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Completing Your Application

• Accommodations for applicants impacted by extenuating circumstances
• Consent regarding Sensitive Personal Data

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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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Important Addresses

Harvard College

University Hall Cambridge, MA 02138

Harvard College Admissions Office and Griffin Financial Aid Office

86 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA 02138

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Transfer Applicants

Each year, we accept a small group of exceptional students to transfer to Harvard College from other similar liberal arts programs. U.S. Military veterans  may be particularly interested in our transfer program if they've completed at least one full academic year, and not more than two, of college coursework.

Transfer FAQs

Do transfer students qualify for financial aid.

Yes. All transfer applicants, including international students, are eligible to apply for need-based financial aid. Transfer applicants should follow the prospective student financial aid application instructions.

How are transfer students supported on campus?

Enrolling students take part in a fall orientation program and are connected with a dedicated transfer adviser who helps with academic planning and the transition to Harvard life. Transfer students who live on-campus  will find strong community in their undergraduate Houses, and students who live off campus will benefit from the Dudley Community. Transfer students are also supported by peer advisers , who were themselves transfer students from prior years.

What courses transfer to Harvard College? Is there a list of transferrable courses?

The Harvard College Registrar's Office grants credit for work done at another college or university to each admitted transfer student on an individual basis after careful evaluation. The admissions office does not keep a list of transferrable courses and cannot advise on this matter during the application process. Harvard College typically accepts courses taken while enrolled as a full-time student in an undergraduate program similar to our liberal arts curriculum. The Committee also looks for strong preparation in the student's expected field of specialization.

Can I concentrate in business, journalism, law, or medicine?

While you can take courses related to these fields, Harvard's academic programs are not pre-professional, in that they do not provide vocational training. Many Harvard graduates plan to continue their education in professional or graduate schools, often in these fields. Please note that both medicine and law are postgraduate programs in the United States. If you are not a U.S. citizen but wish to continue your education in a professional program, particularly in an American medical school, we advise you to consult specific graduate and professional programs in advance to understand those schools' admissions and financial aid policies concerning international students.

I am an international prospective transfer student. What is the transfer application process for me?

The application process and requirements are exactly the same for international students. Our financial aid program also applies to all applicants regardless of nationality or citizenship. For more information, you can view all of the transfer application requirements here .

About Our Transfer Program

Each fall, we welcome a very small number (12 on average) of transfer students to Harvard College. We seek students whose previous academic experience will prepare them to flourish in our rigorous and rewarding liberal arts program. In our candidates for transfer admission, we look for:

• A clearly defined academic need to transfer
• A proven record of achievement at your current institution
• Strong faculty recommendations

Recently, we have received more than 1,500 transfer applications per year. In pools of this size, the number of well-qualified applicants far exceeded the number of students admitted and enrolled each year as transfer students. As admission to transfer to Harvard is competitive, we encourage you to explore a variety of colleges in your transfer search. 

Eligibility

To be eligible to transfer, you must have completed at least one continuous academic year in a full-time degree program at one college, and not more than two academic years, by the time you would be enrolling at Harvard . You must complete at least two full years of study at Harvard. Once a student has completed more than two years total of college at another institution, regardless of courses taken, that student is no longer eligible for transfer admission.

Students are eligible to transfer only from a liberal arts curriculum that is similar to Harvard’s. Candidates whose education has been in a vocational, professional, technical, online, extension, or performance program will not ordinarily qualify for transfer admission.

• Students who have completed one full-time year of college in a regular degree program in lieu of their senior year of high school (often referred to as dual enrollment) should apply for first-year admission if these courses are taken for credit towards a high school diploma.
• Students who are enrolled part-time are not eligible unless they have previously completed one full-time, continuous academic year.

If you are too advanced in your studies to qualify for transfer, you may be interested in the  Visiting Undergraduate Student Program.

No student with a bachelor's degree or other first university degree from any other university, whether American or foreign, is eligible for admission to Harvard College. Students interested in continuing their studies beyond the bachelor's degree might wish to consider one of the  12 Harvard University graduate schools . The Harvard College Admissions Office is independent of these schools and their admissions policies.

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Use our Virtual Tour to discover spaces that aren't even available on an in-person campus tour, such as classrooms, laboratories, residence halls, and more.

What We Look For

Through our admissions process, we strive to give you ample opportunities to best demonstrate your interests and accomplishments. We welcome candidates who have gone directly from high school into college as well as those who have followed less traditional paths.

The Admissions Committee looks for achievement in a rigorous program of study, especially in your expected field of specialization. Beyond strong grades, test scores, and recommendations, the Committee considers other non-academic factors such as significant extracurricular engagements and talents. We also consider an applicant’s personal qualities such as a capacity for leadership, creativity, resiliency, intellectual curiosity, and independent thinking.

In addition to our standard application materials, you may submit supplementary materials showcasing exceptional or unusual talents, including musical performance, artistic work, and research material.

Harvard accepts transfer students for fall semester entrance only; we do not admit students for the spring semester. The transfer application becomes available during the fall of the academic year. 

• March 1 : Deadline for all transfer application and financial aid materials. 
• The Transfer Admissions Committee begins to review applications after the application deadline.
• We will notify applicants of admissions decisions in June.

Submitting your materials early does not increase your chances of admission, but it does provide more opportunities to track down any missing documents and ensure that your application is full and complete by the time we begin our review. Please note that college transcripts should be sent between January and March in order to reflect your most updated academic credentials.

