scholarship application letter harvard

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Harvard College Resumes & Cover Letter Guide

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A resume is a concise, informative summary of your abilities, education, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets and skills, and differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions.

Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

Applicant – prospective students  .

Those seeking funding must complete   the Harvard Chan financial aid application process, as academic departments and programs rely heavily on the information you provide the Office of Financial Aid.  

We encourage all applicants (domestic, international, and undocumented) in eligible degree programs to complete our grant/scholarship application regardless of their level of financial need. However, if you are a Harvard employee and plan to use the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for your studies at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health, you are ineligible for grant/scholarship.

International and domestic students are eligible for the same types of Harvard Chan grant/scholarship funding.  

Applicants in the following programs are not eligible to apply for institutional grants/scholarships.  

PhD and Harvard Chan Dual/Joint Degree Applicants, please visit our website for more information.

The Harvard Chan Grant/Scholarship Application will be available early December. If you have not yet received an email with instructions on how to log in to MyFinaid and complete your Harvard Chan Grant/Scholarship application, first make sure that your SOPHAS application is complete.

If your SOPHAS application is complete, check for an email from Admissions Office with the subject line: Action Required: Harvard Chan School Applicant Credentials and an email from the Financial Aid Office with subject line: Harvard Chan – OFA  – MyFinaid Access . Please contact our office if you have not received this email by December 15, 2023

If your SOPHAS application is complete and you still have not received either email, you can expect to receive both of these emails on January 2nd, 2024.

The application deadline is on January 8, 2024, and there is no flexibility.

This will be your only opportunity to apply for Harvard Chan School grant/scholarship aid, even if you are applying to a multi-year program.  

If you are trying to submit the Harvard Chan Grant/Scholarship Application and are getting the following error message: “System Error, contact your IT department for help… We apologize for the inconvenience. Contact the financial aid office if you still have problems using this application. Thank you for visiting our site. Error Message: Object reference not set to an instance of an object” please see below:  

The most common reason is that you did not fill out a required (*) question. Even if the answer is “0” you will have to enter that into the form to submit. Please double check that all questions are answered.  

If you are still having issues, please send a screenshot of the error you are experiencing to our office at, [email protected] and we will be sure to resolve it prior to the deadline.  

If you receive the following error message when trying to log in: “Your MFA provider has denied your attempt at second-factor authentication. Contact your system administrator for help in restoring your account” and need help claiming your HarvardKey or are entering invalid login ID and/or password, please contact the IT Helpdesk at [email protected] or (617) 432-4357(HELP).

The Harvard Chan Grant/Scholarship Application is a short application that will collect some general, income, savings, and assets information from you. You will need to provide information on your 2023 income. It does not allow for the submission of documents or long text responses.  

In addition, if you are a domestic student (except MPH-EPI applicants), in order to provide a complete financial aid package at the time of admission, we strongly encourage applicants to complete FAFSA by the January 8th deadline.  

If you plan to submit a statement on overcoming disadvantage and adversity, you will be able to upload a 1–2-page essay through MyFinaid. After you submit your application, refresh your webpage, or log out and log back in. The upload feature will be located under your main page or by navigating your menu bar to documents and messages.  

Domestic students in eligible programs can complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA to be evaluated for federal aid (unsubsidized loans and/or Federal Work Study).

International students are not eligible for federal aid and do not need to complete the FAFSA.

Our office has information on other Harvard Funding Opportunities with separate applications and External Scholarship Resources . The page on external scholarship also includes tips from a former student on how to go about searching. We have compiled the resources we are aware of and encourage applicants to do their own searches.  

If you submitted your 2024-2025 FAFSA in the last 3-5 business days, it is likely that our office has not received it yet. In the meantime, you can log in to your Federal Student Aid account to check the status of your submission and verify that you included the correct school code (E00214 – Harvard School of Public Health).  

Please be aware that our office is closed for Winter Break from 5pm ET (Eastern Time) on December 21st through 9am ET on January 2 nd . No FAFSAs (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) are going to be received during that time. We recommend following the step above to verify that you selected the correct school code.

Notifications can be expected at the time of admission.

Admitted – incoming students  

Scholarship and Fellowship opportunities at Harvard Chan are regretfully limited. We recognize many students have financial needs which we are not able to meet. At Harvard, each school has its own independent endowment. While some Harvard schools have been in existence for centuries, others like Harvard Chan were established recently and have limited endowments and thus modest resources for providing scholarships and fellowships.  

If you’ve received your admissions decision and are having difficulty finding your financial aid letter, we encourage you to watch our instructional video for guidance on the process and/or refer to the following:  

After viewing your Admissions decision letter, there should be a “Next” button at the bottom that will take you to your Admitted Student Portal. Once there, you should see a section for Financial Aid with a button that says “View Your Financial Aid  Letter”. That button should take you to your financial aid decision. If you are still unable to view your financial aid information, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at [email protected].  

Yes, the notification you have received reflects your final offer.  

No, we do not have an appeal process. Regrettably, d ue to limited resources, we are unable to provide funding to many qualified candidates and are unable to match offers made by other institutions; funding at our school is extremely limited.

As scholarship funding is limited, we are unable to provide grant assistance to many applicants.  Federal loans  represent one option for assisting with your educational expenses.  

For international students,  information on educational loan borrowing options is available separately. If you would like to pursue that option, our office can guide you through the process. We highly recommend exploring external funding opportunities  in general, and in your home country to see what options are available.

If you are a domestic student who completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) , we have only included your eligibility for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Federal Work Study (if applicable). You can apply for a Federal Direct GradPLUS loan  through StudentAid.gov to cover the remaining cost.    The application for 2024-2025 academic year will be available in late May.    

If you are an international student , if you are interested in borrowing educational loans , you will need to first apply and then notify our office . Please note that private student loans for international students have annual limits that may be significantly lower than the total cost of attendance. If you plan to borrow through multiple lenders, you must notify each lender as it may impact your eligibility to borrow.      

What does scholarship funding at Harvard Chan look like?

Master of public health .

All financial aid decisions are final; if you wish to discuss your personal circumstances, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at [email protected] .  

Master of Science   

All financial aid decisions are final; if you wish to discuss your personal circumstances, please contact your departmental administrator.  

Biostatistics – Jelena T. Follweiler at  [email protected]  

Environmental Health – Bianca Quinones at   [email protected] .  

Epidemiology – Caroline Huntington at  [email protected]  

Global Health and Population – Barbara Heil or Allison Conary at  [email protected]  

Health Policy and Management – Jennifer Moltoni at  [email protected]  

Nutrition – Stefanie Dean at  [email protected]   

Social and Behavioral Sciences – Elizabeth Solomon or Whitney Waddell at  [email protected]  

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

Students with financial need (as determined by Harvard Chan School of Public Health) are eligible to receive 50% tuition awards for the first two years of their program. There is no merit-based aid offered.  

