How to get a scholarship to Harvard University?

Harvard is one of my dream schools, and I know it's a reach, but I'm curious about the scholarship opportunities there. How realistic is it to get a scholarship at such a prestigious university, and what steps should I take to increase my chances?

Do they offer merit-based scholarships or is it mostly need-based? Any advice on making my application stand out to secure financial aid would be really helpful! Especially if anyone's been through the process and can share how they navigated it.

Harvard University is a fantastic school, and it's wonderful that you're interested in applying there. Your interest in scholarships is completely valid, as the cost of attending a top-tier university can be daunting.

Harvard University has a solely need-based financial aid system, meaning that they do not award any merit-based scholarships. Financial aid at Harvard is geared towards making education accessible to all students irrespective of their economic background. The great thing about Harvard is that they utilize a generous sliding scale for determining financial aid.

For instance, families with an income less than $65,000 are not expected to contribute towards education costs. Families with an income between $65,000 and $150,000 will contribute from 0-10% of their income, and proportionally more above that income level. Even families with higher incomes are eligible for financial aid depending on their circumstances (such as having multiple students in college).

The first step to applying for such aid would be to fill out both the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the CSS Profile, which includes more detailed financial information and is used by many private colleges. Make sure to meet the priority deadline to maximize the amount of aid you can get.

In terms of tips for making your application stand out, while merit scholarships are not an option, highlighting your achievements and potential can still impact the success of your application overall. It's essential to demonstrate a high level of academic success as well as involvement and leadership in extracurriculars. Be sure to discuss any accomplishments, experiences, or life circumstances that may make you a stand-out candidate. This won't affect your financial aid, but it will get you one step closer to getting into a school like Harvard, where aid is generous.

Remember, the financial aid process can be complex, so reaching out to Harvard's financial aid office directly with your questions can be very helpful. They want to see students succeed and are always willing to help clarify any confusion.