From the service to school

Veteran transfer students from community colleges make Harvard home

Application Requirements

• Transfer Application from the  Coalition Application, Powered by Scoir , or  Common Application . 
• Harvard College Questions and Writing Supplement for the Common Application
• $85 fee (or request a fee waiver by sending an email to  [email protected] )
• SAT or ACT (with or without writing): Strongly recommended, if you have taken these tests
• AP, IB or other examination results: Optional
• Self-reported scores are acceptable during the application process; official scores are required of enrolling students who provided test scores as part of their application.
• College/Dean’s/Registrar’s report
• Official College Transcript
• College Instructor Recommendations (2)
• Official High School Transcript

Printable Transfer Application Forms

All applications are treated equally, whether they are received in the mail or online. However, applications submitted online are processed faster and allow your school officials to submit their part of your application online as well. Please choose one option only: either apply online or send an application through the mail.

Please note that you can only download and print the following forms - you will not be able to complete them electronically.

• College Report (often completed by the Registrar’s Office; formerly called Registrar’s or Dean’s Report)
• Harvard Transfer Supplement
• Midterm Report (Optional)

Instructions for Submitting Required Materials

Submitting the College Report (required), High School Transcripts (required) or Midterm Report (not required)

By mail: Harvard College Admissions and Griffin Financial Aid Office Attn: Undergraduate Transfer Admissions 86 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA 02138

By fax: 1 (617) 495-8821

Please address documents to the attention of the Transfer Admissions team. If you are faxing internationally, make sure to check if there is any additional number you need to input prior to dialing 1 (617) 495-8821. 

If your school official is not able to submit materials in these ways, they may send them to us as PDFs at [email protected] . Please request that your school official include your name and application number in the subject line of the email for easier processing. They must send the document(s) from their official institutional email account (if they have one). 

Submitting College Transcripts By electronic credential exchange network (PREFERRED METHOD): If your college is a member of the following electronic credential exchange networks, please make every effort to send your college transcript through these secure channels:

• National Student Clearinghouse
• Naviance Network  

Transferring Course Credit

Harvard will honor comparable coursework you have done prior to your transfer admission, while also giving you time to take advantage of Harvard’s course offerings and delve deeply into your concentration.

You will be allowed to transfer in a maximum of 16 semester-long courses—the equivalent of two full years of academic work—providing you the opportunity to take the remaining half of the courses required for your A.B. or S.B. degree at Harvard.

The Harvard College Registrar’s Office grants credit for work done at another college or university to each admitted transfer student on an individual basis after careful evaluation. While Harvard does not audit transcripts prior to application to determine eligibility, the descriptions below should be helpful in determining which of your courses may transfer. Our office is unable to make recommendations in regards to coursework at your current institution or advise on anticipated class standing during the application process.

Which courses are eligible for credit?

You may receive credit for courses taken in a full-time, daytime program of study at an accredited degree-granting institution, provided that you:

• Took courses comparable to those offered in Harvard’s liberal arts curriculum.
• Earned grades of “C” (or the equivalent) or better

Which courses are not eligible for credit?

Unfortunately, we are unable to grant credit for certain accomplishments. Harvard does not typically award credit for:

• Online or distance education courses
• Night or extension courses
• Courses taken on a part-time basis
• Technical or vocational courses such as accounting, marketing, journalism, law, agriculture, nursing, business, communications or specialized military training coursework
• Dual-enrollment courses counted for credit toward a high school diploma
• Work done prior to admission in an isolated term, semester or quarter at another college, unless the college from which you are transferring has granted credit for that work
• Credit gained by accelerating in an academic year at another college
• College Level Placement Exam (CLEP), Advanced Placement Exam (AP/IB) results, or any credit earned by examination, even when credited to your degree by the college or university from which you wish to transfer
• Summer school courses, except for those at your current college/university or courses at  Harvard Summer School

Contacting Transfer Admissions

The Transfer Admissions team will be available to answer questions by email at [email protected] Monday through Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm ET.

Related Topics

Not sure how to fill out the admissions application to Harvard? Here are some helpful tips from our admissions committee.

Here you'll find a detailed explanation of each requirement of the application, including teacher recommendations, test scores, and school reports.

Your advisors can help you you plan your degree program or take advantage of unique academic opportunities such as study abroad.

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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 .

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score / How to Get a Perfect ACT Score

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How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

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• what an application Spike is, and why it'll get you into every college you apply to
• how to develop a Spike of your own

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

How to Get a 4.0 GPA and Better Grades

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 .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

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 188,808 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-Amgen Scholars Program

DEADLINE:        February 1, 2024, 11:59PM EASTERN TIME

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The Amgen Scholars Program at Harvard is a 10-week residential summer research program for undergraduates interested doing research in biotechnology and related biomedical sciences.

What Our Scholars Have to Say

The Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program offers an immersive research experience, pre-professional development, and social engagement

Emily Rivard

"I worked on exciting research alongside scientists at the forefront of their field. It fostered my ambition to pursue a Ph.D"

"In and out of the lab, I was constantly able to grow with a diverse community of incredibly bright scientists."

Nikko Jeffreys

"The mentorship I received in the program proved invaluable in developing my skills for conducting independent research."

Julia Flores

 "The friends and mentors I gained that summer are still some of my biggest supporters. I continue to benefit from the network."

Madison H. McMinn

"This program opened the door to my graduate school career, and I will be forever grateful for that."

Program Description

The dates for Summer 2024 are June 5, 2024 through August 10, 2024. 

Harvard Amgen Scholars conduct hands-on, innovative research in cutting-edge facilities of Harvard under the mentorship of faculty and direct project supervisors. Laboratory hosts are affiliated with a variety of divisions of the university - the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) departments:  Physics, Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB), Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB); as well as Harvard’s research institutes and professional schools: Wyss Institute, Broad Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI),School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), the Division of Medical Sciences (DMS) at Harvard Medical School (HMS).