• Applicants given verbal offers of funding by academic departments or programs should request confirmation in writing  
• Unless otherwise specified, renewals of funding for subsequent years may not be guaranteed  
• Funding may not be guaranteed if a student changes their program, degree, or department  
• Changes in enrollment status (i.e., full- to part-time), may result in adjusted funding levels  

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Search Degree Programs Apply for Degree Programs

If you are interested in applying to a degree program , you will be considered for admittance based on your potential to make contributions through your scholarship to your chosen field, whether in academia or in a nonacademic career. The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) welcomes applications for admission from individuals who have or will have by the time of matriculation a BA, BS, or equivalent undergraduate degree (for prospective international students, a three- or four-year undergraduate degree from an institution of recognized standing) and actively seeks applicants from groups historically underrepresented in graduate schools . All degree candidates are admitted for full-time study beginning in the fall term. 

Instructions on completing your degree program application

Applications become available in September and are submitted through the Applicant Portal. Admission is for the fall term only. Please note all supporting materials and required components must be submitted electronically as part of the application. Harvard Griffin GSAS does not accept any mailed materials. 

Deadlines vary by graduate program and are noted on graduate program pages. All materials must be submitted by the deadline. The School may request additional academic documents, as needed. 

Applications are reviewed by the admissions committee based on the program you applied to. 

Please note all supporting materials and required components become the property of Harvard Griffin GSAS. No materials will be returned to the applicant or forwarded to other schools or agencies.  

The Application 

The application fee is $105 payable by credit card. Harvard Griffin GSAS is committed to ensuring that our fee does not create a financial obstacle. Applicants can determine eligibility for a fee waiver by completing a series of questions in the Application Fee section of the application. Once these questions have been answered, the application system will provide an immediate response regarding fee waiver eligibility. The application fee is not refundable.  

Components and Requirements 

• application and application fee 
• transcripts 
• three letters of recommendation 
• statement of purpose 
• personal statement
• demonstration of English proficiency 
• writing samples, for select programs 
• GRE, for select programs.

All written parts of the application including the statement of purpose, supplemental data, additional materials (if applicable), short answers, resume/CV, and employment history must be authored solely by the applicant and not by a third party nor created by generative artificial intelligence or machine learning software. The use of a third party or generative artificial intelligence or machine learning software to develop an applicant’s work, as opposed to assisting their application to suggest minor edits or to identify grammatical errors, is forbidden.

Credit for Completed Graduate Work 

PhD students may be eligible to receive credit for graduate work that they completed while enrolled in a graduate program at other Harvard Schools or institutions. Review the Credit for Completed Graduate Work policy for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How many times can i apply to harvard griffin gsas .

You may apply to Harvard Griffin GSAS three times only. Submitting additional applications may result in withdrawal of the application. Application fees are not refundable. Please note that applications to programs affiliated with the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences count toward this limit. 

How can I apply for financial aid? 

Consideration for financial aid, if available, is part of the application for admission. Information about funding your degree can be found on the Financial Support section of the School's website.  

If I applied to Harvard Griffin GSAS in a previous year, do I need to complete a new application? 

Yes. You must submit a new application, application fee, updated letters of recommendation, as well as upload transcripts and supporting documents. 

Where can I upload a note/document/information for the selection committee? 

You may upload a document in the Additional Materials section of the application. 

I want to apply to more than one program. How can I start my second application? 

Once you have created your first application, select “Home” in the application navigation panel. At the bottom of “Your Applications,” you will find a link to “Start New Application.” 

If I already hold a PhD or advanced doctoral degree, or if I am an advanced doctoral student at another institution, can I apply to a PhD program at Harvard? 

You may apply to a program in an unrelated field of study; however, preference for admissions and financial aid will be given to those who have not yet pursued a doctoral degree at Harvard or elsewhere. You may also consider non-degree study through our Visiting Students Program. 

What visa documentation should I submit? 

Visa documentation is not required at the time of application. Information about visa requirements will be provided to admitted students. 

Will my application be considered if I have been charged with or incarcerated for a crime? 

The application does not ask prospective students to disclose if they have been convicted of a crime. Program admissions committees review all applicants in a comprehensive way, considering their past educational attainments and the contributions they can make to the academic community and to their field of study. Applicants will not be denied admission based on their disclosure of conviction and should not be discouraged from applying. 

Are alternate payment methods accepted for the application fee? 

Application fees can only be paid with a credit card (debit cards may not be used). Harvard Griffin GSAS does not accept any other method of payment. 

Does Harvard Griffin GSAS offer joint degree programs with other Schools at Harvard? 

Harvard Griffin GSAS offers opportunities to pursue multiple degrees with other Harvard Schools. Visit combined degrees for more information. 

Accommodations for applicants impacted by extenuating circumstances 

We realize that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, recent natural disasters, and other extenuating circumstances may have significant impacts on applicants’ academic and personal lives, including the ability to provide all required application materials prior to our stated deadlines. We understand that these impacts may extend to recommenders and offices at institutions previously attended. 

If any of these conditions apply to you, we encourage you to apply even if required materials are missing. Our application form includes a section for you to let us know about any of your materials that may be unavailable. This information will be shared with the appropriate admissions committee and your admissions decision will be based on the materials available at the time of review. 

Please note that even though the online application system may indicate that your application is incomplete, it will still be reviewed by the appropriate admissions committee. If your application is incomplete and you are denied admission, Harvard Griffin GSAS will not count it toward our lifetime limit of three total applications that an individual may submit. 

Consent r egarding Sensitive Personal Data 

Certain kinds of personal data are regarded by some laws as sensitive and deserving of special protection (“Sensitive Personal Data”). For example, in Europe, Sensitive Personal Data can include personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership; genetic or biometric data; data concerning health; data concerning a natural person’s sex life or sexual orientation; and personal data relating to criminal convictions and offenses. 

During the application process, you and others (such as recommenders) may provide Harvard Griffin GSAS at Harvard University with certain kinds of personal data about you that is regarded as Sensitive Personal Data. By submitting an application, you consent to Harvard’s processing of Sensitive Personal Data about you in order to evaluate your application for admission and your eligibility for financial aid, if applicable. Sensitive Personal Data about you also may be processed for other purposes permitted by applicable law. 

Additional EEA Privacy Disclosures provides further information about how Harvard Griffin GSAS uses personal data of individuals in Europe in the admissions process. 

Email the admissions team at [email protected] or call the hotline at 617-496-6100.

Phone Hours

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to noon, Eastern Time   Tuesday and Thursday, 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., Eastern Time

Degree program questions

If you still have questions after carefully reviewing your degree program of interest, reach out to the contact noted on the program’s page .

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Home » 13+ Catchy Harvard Motivation Letter Examples

13+ Catchy Harvard Motivation Letter Examples

Are you ready to unlock the door to your dreams at Harvard? Crafting a stellar motivation letter is your golden ticket. In this blog post, we delve deep into the art of composing a compelling Harvard motivation letter that sets you apart from the crowd.

Picture this: You, strolling through the gates of Harvard, your name etched in the annals of greatness. It’s not just about grades; it’s about passion, drive, and a story that resonates. Our thesis? A standout motivation letter isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about painting a vivid portrait of who you are, what you stand for, and why Harvard needs you.

So, grab your pen, and let’s weave magic. Follow our tips, infuse your personality, and watch as your words leap off the page, leaving an indelible mark on the admissions committee. Your Harvard journey begins here. Let’s craft greatness together.

