Harvard Admissions: Admit by Major?

Hello! So, I've been looking more into Harvard lately and I'm just wondering, does Harvard admit students based on the major they apply for? Just trying to plan out my application strategy!

While it's great that you're being strategic about your college application, it's important to know that at Harvard, like many other top-tier colleges, your major is not the only, or even the most important, factor for admissions decisions. Instead, admissions officers use a holistic admissions process that takes into account all aspects of your application, including academics, extracurricular involvement, essays, recommendations, and personal factors.

That being said, when you apply to Harvard or any other competitive college, it's essential to demonstrate a genuine and well-developed interest in your chosen field of study. This can be showcased by highlighting relevant extracurricular activities, courses, internships, or research experiences in your application and essays. Admissions officers want to see that you have a deep passion for your chosen major, as well as the potential to thrive and contribute to the college community.

However, it's worth noting that Harvard Admissions states it does not use quotas for specific concentrations (their term for majors). So, don't feel compelled to choose an unconventional major just because you think it might give you a better chance of admission. Authenticity is key, and it's best to pursue a major that truly aligns with your interests and goals - showing your genuine curiosity and intellect is far more important than the particular area you're most interested in studying.

In summary, while Harvard doesn't admit students solely on the basis of their chosen major, it's important to showcase a strong interest in your field of study and back it up with relevant experiences and achievements. However, overall you should focus on building a well-rounded application that highlights your strengths, passions, and future potential, rather than stressing too much about what to list as your intended major. Good luck with your application journey!