Harvard Amgen Scholars participate in scholarly and pre-professional development sessions and cohort social activities and attend the North American Amgen Scholars Symposium. Examples of Harvard’s pre-professional development and scholarly training include workshops and panels on the topics such as science communication, research integrity, PhD and MD/PhD student experience, and graduate school funding opportunities. Additionally, the scholars have the opportunity to speak to program alumni as well as other graduate students, scientists and biotech and other industry professionals.

Scholar are expected to:

• Participate fully for 10 weeks (early June through mid-August). Amgen Scholars cannot take courses and have another job.
• Live on Harvard’s Cambridge campus in provided housing
• Participate in the laboratory culture of their research group.
• Attend all required seminars, workshops, weekly activities, and social events, including the Amgen Scholars Symposium in July and live provided housing for the duration on the symposium.
• Present summer research project at final oral presentation.
• Complete program surveys, assignments and readings.

Scholars receive:

• A living stipend of $5,000
• Housing and meals covered by the program
• Travel allowance of $650 for  traveling to/from Boston, MA

 Note: Final decisions about accommodations and travel will be contingent upon institutional and government COVID19 safety mandates.

Eligibility

The Amgen Scholars Program at Harvard selects undergraduates with high academic success, research interests in the biotechnology fields, and commitment to the pursuit of a career in science.

Amgen Scholars applicants must meet the following criteria:  

• U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents (students who have questions about eligibility should contact the program directly)
• Undergraduate students enrolled in accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories
• Sophomores (with four quarters or three semesters of college experience), juniors or non-graduating seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue undergraduate studies)

Applicants must also have:

• A cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or above (on a 4.0 scale)
• An interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.

All students who meet the above criteria may apply. The program especially encourages applications from individuals who come from groups traditionally underrepresented in the STEM fields – African American/Black, Chicano/Latino/Hispanic, Puerto Rican, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Pacific Islander, women, and those with disabilities – as well as individuals who come from underesourced areas and individuals whose backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives would bring diversity to the biotechnology fields.

Previous research experience is not a requirement for participation in the program.

How to Apply

THE DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS IS FEBRUARY 1, 2024, 11:59PM EASTERN TIME.

Step 1: Review program information and application materials thoroughly.  

Reach out to the program if you have any questions ahead of the application deadline. Read the biotechnology/biotechnology-related research descriptions of potential faculty hosts carefully and determine up to three different research groups that study what you would be interested in doing research for the summer. You will note who these faculty hosts on your application form.

Step 2: Generate a Harvard Key.

Non-Harvard applicants : Create a "HarvardKey" before beginning the application process.

Please create a HarvardKey here by entering your email address and name, and any additional required information. Your HarvardKey will be used to access CARAT , where you will submit your application. After you create your HarvardKey, it will take approximately one hour before CARAT will recognize your HarvardKey credentials. Applicants from Harvard College : Submit applications to CARAT using your Harvard key credentials.

Step 3: Request recommendation letters.

Download the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Recommender Instructions HERE RECOMMENDER INSTRUCTIONS . 

• TWO (2) letters of recommendation are required. Letters should be from science professors, academic advisors, or previous/current research mentors.
• Please enter your recommenders in CARAT before starting any other application materials. Send a recommendation request to your recommenders through CARAT. Give your recommenders plenty of time to write strong letters.
• Send each of your two recommenders the instructions, which highlights the topics we would like addressed in letters of recommendation.
• Letters are due on CARAT by February 1, 2024, 11:59PM EASTERN TIME.

Step 4: Prepare your materials.    Download 2024 Application and Essay Form   

In addition to letters of recommendation, a complete Harvard-Amgen Scholars application also includes

1. 2024 Application and Essay Form – Download 2024 Application and Essay Form  

 Complete the Application Form and Essays. All of your essays must be inputted into this form. Please allow time to transfer that information into the required form.

2. Transcript containing Fall 2023 grades .

  A .pdf copy of your unofficial transcript including Fall 2023 Grades and Course Titles. You may either scan the transcript or submit an unencrypted unofficial electronic version if offered by your institution. Transcripts must NOT be encrypted. An encrypted transcript will NOT be accepted and your application will be considered incomplete. Please note that upon admission to the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program, students will need to provide an official transcript

3. Two page r esume.   

A recent copy of your resume saved in .pdf format. The resume should be maximum 2 pages in length, in 11 point font and should highlight relevant research or work experiences, skills learned that relate to research and additional relevant information. Any resume page beyond the 2 page limit will not be considered.

The deadline for all materials is FEBRUARY 1, 2024, 11:59PM EASTERN TIME.  Once you have completed the required application components, upload and submit your application materials in .pdf format . Please note that if you are not ready to submit your application materials immediately following your online registration, you may go back to the materials submission website at a later time before the deadline. 

Information for Recommenders

Please download the Recommender Instructions below. Once the applicant has entered your information into our Centralized Application for Research and Travel (CARAT) system, you will receive an email prompt from [email protected] with a link to upload your letter of recommendation to CARAT. Please submit your letters of recommendation directly to CARAT. The deadline to submit letters of recommendation is February 1, 2024 . Please contact us by email ( [email protected] ) or phone (617-496-6220) with any additional questions you may have. Click here for instructions:  RECOMMENDER INSTRUCTIONS

Faculty Profiles

The Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program collaborates with faculty across the university. Applicants should select up to three potential faculty hosts from the departments, institutes, and schools listed below.

Applicants should not reach out to faculty prior to being admitted to the program.  Admitted students to the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program will be connected with potential faculty hosts by the Amgen Scholars Program staff. 