Table of Contents

Key Components of Strong Harvard Motivation Letters:

• Introduction: A compelling opening that grabs attention and sets the tone for your letter.
• Personal Story: Share a unique narrative that highlights your journey, values, and aspirations.
• Alignment with Harvard: Demonstrate a clear understanding of Harvard’s ethos, values, and academic culture.
• Academic and Extracurricular Achievements: Showcase relevant accomplishments that illustrate your potential for success at Harvard.
• Future Goals and Contribution: Articulate how attending Harvard will help you achieve your goals and contribute to the community.

Harvard Motivation Letters:

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Harvard Motivation Letters Example:

Motivation letter for harvard university:.

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Letter Of Motivation Harvard:

Motivation Letter To Harvard:

Harvard motivation letter sample:, short harvard motivation letter:, motivation letter for harvard university:, best motivation letter for scholarship harvard:, motivation letter phd harvard:.

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Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Impactful Harvard Motivation Letters

Do’s:

• Showcase Your Unique Story: Highlight your individuality and personal journey to demonstrate what sets you apart.
• Research Harvard’s Culture and Values: Tailor your letter to align with Harvard’s ethos, showcasing your understanding and fit.
• Be Authentic and Genuine: Speak from the heart, conveying your passion and sincerity to make a lasting impression.

Don’ts:

• Avoid Generic Statements: Steer clear of clichés and generic language that fails to convey your unique qualities.
• Don’t Oversell Yourself: Be confident, but avoid exaggeration or embellishments that may come across as insincere.
• Don’t Forget to Proofread: Ensure your letter is polished and error-free to convey professionalism and attention to detail.

Final Thoughts:

In crafting your motivation letter, remember that it’s not just a piece of paper; it’s your chance to showcase the essence of who you are and why you’re the perfect fit for this prestigious institution. By incorporating your unique story, aligning with Harvard’s values, and staying true to yourself, you can create a letter that resonates deeply with the admissions committee.

Tailoring your letter to the specific job or program demonstrates your genuine interest and commitment while showcasing your relevant skills and experiences and adds depth and credibility to your application. Remember, authenticity is key. Be honest, be genuine, and let your passion shine through every word.

As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to revisit your motivation letter with fresh eyes. Use the insights and examples provided in this blog post to refine your letter, making it even more compelling and impactful. Your dream of joining Harvard is within reach, and with well-crafted motivation letters, you can make it a reality. So, seize the opportunity, revise your letter, and take that bold step toward your future. The world is waiting for your greatness.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, these 2 recommendation letters got me into harvard and the ivy league.

College Admissions , Letters of Recommendation

When I applied to college, I was accepted into every school I applied to, including Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, MIT, the Ivy League, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and more. While I had a strong overall application, the two teacher letters of recommendation were critical in getting me admitted .

Why? Both teachers said I was one of the top students they had ever taught. Both enthusiastically advocated for my personality, leadership skills, and energy.

How can you earn recommendation letters that will get you into your top choice colleges? I'll show you how in this article.

For the first time, I'm sharing my full, unedited letters of recommendation as examples for you. These are the exact letters submitted when I applied to college. Even better, you'll see exactly what my Harvard admissions officer underlined—what really stood out as important and noteworthy.

First Things First

Quick question— how confident are you in knowing what colleges are looking for in your recommendation letters?

Do you have a strong understanding of what an effective letter consists of, and what a bad letter looks like?

Many students have the totally wrong idea of what colleges are looking for in recommendation letters. This, naturally, leads to subpar letters for students.

Before I show you my letters, I first want to explain why recommendation letters from teachers are such an important part of your college application, and then what makes effective letters so effective.

If you're champing at the bit and really want to jump directly to my letters, here's Recommendation Letter Example #1 , and here's Recommendation Letter Example #2 .

But I highly recommend that you stick with me for the next two sections—you'll get a lot more out of this guide and get much stronger rec letters as a result.

Why Teacher Recommendation Letters Are So Important for College

The goal of your overall college application is to communicate who you are as a person, in an easily digestible package that can take 20 minutes to understand (or less). From this package, colleges will decide whether they want you to join their community or not.

Yeah, it doesn't feel great to have your 18 years of existence compressed into a web form. But that's the best system colleges have come up with so far to deal with the tens of thousands of college applications they receive every year. (Or in the case of UCLA , 135,000+ applications.)

What do colleges care most about? Ultimately, it boils down to two things:

• how likely you are to succeed in college and in your career
• how much you'll benefit the school community as a student and beyond

These are the ultimate goals of colleges when selecting their next class of students. Your application must convince the college that you will succeed in both goals.

Of course, these are complex ideas—success is not only hard to predict, but different people also have different ideas of what success means.

But there are a few general principles that hold true for most colleges:

• previous academic success is a great predictor of future academic success , which in turn predicts career success.
• you also generally want to avoid the opposite of these traits. These are all bad adjectives: unethical, narrow-minded, unmotivated, self-centered, arrogant, rude.

For the first admissions requirement of academic success, your coursework and test scores play the biggest role. If you took a rigorous courseload and got a high GPA , and you got a high SAT/ACT score , you have shown that you can handle high school academics. This means you're in a great position to succeed academically in college.

Feel like your SAT/ACT scores aren't high enough to impress your top choice colleges? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your SAT/ACT score. Download it for free now:

How do you show the second requirement—personality traits? Part of this is in your personal essays and extracurriculars, where you'll show what you're interested in and give voice to your personality.

But of course you'll describe yourself as curious, creative, collaborative, kind, and so forth. Who would describe themselves as unethical and mean?

This is why colleges need objective, third-party observers to comment on who you are. This is where your teacher recommendations come in, and why they're so important.

The role of the rec letter is to show who you are as a person. Your teachers have engaged with you throughout at least a year of class. They've seen you in class with other students, and possibly out of class too. There are hundreds of small interactions that piece together to form your teacher's impression of you.

How do you interact with students? How do you interact with teachers? How creative was your work? How much did you participate in class discussions? How motivated were you to excel in school?

Are you a jerk nobody wants to be around? Or are you someone the teacher entrusts with the future?

A great teacher recommendation tells the college all of the above.

Let's Hear From Harvard's Dean of Admissions

What if you don't fully believe me yet? I'm just one guy with his own admissions experiences.

So I'm going to call on William Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions at Harvard College:

Recommendations from secondary school teachers and counselors are extremely important at Harvard and at many other colleges, particularly those with selective admissions processes. Faced with more academically qualified applicants than places in the freshman class, our admission officers review the two required teacher recommendations and the counselor report with great care, often commenting on them in writing on "reader sheets" in each application. We often project the recommendations themselves onto large screens so that all members of the Admissions Committee can see them during the subcommittee and full committee review processes in February and March. Recommendations can help us to see well beyond test scores and grades and other credentials and can illuminate such personal qualities as character and leadership as well as intellectual curiosity, creativity, and love of learning. Along with essays, interviews, and other materials in the application, recommendations can offer evidence of an applicant's potential to make a significant difference to a college community and beyond.

Notice how he says Harvard is "faced with more academically qualified applicants than places."

What does this imply? "Among a pool of students with the same academic qualifications, we use personality traits to decide who to admit or reject." And letters of recommendation for students describe those personality traits.

To beat a dead horse: your teacher recommendations add more color to your academic achievements, your test scores, and your GPA.

The best recommendation letters for colleges rave about your personality and personal qualities.

