financial aid, you'll need to submit your family's financial information, including assets, income, size of the family, etc. They use this information to calculate the amount your family is considered capable of contributing towards your education(per year).
Families with annual incomes below $85,000 pay nothing for their child to attend Harvard, with children from families of incomes up to $150,000 expected to be able to contribute from 0-10% of their income.
I would recommend you use Harvard's Financial Aid Calculator to estimate your aid eligibility. The calculator can give you an idea of what you can expect to contribute and what Harvard will cover.
For outside scholarships, your financial aid package might be adjusted. Harvard will first start to reduce the self-help portion of your aid, like student employment for example, and then reduce the Harvard Scholarship portion after that.
It's also worth noting that a smaller proportion of aid comes from outside scholarships that students bring with them and third-party vocational rehabilitation grants. You can search for such scholarships independently—focus on those that cater to your specific interests, talents, and background.
In terms of academic and extracurricular achievements, Harvard looks for students who demonstrate a commitment to making the world a better place, academic prowess, and passion in their chosen fields. Aim to distinguish yourself in areas such as leadership, community service, entrepreneurial drive, or creative talent. This can make your application stand out, even though these accomplishments won't directly influence your financial aid at Harvard.
Lastly, remember that the application process for Financial Aid is separate from the Admissions application, with its own set of deadlines and requirements – be sure to check those on Harvard's Financial Aid Website and keep a vigilant eye on the dates.
To maximize your chance of success, make sure your financial aid application is complete and submitted on time. Adherence to deadlines and thoroughness of information is crucial.
Good luck with your future application! Harvard can be an achievable dream with the right planning and dedication.
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