Please look carefully at the faculty profiles and links below to determine up to   three potential faculty hosts with biotechnology-based or biomedical research projects that you are interested in participating in during the summer program.  Please also consider this sample of past host labs as another tool to start your lab search:    PAST HOST LABS

Wyss Institute School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Physics Chemistry and Chemical Biology Molecular and Cellular Biology Harvard Stem Cell Institute Division of Medical Sciences  at Harvard Medical School (Faculty trainers affiliated with 6 PhD programs of the Division.) Broad Institute  (must have Harvard faculty appointment)  

If you have questions about faculty hosts or their Harvard appointments, please contact the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program ( [email protected] ).

Past Amgen Scholar Projects

Please click here  to learn about past Amgen Scholar Projects and the labs that hosted them. 

Application & Participation

Recommendation letters, lab selection, accommodations.

Can I apply to more than one Amgen Scholars Program site?

Yes. Eligible undergraduate students are welcome to apply to any or all of the Amgen Scholars Program sites. Be aware: Each Amgen Scholars Program site has its own application process and requirements.

I am an international student. Am I eligible?

No. You must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident undergraduate student currently enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university in the United States, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territory.

My Spring classes don’t end until after the program starts. Should I apply? Will I still be allowed to participate?

Students accepted into the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program are allowed to join us up to one week after the program has begun.

I am graduating this coming May. Am I eligible for the program?

No. In order to be eligible for the Summer 2024 Amgen Scholars Program, you must be returning to your four-year college or university in Fall 2024 to continue your studies as an undergraduate student.

I transferred from a community college. Can I apply?

Yes. If you are enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university at the time of your application submission, you are eligible for the Amgen Scholars Program.

Do I need previous research experience to apply?

No. Previous research experience is not required to participate in the Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program. However, applicants should demonstrate a passionate interest in biotechnology research.

I just submitted the application. What happens next and when will I know whether or not I have been accepted?

After the deadline has passed and after an initial review of your application is performed, you will receive an email confirming your application has been received, is complete and is being reviewed. Applicants who are being strongly considered for the cohort will be conducted at the end of February through March 1. All applicants will be notified of the selection results after interviews are completed, starting the first week of March. Please do not contact our office requesting updates on the status of your application. 

When will I know if I am accepted?

Notifications will be issued starting March 1 st .

Can I leave for vacation during the program?

No. You are required to participate for the entire 10 weeks unless you must arrive after our start date due to final exams. In cases where students are completing final exams during the first week of the program, students' time in the program is reduced to 9 weeks. 

Can I work or take a summer class during the program?

No. The Amgen Scholars Program provides an opportunity for you to dedicate 100% of your time to the program. Since outside commitments detract from your summer research experience, part-time jobs, volunteerships, and taking summer courses are not permitted.

Are unofficial transcripts accepted?

Yes, we will accept scanned .pdf copies of unofficial transcripts. Submitted transcripts must meet the following criteria:

• Include Fall grades
• Include Course Titles (course numbers not accepted)
• Must NOT be encrypted
• It is the responsibility of the applicant to find out if the electronic unofficial transcript is encrypted from their Registrar. An encrypted transcript (official or unofficial) will NOT be accepted and your application will be considered incomplete.

My GPA is on a 5.00 point scale. How do I convert these scores?

To convert a 5.0 GPA to a 4.0 GPA scale, divide your cumulative 5.0 GPA by 1.25.

I am transfer student. What transcripts am I required to submit?

Please submit your transcripts from the institution(s) you previously attended and from your current 4-year college or university (including Fall grades).

I studied abroad in the Fall semester. My transcript from that experience or the grades from those courses will not be available by the program’s application deadline. What should I do?

Please submit a scanned .pdf of your most recent unofficial transcript. However, be mindful that we cannot consider applications unless they are complete, which includes a transcript with the Fall semester. You should contact your study abroad program and your home institution to request a transcript with Fall grades whenever they are available. Please make sure to email our staff ( [email protected] ) to keep us updated on your situation.

Who should I ask to write letters? 

People who know you well and have experience working with you in an academic and/or research setting, which may include faculty, principal investigators, or professors. It is preferable not to have both of your letters of recommendation from the same lab. 

Do I need to wait for letter writers to submit their letters before I hit submit on my application? 

No. Supporting letters of recommendation can be submitted independently. Letter writers should upload their letters directly CARAT using the information they received when you requested their letter through CARAT.  Please be sure to follow up with your recommenders after submitting your application to confirm that they have submitted their letters. 

I transferred. Do you accept letters from my previous institution? 

Yes. We will accept letters of recommendation from your previous school, particularly for recent transfer applicants. 

What is a faculty host?

A faculty host is a Harvard-affiliated faculty member in whose lab you will be working for the duration of your 10 weeks in the Harvard-Amgen program. When choosing potential mentors, you should pick those whose lab work and research interests you, and that aligns with your own research interests and future plans.

How does the lab matching process work? Will I get to choose my host lab? 

Admitted Harvard Amgen Scholars will work with the Program staff to finalize a list of faculty, to whom the program will reach out. The program staff will make initial contact to potential faculty hosts to gauge availability to mentor a student. Scholars will then be interviewed by potential faculty lab hosts via Zoom about their specific interests and assess fit and match to the lab and its research goals. Ultimately, the match between the scholar and lab is determined by these conversations.

Should I contact potential faculty mentors ahead of the application?  

No. Applicants should not contact potential faculty hosts in advance of acceptance to the program. Likewise, admitted students should NOT contact potential lab hosts, as the Amgen Scholars program staff with manage the matching process and outreach to faculty.

I am a student doing research at Harvard. May I continue that research in the coming summer as an Amgen Scholar?