This is why my two letters below are so effective.

You do not want your recommendation letters to just be repeats of your resume. This gives the admissions officer zero extra information about who you are a person.

You do not want your recommendation letters to just say, "Johnny got an A and turned in his homework on time." This makes it very obvious that the teacher has no idea who you are as a person, which means it adds zero to your application.

Great recommendations talk about more than your class performance. They discuss your personal qualities, how interacting with you feels like, and why you're likely to succeed in the future.

First, I'm going to show my letters to you, with analysis of why they were so effective. You'll see the highlights made by my Harvard admissions officer, which will tell you what things she found important.

Then I'll give you advice on how to build relationships with your teachers so you can get letters like this on your own.

My Letter of Recommendation Samples

Usually you don't get to read letters of recommendation for students because you sign the FERPA waiver, waiving away your rights to read your application. But I was able to retrieve my full Common App and Harvard application from Harvard, complete with my original letters of recommendation.

Most colleges require you to have two letters from teachers in different subjects. The two teachers I asked for letters were my favorite two teachers in all of high school.

Personally, I vibed most strongly with teachers who actually cared about teaching . They gave engaged students with energy, treated us kindly and empathetically, and went above expectations to help students succeed. Not only did I have the most fun with these teachers, but they were also more likely to advocate for me enthusiastically in their letter.

You might not vibe with teachers for the same reasons, but it's important you choose teachers you get along with and who you feel will write you very strong letters .

My first letter comes from my AP Chemistry teacher from 10th grade. My second comes from my AP English Language teacher from 11th grade.

As you read these letters, remember—these letters didn't come instantly. They take hundreds of small interactions over a year or more to build an impression of who you are. You can't trick a teacher into writing a great recommendation letter for you.

If you honestly like learning and are an enthusiastic, responsible, engaging student, a great recommendation letter will follow naturally. The horse should lead the cart.

How long have you known this student and in what context?

I've known Allen as a student inside the classroom and outside the classroom in extracurricular academic activities since he was in the 10th grade. What are the first words that come to your mind to describe this student?

Intelligent, motivated critical thinker; Charasmatic, well rounded, talented individual; Independent, mature, responsible student.

List the courses you have taught this student, noting for each the student's year in school (10th, 11th, 12th) and the level of course difficulty (AP, accelerated, honors, IB, elective, etc.)

As a 10th grader, Allen was one of the top students in my AP Chemistry class.

Please write whatever you think is important about this student, including a description of academic and personal characteristics. We are particularly interested in the candidate's intellectual promise, motivation, maturity, integrity, independence, originality, initiative, leadership potential, capacity for growth, special talents, enthusiasm, concern for others, respect accorded by faculty, and reaction to setbacks. We welcome information that will help us to differentiate this student from others.

See enclosed letter.

Compared to other college-bound students in his or her secondary school class, how do you rate this student in terms of:

This was the Common Application from 2004-05, over 10 years ago. In today's Common Application, all of these ratings are retained, aside from "Potential for Growth." Today's Common App also now includes Faculty Respect, Maturity, Leadership, Integrity, Reaction to Setbacks, Concern for Others, and TE Overall. You can tell that Common App teacher evaluations place a strong emphasis on personality.

From Miss Vorak, you can see a very strong evaluation. First she says she's known me for over two years and has had interactions inside and outside the classroom. Then she's very enthusiastic with her "first words" answer, listing off a lot of strong personal traits. Finally, she gives me the highest ratings possible for all qualities.

The Ratings section is really important. In one go, you're compared to all the students your teacher has ever taught. The better your ratings here, the more competitive you are relative to your classmates.

What makes for good enough ratings for you? That depends on your personal college goals and your school's competitiveness. The more competitive the colleges are, the higher up your ratings need to be.

If you're applying to your state school, where the admissions rate is >30%, and your high school is pretty competitive, simply being Very Good or Excellent can be a strong rating for you.

On the other hand, if you're applying to the most selective colleges like Harvard, Stanford, or the other Ivy League schools, it is important to be ranked "One of the top few encountered in my career" for as many ratings as possible . If you're part of a big school, this is critical to distinguish yourself from other students. The more experienced and trustworthy the teacher, the more meaningful this is. You really want to make sure you're one of the best in your school class, if not one of the best the teacher has ever encountered.

Next, let's look at her letter.

As you read this, think— what are the interactions that would prompt the teacher to write a recommendation like this? This was a relationship built up in a period of over 2 years, with every small interaction adding to an overall larger impression.

Again, if the images are too small to read, I'll have the exact text below, so scroll down.

And here's the letter in text form. I've bolded the sections that were underlined by my Harvard admissions officer:

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with very great pleasure that I write this recommendation for Allen Cheng to support his application for admission into Harvard. Allen has a deep passion for science and has been one of the few exceptionally gifted students that I have encountered in my career as an Advanced Placement Chemistry teacher. Among his many achievements and accomplishments, Allen's performance on a battery of Chemistry Olympiad exams taken by approximately 11,000 students nationwide recently secured him the position as the second alternate for the U.S. Chemistry Olympiad team, ranking 6th in the country for a team which represented our nation in the International Chemistry Olympiad competition in Germany this past spring. As a senior, Allen hopes to surpass his performance once more in hopes of securing a solid position as one of the four members on the 2005 U.S. Chemistry Olympiad team this coming spring.

I first encountered Allen when he was a sophomore in my AP Chemistry class. He was the youngest student in the class of upper classmen , but he was the top excelling student among the two sections of AP Chemistry classes that I taught during the 2002-2003 academic year. As a sophomore, he worked very well with others, mastered laboratory techniques, earned the top score on the AP Chemistry Exam, and was one of the top performers on the National Chemistry Olympiad Exam that year.

As one of the top performers on the National Chemistry Olympiad Exam in 2003, Allen was one of twenty students in the nation who qualified to be a participant in the United States National Chemistry Olympiad National Team in the spring that year. He spent an extensive amount of time studying independently in order to ensure that he would cover all of the topics that our class did not yet study and often sought additional instruction during lunch and after school during which he asked questions and performed labs from previous Chemistry Olympiad competitions for practice. When results were published, Allen was ecstatic to have qualified as one of the twenty participants in the U.S. Chemistry Olympiad Study Camp and he enjoyed the experience training for the International Chemistry Olympiad during which he was exposed to Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, etc., branches of science typically encountered at the college level.

As a member of my Advanced Placement Chemistry class, I have found Allen to be an intelligent, conscientious, motivated and responsible student who masters theory-and applies it well . He academically excelled among his peers, often explained concepts to confused classmates, actively participated during discussion, asked questions to ensure that he had a firm understanding of concepts, and sought additional sources for supplementary problem solving exercises. As a scientist, he was always meticulous when performing experiments, he led his lab group to successfully complete experiments, he wrote great detailed analytical lab reports, and he worked well with others. Allen is a self motivated, dedicated, hardworking student of high intelligence who can grasp difficult concepts, think critically and handle the rigor of a competitive college environment. He exhibits the qualities of a leader and promising scientist who truly loves science.

Allen truly impresses me as a student who actively seeks new experiences which support his love for science. This past summer, Allen was a participant at the Research Science Institute at MIT where he conducted research in the field of neuroscience. In addition, Allen has been conducting research with the Jisan Research Institute under the guidance of a professor for two years and has recently coauthored a paper which was published and presented in the LASTED International Conference on Robotics and Applications in Hawaii this year. In addition to conducting research, Allen has also been volunteering at Methodist Hospital and in an immunology lab at the City of Hope National Medical Center where he has been able to strengthen his general laboratory skills. He is clearly an independent, active member of society who pursues personal interests.

Beyond his academic excellence, Allen is a charismatic individual who is respected and liked by faculty and peers. Throughout his high school career, Allen often stopped by my room during lunch to take my AP Chemistry tests to review his general chemistry, but he also often stopped by during lunch or after school to chat about his latest developments, events in school, or other various topics. His maturity and charisma are qualities that are quite rare among high school students. He interacts well with his peers be it in the classroom setting or with the broader diverse student population where he is well known as a balanced individual with a warm personality and sense of humor . He balances his time well by excelling in a heavy course load filled with advanced placement classes and he also participates in various school and community activities, including our school's academic teams which provide a structured yet fun forum for competition and learning. Allen is a well rounded individual who clearly enjoys a challenge.

Overall, Allen exhibits the qualities of a leader as well as a great scientist who has had ample research experience and excels academically in challenging, college level courses. He is an intelligent, well-rounded, and grounded individual who challenges himself and actively seeks new opportunities and experiences. He has the determination, maturity, and intelligence to succeed in any endeavor and always maintains a positive attitude. His academic and personal achievements show that he is committed to his education and will work hard to achieve his goals. He exudes confidence and has a vivid, outgoing, and friendly personality that allows him to get along with others very well in any setting. I admire him for his intelligence, sincerity, honesty, and integrity and am impressed by his discipline as an independent learner. He is a highly motivated individual with a thirst for knowledge. Allen Cheng would truly be a superior addition to the student body at Harvard.

Cherryl Vorak

AP Chemistry, Chemistry Honors Teacher

The letter here is very strong for a multitude of reasons. First, the length is notable —most letters are just a page long, but this is nearly two full pages , single spaced. This is pretty rare, since teachers often have to write dozens of letters a year. It's clear she's interacted with me a lot, cares a lot about supporting me, and is willing to put in the work to do so.

The structure is effective: first Miss Vorak talks about my academic accomplishments, then about my personal qualities and interactions, then a summary to the future. This is a perfect blend of what effective letters contain. She highlights my most important extracurricular activities and awards (you can read more about it here in my Complete college application ).

At the detail level, her diction and phrasing are specific and supportive . She makes my standing clear with precise statements : "youngest student…top excelling student among the two sections" and "one of twenty students in the nation." She's clear about describing the effort I put in, like studying college-level chemistry and studying independently.

When describing my personality, she's exuberant and fleshes out a range of dimensions : "conscientious, motivated and responsible," "exhibits the qualities of a leader," "actively seeks new experiences," "charismatic," "balanced individual with a warm personality and sense of humor." You can see how she's really checking off all the qualities colleges care about and corroborating her ratings.

Overall, Miss Vorak's letter perfectly supports my application —my love for science, my overall academic performance, and my personality. The last part is especially important—she adds much more color beyond my A in AP Chemistry. This letter was important to complement the overall academic performance and achievements shown on the rest of my application.

Let's go to my second Common App teacher recommendation.

Curious about what my college application looked like, including personal essays, grades, test scores, and extracurriculars?

You're in luck—I've published my ENTIRE college application here . This includes my complete Common Application, teacher recommendations, counselor recommendation, and Harvard supplement.

This application got me into every school I applied to, including Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and more.

Check out how Miss Vorak's letter complemented my entire college application and my Personal Narrative .

Teacher Letter #2: AP English Language Teacher

My second teacher Mrs. Swift was another favorite. A middle-aged, experienced English teacher, I would describe her as "fiery," in a good way. She was passionate, always trying to get a rise out of students in class discussions. She was challenging as a teacher and grader, and I always wanted to impress her. Emotionally she was a reliable source of support for students.

First, the teacher evaluation from the Common App:

2 years, AP student.

What are the first words that come to your mind to describe this student?

11th Grade AP English

You can see right away that her remarks are terser. She didn't even fill out the section about "first words that come to mind to describe this student."

You might chalk this up to my not being as standout of a student in her mind, or her just getting tired of recommendation letter requests every year.

In ratings, I earned three of the "one of the top in my career" for "Motivation," "Independence, initiative," and "Intellectual ability." The rest are marked as Outstanding (top 5%).

These are overall great ratings, but not as universally "top ever" compared to my AP Chemistry teacher.

There are a few explanations for this. As a teacher's career lengthens, it gets increasingly hard to earn this mark. Since Mrs. Swift was a lot older than Miss Vorak, she had run through a ton of students already, which makes it harder to be one of the top few ever encountered.

I probably also didn't stand out as much as I did to my Chemistry teacher— most of my achievement was in science (which she wasn't closely connected to), and I had talented classmates. Regardless, I did appreciate the 3 marks she gave me.

Now, the letter. Once again, as you read this letter, think: what are the hundreds of interactions, in the classroom and outside, that would have led to a letter like this?

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Allen Cheng for admission to your school. In my three years of working with him, he has demonstrated the qualities necessary for high success in the demanding academic atmosphere of a high caliber university as well as the social skills needed to be successful in college.

Academically, he is an extremely strong student, earning an A both semesters in AP Junior English (a feat few accomplish), and A's throughout his high school career. He consistently exhibits dedication and vigor in all that he approaches. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the California Scholarship Federation, and an integral part of the Jisan Research Institute. He is a vital member of all that he is a part of.

Outside of the classroom, Allen's passion is for research. He has a brilliant and lightning quick mind; he is a fantastic scientist, one with great charisma and leadership skills. Though he is a year younger than the rest of his class, he is heads and shoulders above them. He has been more than ready for all that a major university has to offer for quite some time.

Perhaps one of Allen's most outstanding characteristics is his independence of thought and his willingness to express those thoughts . In other situations where students-would never speak their minds, he showed no hesitation to voice questions, thoughts, and ideas. He was always an active participant in class discussions, his animated character and controversial positions often being the spark that set off the entire class to an impassioned and heated period of arguing, often with him at the focal point of one side or another.

His other qualities are of equal magnitude – his leadership skills came to forefront in group projects where he took charge, assuming the majority of the work and responsibility, ensuring that everything was completed in a timely manner and to his extremely high standards. He also has the ability to take the quiet and shy student and actively engage him or her, transforming that student into an active member of the class. I went out of my way to partner him with other students who needed this kind of attention and encouragement.

Another quality that sets him apart from other student leaders is his strength of conviction . He will argue on any topic that has touched a nerve. He breathes with raw, unbridled passion. It is a rare gift in a person of any age; in someone just 16 , it is breathtaking. He is honest, never stooping to cheat; he is entertaining, relying on wit, knowledge, and intelligence to persuade. Friends rely on him; he is attentive to their true needs. Teachers enjoy him in their classes.

I recommend Allen completely, with no hesitation. He will make his mark and be known.

Judith Swift

Overall, this letter is very strong. It's only one page long, but she spends a lot more time on my personal qualities. She writes with her characteristic flair:

"In other situations where students would never speak their minds, he showed no hesitation to voice questions, thoughts, and ideas."