The Amgen Scholars Program supports faculty-student collaborations in biotechnology and biomedical fields. If your current research project is biotechnology-based, it is possible that you may be able to continue that research as an Amgen Scholar.  However, given the volume of applications we expect to receive, it is not a certainty that we will be able to accommodate your request based on this criterion alone. 

Are travel costs to/from Boston for the program covered?

The program will cover up to $650.00 maximum of the Scholar’s travel expenses to and from the program - specifically, from home or school location to Boston, MA before the start of the program in June and expenses for the return from Boston, MA to home or school location in August). The program will provide specific guidance on making flight arrangements.

For participants who plan to drive, mileage is reimbursed at a federal mileage rate up to the cost of a roundtrip flight from your originating destination (whichever may be less). The travel allowance is only for the Amgen Scholar. 

What type of housing is offered?

Amgen Scholars will live in one of Harvard’s River Houses in single or double room accommodations, within suites or stand-alone rooms. Rooms contain ceiling fans ( NO air conditioning ). The program provides additional personal fans for each Amgen Scholar.

There are no kitchen facilities available to any undergraduate program participants over the summer months. Amgen Scholars will each receive a microfridge unit.

Will I have a room mate?

Possibly. Amgen Scholars may be assigned to single occupancy or double occupancy rooms, either as stand-alone rooms or within suite-style accommodations.

Harvard has many labs in different parts of Boston and Cambridge. How do students travel to labs?

Students travel to labs through a variety of ways. Typically, scholars who are in labs based on Harvard’s main campus in Cambridge, will walk from their residences to lab sites. Others will take Harvard’s shuttles for Harvard’s affiliated labs at Harvard’s medical school and Allston-based engineering campus. If a laboratory site is not accessible by Harvard’s shuttle system, the program will cover public transportation costs. For any accommodation and accessibility concerns, scholars should directly be in contact with the program well in advance of the start of the program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US at   [email protected]

Program Manager: Pamela Gaddi, PhD, Assistant Director, Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, Harvard College

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Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URAF) 77 Dunster Street Cambridge, MA 02138 617-496-6220 [email protected]

Scholarships for International Students

The following is a listing of outside scholarship opportunities for international students.

a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp AIA Scholarship architectsfoundation.org Two students who best demonstrate strong interest in practice and risk management will each receive a $5,000 award.

Aga Khan Scholarship akdn.org The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July. The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master’s level courses but is also willing to consider applications for PhD programs, when doctoral degrees are necessary for the career objectives of the student.

Aker Scholarship cambridgetrust.org The programme supports Norwegian top students so that they can learn from the best in the world, independent of their family or financial situation. Scholarships are awarded to students in all fields of study.

Alberta Scholarships Program – Sir James Lougheed Awards of Distinction studentaid.alberta.ca Applicants must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada, be Alberta residents, and be enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in a graduate program at an institution outside of Alberta. There is a lifetime maximum of two awards per student. At the doctoral level, students must have completed at least one full year of graduate study or a master’s degree.

American Association of University Women aauw.org International Fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research to women who are not United States citizens or permanent residents. Both graduate and postgraduate study at accredited institutions are supported.

American-Scandinavian Foundation amscan.org The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) offers over $500,000 in funding to Scandinavians to undertake study or research programs (usually at the graduate level) in the United States for up to one year. Candidates for awards are recommended to the ASF by our cooperating organizations. In order to apply submit applications to the appropriate cooperative organization (see website for details). Awards are made in all fields.

American Society of Landscape Architects asla.org Lists various programs and scholarships for Landscape Architecture students.

Arab Student Aid International arabstudentaid.org Arab Student Aid International provides interest-free, repayable student loans at the graduate and postgraduate levels without any prejudice to religion, gender, ethnic or racial backgrounds.

Architects Foundation architectsfoundation.org Every year, the foundation awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to architecture students in NAAB-accredited graduate degree programs, and Architect Registration Exam (ARE) candidates who are working toward becoming licensed architects.

Arts Council of Ireland artscouncil.ie Individuals of Irish birth or residence working with the Arts can apply for funding.

Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) studying-in-canada.org The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada administers many scholarships and internships for Canadian Students.

The Association for Women in Architecture Foundation Scholarship usascholarships.com The Association for Women in Architecture Foundation offers an Annual Scholarship Award which is available to female students who reside or attend school in California and who are majoring in architecture, landscape architecture, urban and land planning, interior design, or environmental design.

American India Foundation’s William J. Clinton Fellowship aif.org The AIF Clinton Fellowship is open to those aged 21 through 31 years of age who are Indian citizens or U.S. citizens/permanent residents and have received their undergraduate degree before the start of the fellowship.

Barrie Foundation fundacionbarrie.org Postgraduate grant programs for Galician citizens.

Becas Talentia untadeandalucia.es Scholarships for Andalusian citizens.

Bergmeyer Scholarship bergmeyer.com This scholarship intended for a designer who is working towards a career in Interior Design. The Bergmeyer Scholarship recognizes and supports leadership potential in the field of Interior Design and Architecture through a $2,500 award.

Canadian Federation of University Women Fellowships www.cfuw.org The Federation has multiple fellowships for women with Canadian citizenship in either Master or Doctoral level studies.

CARAT Database for Grants and Fellowships gsas.harvard.edu/resource Through the CARAT database, students can access information about grants and fellowships appropriate to graduate and postdoctoral students.

Carter Manny Award grahamfoundation.org The Carter Manny Award supports the completion of outstanding doctoral dissertations on architecture and its role in the arts, culture, and society. Students must be nominated by their department to apply for the Carter Manny Award.

Connecticut Architecture Foundation Scholarship cafct.org Students who have completed two years in accredited undergraduate architectural programs or have been accepted into an accredited graduate program are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must have a Connecticut connection (residence, school, work, etc.) in order to apply. In recent years, the individual awards have ranged from $2,000 to $5,000, depending upon the funds available in that year.

CREW Network Scholarship  crewnetwork.org The CREW Network Foundation scholarship program supports future female leaders as they pursue university-level education that will lead to careers in commercial real estate. Open to citizens of Canada and the U.S. only.

CSN – Centrala Studiestödsnämnden csn.se This program hosts scholarship/fellowship opportunities for students from Sweden. Please visit their website for more details.

Cultu ur FB Oranjewoud cultuurfboranjewoud.nl/ Grant opportunities for students from the Netherlands.

Cyprus Children’s Fund cyprus-childrensfund.org This Foundation has a couple of different scholarship options for students who have origins in Cyprus and/or Greece. Please visit their website for application details.

Michael P. Daly Memorial Scholarship dalyscholarship.com The Michael P. Daly Memorial Foundation Scholarship is awarded to current and prospective college students in the roofing, sheet metal, and construction industries in the Kansas City area.

Democracy Doctoral Fellowships ash.harvard.edu The Ash Center awards two dissertation research fellowships to Harvard Kennedy School Ph.D. candidates or other Harvard University students in related fields. The aim of this fellowship is to support well-defined doctoral work from Harvard University students focused on innovations in public participation and political participation in non-democracies.

Diversity Advancement Scholarship architectsfoundation.org This scholarship aims to provide assistance to individuals from a minority race or ethnicity who intend to become an architect through the pursuit of a NAAB-accredited professional degree in architecture.

Edmond J. Safra Graduate Fellowship ethics.harvard.edu The Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics encourages teaching and research about ethical issues in the professions and public life. Its Graduate Fellowships support outstanding Harvard graduate and professional students who are writing dissertations or are engaged in major research on topics in practical ethics, especially ethical issues in areas such as architecture, business, education, government, law, medicine, public health, public policy, and religion.

FIABCI   Scholarship Foundation fiabciusa.site-ym.com The FIABCI Scholarship Foundation provides aid and travel assistance to students who demonstrate an interest in the field of international real estate or are enrolled in real estate related courses at a qualified university. You must be a member, member’s spouse, or a dependent of a member in order to apply.

Flywire Charitable Foundation Scholarship flywire.com/company/foundation/scholarships Students in any major may apply for scholarships in the amount of $5,000 USD. Applicants must submit a short personal essay, and scholarships will be awarded to students who display a commitment to one of the following areas: social justice, global health, global citizenship, or environmental sustainability.

Frank Boas Scholarship scholarship.harvard.edu The Boas Scholarship is awarded each year to a citizen of Belgium or Luxembourg who has been admitted for graduate study at Harvard University.

Fulbright Program/Institute of International Education (IIE) iie.org Contains addresses for Educational/Information Centers and Fulbright commissions around the world administering scholarship programs for national citizens. Contact the center from your country directly to find out the latest information.

Fundação Estudar’s Scholarship Program estudar.org.br Estudar offers a variety of educational programs in three main areas: Inspiration, Leadership, and Career. Through these programs, we support young people in fully developing their individual potential, in their search for the best education in Brazil and abroad, and in accessing compelling career opportunities.

Georges Lurcy Charitable & Educational Trust lurcy.org Enables outstanding students of French colleges and universities to study in the United States. Candidates must demonstrate an interest in the fields of study related to American subjects such as the arts, government, and other areas.

Global Education Program (GEP) educationglobal.ru/en This is a Russian government-funded program that offers Russian citizens an opportunity to study at leading foreign higher education institutions.

The Goldie Initiative Scholarship Program goldieinitiative.org/ The Goldie Initiative supports women pursuing graduate-level studies in business with a focus on real estate. $15,000 scholarships split over two (2) academic years ($7,500 per year) are awarded.

Graduate Consortium on Energy and Environment Fellowship energy.harvard.edu This fellowship is open to all Harvard Doctoral students working on energy issues. Applications are due May 15th, please view the website for more details.

Harvard Clubs of Germany scholarship.harvard-club.de Two loans of 10,000 EUR each for students who can prove acceptance at any Harvard school or college, demonstrated financial need, and German citizenship. Must also provide a short statement on why their particular course of study has been chosen.

Harvard Graduate Student Award ghd-dubai.hms.harvard.edu/harvard-graduate-student-fellowship The Harvard Graduate Student Award will support advanced graduate students from Harvard University working on a dissertation or thesis research that addresses some of the most pressing health challenges in Dubai, the UAE, and the Center’s region. Dissertation or thesis research from all disciplines will be considered.

Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP) Fellowships and Grants hunap.harvard.edu HUNAP provides support to Harvard students to conduct research on Native American and Indigenous issues, for professional development activities, and for conference attendance.

Health Policy Research Scholars healthpolicyresearch-scholars.org Health Policy Research Scholars is a leadership development program for full-time doctoral students who are entering their second year of study and are from populations underrepresented in specific doctoral disciplines and/or historically marginalized backgrounds.

Houtan Scholarship houtan.org/apply The Houtan Scholarship Foundation seeks students from all origins, Iranian and non-Iranian, who have high academic performance and have proven interest in promoting Iran’s culture, heritage, language, and civilization. A working knowledge of Parsi is also required; see Houtan Foundation’s website for full eligibility criteria.

IKEA Foundation Switzerland ikea-stiftung.ch/en/ikea-foundation-switzerland The Ikea Foundation Switzerland considers applications from applicants who reside in Switzerland or who can prove that they have a close link to Switzerland. An example of this is if the applicant has completed long stretches of education to date in Switzerland or the applicant’s main place of residence is currently Switzerland.