"controversial positions often being the spark that set off the entire class"

"ability to take the quiet and shy student and actively engage"…"went out of my way to partner him with other students who needed"

"strength of conviction"…"raw, unbridled passion"…"He will argue on any topic that has touched a nerve."

These comments support my personality strongly. I lean more towards an irreverent, straightforward personality, not being afraid to speak my mind. While this came across in my personal essays and application, an experienced teacher vouching for this adds so much more weight than just my writing it about myself .

Again, this impression was built up over a year of her teaching me. It wasn't just one time I stopped by after class. It was continuous participation in class discussions, strong performance throughout the year, and likely observations of me when I didn't know she was even looking.

With my two letters in mind, let's end with advice for how you can get the best college rec letters possible.

How You Can Get the Best Recommendation Letters from Your Teachers

By now, I've repeated my most important advice for you a few times. The important thing is that the advice sticks in, and that you actually practice it.

The best recommendation letters for students gush about your personal qualities and why that makes you the promising beacon of the future.

You can't trick a teacher into writing a strong letter for you. This is the wrong attitude to have, and most teachers will be able to sniff out insincerity. Don't think that you can just stop by after class three times and get the teacher to be your buddy.

Instead, your teacher's impression of you is built up over hundreds of interactions —in class discussions, in group projects, in your homework, during presentations, when arguing about test scores, and even when you think she's not listening.

With all this in mind, here are strategies for how you can build great relationships with your teachers and get super strong letters along the way:

• Starting sophomore year, identify 2-3 teachers each year you get along with . Have at least one in math/sciences, and another in the other subjects. You won't get letters from all of them, but you do want backups in case your top choice writers don't work out.
• Prepare well for class discussions, and don't be afraid of sounding dumb. Speak your mind and your teacher will remember it. As a teaching assistant in college and grad school, I can tell you firsthand how annoying it is to ask the class a question and have no one respond. Prep beforehand and show that you're one of the few students who actually cares about learning.
• In your interactions with teachers, focus on improving yourself and learning , not on getting a better grade. This applies to talking about grading, group projects, and learning what's on a test. Students who grovel for extra points on a test are really annoying. In contrast, students who try to figure out where their weaknesses are and how to improve for the future are really fun to work with.
• Try to make the teacher's life easier. If you can help the teacher save time, she'll love you for it. This might mean helping out classmates who are struggling, sharing notes with the class, or noticing problems she's having and trying to fix them.

This will take sustained effort and energy, but it's the most reliable way to get very strong recommendation letters. Even more, you'll likely have a lot more fun in school, and you'll build a strong relationship with an adult mentor who can teach you a lot.

For a lot more detailed advice like this on how to interact with teachers earnestly, check out my How to Get a 4.0 GPA and Better Grades guide .

Keep Reading to Build Your College Application

Do you like my advice in this guide? Great—I've written a lot more to help you build the strongest college app possible.

Want more recommendation letter samples? Check out 4 more excellent recommendation letters from teachers .

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If you're aiming for top tier colleges, this is a must read for you .

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Do you feel like you're struggling to balance a rigorous course load with good grades? You're not alone—this is a challenge for many high school students nationwide.

In this guide, I'll tell you everything I know about how to get good grades. This includes mindset and psychology; study habits you need to have; and individual subject strategies. Even if you're not aiming for a 4.0 GPA, this is well worth the read—you'll learn something that can save you hundreds of hours of study time .

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As co-founder and head of product design at PrepScholar, Allen has guided thousands of students to success in SAT/ACT prep and college admissions. He's committed to providing the highest quality resources to help you succeed. Allen graduated from Harvard University summa cum laude and earned two perfect scores on the SAT (1600 in 2004, and 2400 in 2014) and a perfect score on the ACT. You can also find Allen on his personal website, Shortform , or the Shortform blog .

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How to Write a Good Scholarship Application Letter (6 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 09 Sep 2020 Scholarship Application 190,386 views

Are you uncertain about how to write a scholarship application letter? You are in the right place. We will teach you how to write a killer scholarship application letter. Over 6 PDF application letter sample examples available for download. After examining the scholarship cover letter, we will then check out some scholarship letter samples. 

We will discuss

• What is a scholarship application letter?
• Parts of a scholarship application letter
•  Scholarship Letter Format
• What not to include in a scholarship application letter (Scholarship cover letter)
• Sample Application Letter for scholarships
• Scholarship Application Letter sample pdf
• Scholarship Application Letter samples Templates

Application Letter for Scholarship in College

Application to principal for grant of scholarship.

• Application Letter for financial need
• Application letter for master's degree
• Application letter for university

Checkout ongoing scholarships for internation students to study abroad

WHAT IS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION LETTER

So, a scholarship request letter is a cover letter that indicates your interest in a scholarship and ways in which the award would help you achieve personal and professional goals. It is a letter requesting scholarship consideration.This type  of letter is usually required along with other important documents by the University committee. The purpose of the scholarship application letter is to convince the committee that the candidate in question is highly eligible for the award. It is an instrumental tool in seeking financial backing. Further in this article, you will encounter scholarship application letter sample ad hoc. Checkout  best way to apply for scholarships and get taken

PARTS OF A SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION LETTER

As you must have seen in other articles , documents such as a scholarship essay or scholarship CV are drafted with caution, organization and professionalism. A scholarship application letter is not an exception. In order to capture the attention of the committee deeply, a scholarship application letter must be written in a well - structured manner. An application letter for scholarship pdf will be provided (scholarship cover letter pdf). The following parts make up an appealing scholarship application letter:

Contact Information

Self introduction and a milestone achievement.

• Middle Part
• Key details of you and reason why the committee should choose you
• Expression of passion and reason why you want the scholarship
• Call to action paragraph
• Best Regards

Just as every formal letter contains the contact information of the sender and the receiver, the same applies here. A scholarship application letter should contain the name, street address, telephone and email of the sender (at the right side). Afterwards, the name of the organization, street address and zip code are placed on the left side when writing an application for scholarship request

First impression matters a lot and so is the first paragraph of a scholarship application letter. The first paragraph should indicate your zeal and your understanding of having such an award. It would whet the appetite of the reader. Start with a significant achievement that shows how much you value this particular course of study.

Key Details about Yourself and reasons for Choosing you.

A scholarship cover letter for students should entail relevant information about your achievements, the role models you look up to, your struggles to attain the scholarship and the victory you would achieve for getting this scholarship.

Expression of your passion

In this paragraph, the committee wants to encounter the zeal in attaining the scholarship and perhaps the sacrifices you must have made. This doesn't mean that you want to sound desperate. But you are expected to express how much you want the award in a constructive manner.

Call to action

In a letter to scholarship committee, a call to action paragraph is the last but not the least important. Do you want the committee to call you back? Then you just have to say it. Ask for a meeting arrangement and leave the notable  impression that you have more to discuss.

LETTER FORMAT FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Let's reiterate a point here. The content of the letter is as important as the structure of the letter. This means the format has to be set in a way that makes the content edible and appealing. It can also serve as a scholarship letter format for school. So how about you follow the few guidelines below:

• Use the correct spacing: 1 or 1.5.
• Don't be tempted to use justification. Left side align is easy on the eye.
• There should be one - inch margins for some white space and friendly impression.
• When it comes to the paragraph, there should be double spacing between them.
• Fonts like Calibri, Arial and Times New Roman are welcome.

WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE IN A SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION LETTER

To be more certain that you write only within the context of what is needed, here are some traps you just avoid.

1. Don't include your weaknesses

This is an opportunity to zone in your main strengths, achievements and skills. This is not the stage where you explain your weaknesses. Just like the example of letter of intent for scholarship below, focus on matching your strengths with some vivid examples.

2. Don't use an informal tone.

In the process of appealing one's heart, you may want to shift to an informal tone. That shouldn't happen. Your letter has to be precise, clear and formal. The scholarship letter examples below will give you a hint

3. Don't submit without proofreading

In a letter of interest for scholarship, it is essential that you check for grammatical errors and rectify them. One way you can achieve that is by asking someone to read the letter. That way you will have a more objective viewpoint.

4. Don't add unnecessary information.

You may find yourself adding unnecessary details that would only make your letter sound lethargic and unappealing. True, it is a personal letter for scholarship. However, details such as height, family tree or any other irrelevant information should be avoided.

5. Don't hide your need for financial assistance.

You may conclude that expressing your inability to pay tuition fees would sound desperate. Wrong! A scholarship is meant to alleviate a financial burden. So asking for financial assistance is highly expected. So an application letter for scholarship financial assistance is just appropriate. Relate your strengths and academic achievements. In the middle part of the scholarship application letter, you are free to explain how beneficial the organization's financial assistance would be to you.

Checkout how to get scholarship to study abroad

EXAMPLE OF APPLICATION LETTER FOR SCHOLARSHIP

Here is a sample scholarship application letter.

Mary Rowland

23, Streetview, Los Angeles,

California, USA,

[email protected]

+565 325 36771

7, September 2020

Admission Board,

Quebec University,

Lilyland Park,

Quebec, Canada

Dear Admission Officer,

I can't imagine any better opportunity to further my career in Marine Biology than this. So I am applying for a scholarship award for Masters in Marine Biology in the University of Quebec. This would be an added achievement to my victory in a 200 member school competition for Marine Biology. This would testify to my fervor for this field of study.

Ever since I was a kid, my parents would take me to all sorts of aquariums. Every time was a fascinating experience. But going back home never stopped my curiosity. I kept researching the nature and functionality of sea creatures. In time, I developed research and analytical skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Once, there was an elevator pitch competition with the title "The Impact of Whales in the Lives of Scuba divers". The topic sounded amusing and daunting at the same time. But my passion for Marine Biology never stopped me from giving it a shot. At the end, I was applauded for my great speech. In time, my presentation skills were furnished.

So shortlisting me for the scholarship award would be a privilege on my part as it would reflect on my grades, courseworks and projects.

Understanding the nature of sea animals and plants has propelled me to draw closer to high school students who are equally curious and craving for answers. So I took up full time as an aquarium tour guide. With this job, I shared my passion and enjoyed the satisfaction that pupils had after an interesting tour. However, my job provides a meager income. As much as I aspire to study Marine Biology, I would need financial assistance to bring my dream to reality. Therefore, I am humbly seeking monetary support.

How about we hold a meeting and discuss the impact the course of study would have on the next generations and the facilities that University has to contribute to the exposure of Marine Biology as a discipline?

Best Regards,

Mary Rowland.

SAMPLE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION LETTER PDF

So the above section of this article entails a sample scholarship application letter. For faster accessibility, we would advise you to download the scholarship request  letter sample PDF so as to fully be absorb every step that has been applied. Dowload Sample Scholarship Application Letter

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION LETTER TEMPLATES

You may have a more specific purpose in mind when writing a scholarship application letter. The purpose could be to gain admission in college or in University, appeal for a financial need or application for masters. In any case, here are the following templates and letter intent sample for scholarship and their sources.

Here is an application letter for high school

Download scholarship application letter for high school

Here is a request letter for scholarship from students

Download application to principal for grant of scholarship

Scholarship Application Letter for financial need

Here is a “reason for applying scholarship” sample letter.

Download scholarship application letter for financial need

Scholarship Application Letter for Master's Degree 

Here is a sample scholarship application letter for masters degree scholarships

Download scholarship application letter for masters degree

Scholarship Application Letter for University

The last application letter for applying scholarship

Download scholarship application letter for university

Striving to get a scholarship is a great goal to set. So kudos to you. With guidelines, tips and samples in the article, you will have no other choice but to succeed. Also you have been provided with a letter requesting scholarship consideration pdf. So write an application letter for scholarship confidently. However, that would not be the end of the scholarship application process. You will definitely be asked for a scholarship interview and even a scholarship recommendation letter. In any case, ScholarshipTab has all the answers. Simply subscribe to our newsletter and have a good digest of scholarship application strategies. Till we meet again.

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Harvard University Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded)

Pursue your studies USA. Good news! Harvard Academy Scholars Programs are currently open. In this article we will explain in detail about this scholarship, its benefits and step by step application process.

Harvard University Scholarship 2025-2026 is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for postdoctoral research studies. Postdoctoral Academy Scholars will receive an annual stipend of 75,000$. Each year four to six Academy Scholars are named for two-year appointments. The Academy Scholars Program identifies and supports outstanding scholars at the start of their careers whose work combines disciplinary excellence in the social sciences or law with a command of the language and history or culture of countries or regions outside of the United States or Canada.Check:  Fully Funded Fulbright Scholarship USA

Their scholarship may elucidate domestic, comparative, or transnational issues, past or present. Academy Scholars are expected to reside in the Cambridge/Boston area for the duration of their appointments unless traveling for pre-approved research purposes.

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study:  Postdoctoral / PhD
• Institution(s):  Harvard University
• Study in:  USA
• Opportunity Focus Areas:  Law and social science
• Program Period:  Two years
• Deadline:  September 22, 2024 (Next period will start in July 2024)

Scholarship Coverage

Harvard Academy Scholars Programs provide the recipient with the following benefits:

• Postdoctoral Academy Scholars will receive an annual stipend of 75,000$.
• This stipend is supplemented by funding for conference and research travel, research assistants, and health insurance coverage.
• Some teaching is permitted but not required.

Also check Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and avail scholarship that will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.

Eligibility Criteria for Harvard University Scholarship

To be eligible for Harvard University Scholarship, these points should be considered:

• Required Language:  English.
• Eligible Countries: All World Countries.
• These awards are open to recipients of PhD or comparable doctoral degree (within two years of the August 1, 2023, start date) and advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences.
• Scholars nearing dissertation completion must be able to submit degree conferral documentation issued by their university registrar’s office by June 30, 2024, for an August 1, 2024, start date. Individuals who hold or have completed another Harvard postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible to apply.

How to Apply for Harvard University Scholarship?