Institute of International Education iie.org Administers over 250 programs on behalf of sponsors that offer international fellowships, scholarships, loans, professional development and more. The program search tool allows students to search for programs by region, field of study, sponsor name, etc.

International Education Financial Aid iefa.org Requires no marketing information and is a very comprehensive search engine for international scholarships.

International Facility Management Association Foundation foundation.ifma.org

The individual scholarships range in value from USD $1,500 to $10,000 and are awarded to undergraduate (2-year and 4-year) and graduate students enrolled in facility management or FM-related (built environment) programs. Scholarship recipients receive a cash award and fully subsidized World Workplace conference travel, registration, and participation.

Iranian Scholarship Foundation theisf.org The Iranian Scholarship Foundation (ISF)  provides scholarships to students of Iranian descent in the United States who demonstrate exceptional academic promise, significant financial need and a dedication to community service.

Kennedy Memorial Trust kennedytrust.org.uk Scholarships are available for students of UK citizenship who attend MIT or Harvard for post-graduate studies. Please visit their website for the application and requirements.

Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship faa.illinois.edu This creative fellowship is open to graduates of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and other prestigious institutions seeking advanced study in architecture, art, dance, landscape architecture, music, theatre, or urban and regional planning.

Korean American Scholarship Foundation kasf.org The scholarship recipient is selected on the basis of financial need, academic achievement, school activities, and community services. Each applicant must submit an application to the respective KASF region, in which each region is designated by the state where school is located.

Kosciuszko Foundation Scholarships thekf.org Various scholarships and grants for Poles, Americans of Polish descent, as well as exchange programs to Poland and the US, and summer scholarships.

La Caixa Foundation Fellowships fundacionlacaixa.org Scholarships for Spanish students for postgraduate studies in North America.

Lambda Alpha International lai-lef.org Lambda Alpha International’s Land Economics Foundation (LEF) offers a scholarship to a deserving graduate student pursuing a degree in one of the many fields related to land economics: architecture, geography, urban planning, landscape architecture, environmental planning, civil engineering, government, public administration, real estate, urban studies or law. The LEF Board of Directors has approved the award of a one year $3,000 (U.S.) scholarship, renewable for a second year, to a selected applicant studying in the United States, Canada, or Great Britain.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey tlc-nj.org/scholarships The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is looking to support scholars pursuing degrees in environmental science, natural resource management, conservation, park administration, and related fields. Interested candidates must be New Jersey residents.

Landscape Architecture Foundation Ignite Scholarship lafoundation.org/ Ignite is a multi-year program with three core components: an annual scholarship, summer internships, and ongoing mentorship. For the 2022 and 2023 application years, eligible candidates must identify as Black/African American. Applicants cannot currently be in their final year of study. (In future years, LAF plans to expand the program to other Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) groups.)

Landscape Architecture Foundation Awards lafoundation.org Lists various programs and scholarships for Landscape Architecture graduate and undergraduate students.

LASPAU: Academic and Professional Programs for the Americas laspau.harvard.edu For exchange programs between the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Menzies Scholarship to Harvard anu.edu.au The Menzies Scholarship grants at least one annual award to talented Australians who have gained admission to a Harvard graduate school. The ideal candidates for the Scholarship are Australians whose primary objective, after completing their studies at Harvard, is to make a significant contribution to this country’s development.

John R. Mott Scholarship Foundation mottscholarship.org Students native to the region of Calabria Italy who are enrolled to attend any accredited post-secondary school are encouraged to apply. Scholarships for up to $10,000/year are awarded.

Mount Holyoke Emerging Leader Scholarship gradadmission.mtholyoke.edu/apply This award is open to students who show potential and interest in assuming a leadership role in their field. This award is open to degree and institute candidates.

NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association Scholarship naiop.org NAIOP is proud to continue their scholarship program for students pursuing a degree which will lead to a career in the commercial real estate industry. Preference will be given to students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the commercial real estate field.

Netherland-America Foundation thenaf.org The Foundation supports educational exchanges by providing fellowships, interest-free student loans, and scholarships.

Noma-Reischauer Prize in Japanese Studies rijs.fas.harvard.edu The prize will be awarded annually for the best essays on Japan-related topics written by Harvard University students; one prize of $1,500 for the best essay by a graduate student.

Oppenheimer Memorial commonwealth.gostudy.net These are for postgraduate study at Masters, Doctoral and Postdoctoral level. South African nationals are eligible to apply and preference is given to candidates with a proven record of academic excellence, coupled with financial need, who intend to pursue careers in academia, research or related fields.

Organization of American States Scholarship Program oas.org The OAS Academic Scholarship Program (Regular Program) grants scholarships every year for the pursuit of Master’s Degrees, Doctoral Degrees and Graduate Research leading to a university degree for students from Latin America and the Caribbean.

P.E.O. International peointernational.org P.E.O. Scholar Awards (PSA) provides substantial merit-based awards for women of the United States and Canada who are pursuing a doctoral level degree at an accredited college or university. The fund was established in 1949 to provide scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada.

Pension Real Estate Association prea.org This scholarship is open to any undergraduate or graduate students studying real estate.

Pivot Database for Grants pivot.proquest.com Harvard subscribes to this searchable database of federal and private funding opportunities in all academic fields.

Point Foundation pointfoundation.org Point Foundation considers many factors when assessing scholarship applicants, including a proven track record of leadership and community involvement, strong academic achievement, and working for the betterment of the LGBTQ community.