Please follow the following important steps to avail Harvard Academy Scholars Programs:

• Create a new account  here.
• Fill your data.
• Cover letter which succinctly states the applicant’s academic field, country or region of specialization, and proposed research topic.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé ; including list of publications
• Research proposal (2500 word maximum); including intellectual objectives and planned methodological and disciplinary work
• A copy of your PhD program transcript
• Three letters of recommendation
• All parts of the application, including the three letters of recommendation, are submitted online as PDF documents

Also Apply for Melbourne Research Scholarship

To know more about Harvard University Scholarship, please visit the official website:

Harvard Academy Scholars Website

Related Scholarships:

• USA Scholarships

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Harvard College Admissions Office and Griffin Financial Aid Office

86 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA 02138

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Please note, Harvard Yard gates are currently closed. Entry will be permitted to those with a Harvard ID only.

Last Updated: May 03, 11:02am

Open Alert: Harvard Yard Closed to the Public

A letter to harvard admissions.

In early October 2020, David Andrade ’23 wrote the following email to Bill Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid.

We are sharing his story here with his consent.

October 2, 2020 Dear Dr. Fitzsimmons and Harvard Admissions, 

My name is David Andrade. I am currently a rising sophomore looking to major in Mechanical Engineering. I am writing this email today both as a reflection and as a thank you for giving a little Hispanic boy from Little Havana in Miami, FL a chance. I am not sure who admitted/advocated for me on the admissions committee specifically, but it says Dr. Fitzsimmons on my acceptance letter. I would like whoever admitted me to receive this note as well, as a thank you to them. Growing up, I did not have much. My mom’s a housekeeper; she has been since the day she came from Honduras over 30 years ago. She came to this country in pursuit of the American Dream, cleaning houses for the types of people she once dreamed she would be. However, reality turned out much different than we had hoped. I grew up during the housing crisis- not the best time for a housekeeper. Even through the strife and realities of poverty, I tried to see the good in my experiences. Sometimes, the only food in our cabinet were Vienna sausages; however, you could not deny that they were absolutely delicious. Because of the cost, we never went to any restaurants or private parks or the movies – but basketball, educational Vsauce/SciShow videos, and board games occupied my time. I remember having toothaches, and, instead of going to the dentist (too expensive), we would tie my tooth to the door and slam it shut so that my tooth would fall off! I felt lucky to get Burger King if I went to the doctor and there was nothing wrong with me at the checkup. In fact, I went to my first real “restaurant” when I was 17 with my teacher, who wanted to celebrate my high score on the ACT. It was so weird. I did not know how to act in the restaurant, what to ask the server, or how I wanted my meat done. It was my first time; I did not know any better! 

My mom and brother made large sacrifices when I was young so we could live with food on the table, and I am eternally grateful.

But I cannot deny that some of my childhood could not be looked at lightly in this reflection. I remember waking up every school day at 4 AM. The bus driver would pick me up in her car, drive to the bus depot where all the school buses are parked, get on the bus and continue picking up kids until 9 AM, when I was dropped off for school. I woke up so early because my mom herself took 3 buses to get to work; she did not trust me waiting alone outside for the bus in my neighborhood. I remember getting harassed by a school cop after school hours because I was in a teacher’s classroom late after finishing an ACT Bootcamp session for my peers. I was still packing up from finishing that evening, but the cop did not believe me- who would think that someone would hold such a session at this school? I remember a teacher telling my entire classroom that we were not good enough to go to college in 10th grade. I remember multiple instances in which my smart black peers, desperate to be challenged, would rot away in regular and intensive classes- teachers did not believe in them and refused to put them in honors classes because of the color of their skin. In a 90% Hispanic school. 

My two high school teachers, Mrs. Munguia and Dr. Hueck, were the people that made me believe I had potential, and I wouldn’t be here without them

I remember the good, the bad, and the ugly of my childhood experiences. 

You hear stories like this all the time probably. Stories of poverty, strife, and eventual redemption. You know what comes next after all this narration: I am poor, I hate to see my mom working at the age of 64, and I want to help her to achieve the American Dream. So, I study hard, get good grades, make impact in my clubs and organizations, develop leadership skills, and voila, I am applying to your prestigious institution. 

My experiences are relatively common in America, unfortunately- you can find thousands of copies of me across the nation. But out of all those kids, you accepted me. I look at my friends with similar backgrounds and accomplishments, and they did not get in. I look back at what I did, and I compare it to what my peers did in high school. Why me? I do not know. I do not know how this admissions process works, and I do not know what separates me from them. But I thank you. I do not know where I would be today without you believing in me. I know there is some other person like me who was rejected, and I hope they are doing well somewhere else – sometimes, I reel at the fact that you chose me over them. I wish all students who went through similar things as I were able to experience the amazing experiences I have had thus far at this institution. Alas, we are systematically oppressed, and need to desperately reform the public education system in America, promoting and working towards increasing opportunities and support for minorities to succeed in high school to be able to apply to such prestigious institutions.

I cannot begin to explain how fortunate I have been to attend this place. I love it. I feel at home. I feel like I belong. I love learning from others. I love hearing their passions and using that energy to improve myself as well. Harvard students constantly elevate each other. I love that support. Harvard taught me how to learn, how to be proactive, and how to ask for help. I have learned how to reach out to professors and have grown to not be afraid to ask questions in class. I learned how to lead and how to listen. 

Most importantly, Harvard taught me to believe in myself and my passions. Growing up, I was taught that I could be only a lawyer, doctor, or engineer- only those people earn money, and as a poor person, money is your life support, so you believe this false statement. Old me would have never taken someone seriously if they said they were working toward being an astrophysicist as a career- where is the job applicability there? But now, I hope to understand the cosmos and improve the human condition on Earth, building one spacecraft instrument at a time – I am pursuing my dreams, even if far-fetched, because I believe in myself and believe I can be the best at what I do. Harvard allowed for that.

I have had a fantastic freshman summer working in the Stubbs Group designing a filter scanner calibration system for a telescope in Chile. I have taken a lead role on the Harvard Satellite Team, building Harvard’s first CubeSat. I have a leadership position at the Harvard College Engineering Society, developing freshman engineers to be the future leaders of the SEAS community. I have started green-training and welding training for machining things in my own time and I am CNC mill and lathe certified. I have thoroughly enjoyed the mechanical engineering and electronics classes I have taken so far, and the content is something I would have never seen in a high school classroom. I have even explored political bipartisanship clubs and started an education project to increase publicly accessible course materials at Harvard. I have taken advantage of every single opportunity here at Harvard thus far, and hope it propels me into my career path – in fact, it already has, as I was fortunate to accept an offer to work at SpaceX this summer.

I think if me from two years ago saw me today, I would be unrecognizable. I am more confident, comfortable in my own skin, and I feel at home for the first time, probably ever. And I have you to thank for this opportunity. Thank you. From the empty cabinets of Little Havana to the telescopes atop the Science Center, high above the city of Cambridge- I am home. 

Sincerely, 

David Andrade

David has also shared additional commentary to supplement his original letter below: 

Of course, my story is not unanimous among all FGLI students at Harvard. Some just do not feel at home at a PWI like Harvard and question the level of diversity on campus. Some have spoken about the lack of mental health support that administrators and CAMHS provide for them. Some criticize Harvard for not doing enough to help our community, amplified during the pandemic with storage relief and lack of housing for those with domestic instability. I am fortunate to have found my place at Harvard but hope this institution provides more support to FGLI students to feel at home in the future, just as I wished some of my high school peers received support in an environment not always conducive to growth and learning. 

• Financial Aid

David Class of '23 Alumni