Pride Foundation Scholarship pridefoundation.org This scholarship program supports LGBTQ+ students who are leaders—in their own lives, in their families, in their home communities, in their fields of study, in their workplaces, or in our movements for justice. Applicants must be a resident of  Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington but may study elsewhere. Applicants are considered a resident of one of these states if they currently live within that state or  have lived within that state for at least one year at any time within the last five years .

Radcliffe Engaged Student Grant Program radcliffe.harvard.edu The Radcliffe Engaged Student Grant Program provides $1,500 stipends per project to support the research, creative, and service work of Harvard undergraduate and graduate students on topics related to the Radcliffe Engaged focus areas. The focus area topics from the 23-24 cycle were Law, Education, and Justice and Climate Change, with a particular interest in climate justice.

Rotary Foundation Scholarships rotary.org Various funding opportunities for graduate students of numerous disciplines.

Rowe Fund oas.org/en/rowefund/ The Rowe Fund is an educational loan program of the Organization of American States (OAS) that helps citizens from Latin America and Caribbean  OAS Member States finance their studies or research in accredited universities across the United States by awarding interest-free loans of up to $15,000 dollars. By financing a portion of their studies in the United States, the Rowe Fund helps students complete their education while at the same time fostering cultural diversity, friendship, and communication among the people of the Americas. The Organization of American States (OAS) does offer scholarships to competent individuals from Latin American and Caribbean countries. For more information on these scholarships, please visit the OAS website .

Salata Travel Grant Program salatainstitute.harvard.edu/travel-grants The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability’s Travel Grant Pilot Program funds individual students who are planning trips for the purpose of advancing their academic or professional development goals. Funding is available only for travel during the Fall, Spring, and Winter inter-session. The program welcomes applications from all Harvard students.

Karen Ann Shopis-Fox Memorial Scholarship ctasla.org Scholarship applicants must be legal residents of the State of Connecticut and enrolled in an accredited landscape architecture program at the college or university level.

Sikh Education Fund associationofsikhprofessionals.org/ The purpose of the fund is to make higher education more affordable for Sikh students in America by funding a portion of their studies. SEF believes in the importance of Sikh youth becoming successful professionals while still remaining true to their Sikh identity and roots.

Soros Fellowship for New Americans pdsoros.org New American is defined as a resident alien (who holds a Green Card), a naturalized citizen, or the child of two parents who are both naturalized citizens. Green Card holders must have had more than one IRS filing. The grants are for $20,000.

Sweden American Foundation sweamfo.se This foundation gives about 40 fellowships for graduate/post-graduate studies each year to students who are Swedish citizens. Please visit their website for more details

Urban Land Institute Fellowship uli.org The ULI Kenneth M. Good Graduate Student Fellowship offers eight $5,000 scholarships awarded to graduate students who intend to pursue real estate-related studies at a major North American university, including urban planning, architecture, business or business administration, geography with a real estate concentration, and real estate law or major. Student must be nominated for this scholarship by faculty.

Vectorworks Design Scholarship vectorworks.net The Vectorworks Design Scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a design program for the upcoming school year.

Wellesley College Fellowships wellesley.edu Wellesley College offers a number of fellowships and scholarships for graduate study or research that are open to graduating seniors and Wellesley alumnae. Two of these awards are open to women graduates of any American institution. Awards are usually made to applicants currently enrolled in or applying to graduate school for the following year.

World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program worldbank.org Offers various scholarships, including the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, for students who are citizens of countries other than the US. Potential to be used for GSD’s MUP program.

WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate wxnyre.com WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate empowers women to build successful careers in the real estate industry, supporting them at all stages of their professional development. Scholarships (financial and merit) are awarded on an annual basis to students studying real estate and related subjects, such as architecture, law and engineering among others. Applicants must be in their final year of required coursework for the degree and/or major and enrolled in the school during the full academic year to receive a scholarship.

Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architectural Scholarship Fund zgf.com Applicants pursuing a Master’s Degree in Architecture are eligible for this scholarship. The Scholarship consists of a $10,000 stipend and the opportunity to intern at Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLP. Please visit their website for scholarship application and information.

Harvard University Scholarships 2024 (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 2024-2025 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$.

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, 2023

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

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Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

2024 research assistant internships.

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Internship timelines are generally as follows: Spring: Applications open in November, internships run January through May Summer: Applications open in March, internships run June through August Fall: Applications open in July, internships run September through December  

Research Assistant interns are talented undergraduates, recent graduates, or graduate students who combine part-time hours at the Center with their studies and other activities. Students in this role provide 12-15 hours of research assistance each week to their assigned scholar (the number of hours can be adjusted accordingly to fulfill academic requirements). Students work one-on-one with an expert in their field of study to conduct in-depth, academic analysis of today’s most pressing issues. This experience is invaluable for students wishing to develop a deeper understanding of their field of study. In addition to assisting with their scholars’ research projects, interns have the opportunity to network with experts in their chosen fields, attend events on relevant topics, and explore how research and public policy intertwine in Washington.

Research Assistant internship opportunities are offered year-round, and are generally consistent with academic semesters. Research Assistants are paid a monthly stipend of $500, and may also complete an internship for academic credit. Students are also encouraged to apply for independent grants or scholarships through their schools or outside sources to financially support them during their internship appointment. In-person, remote, and hybrid opportunities are available, with the specific arrangement determined by the scholar. 

Activities                                                              

Most scholars who come to the Wilson Center spend their time carrying out research, writing books, and making public presentations. Research Assistant interns have the unique opportunity to work directly with these experts, as they examine issues of contemporary public policy or explore topics that provide the historical context behind today’s pressing policy debates. The Wilson Center hosts a diverse cohort of scholars each year, including distinguished university professors, journalists, current and former government officials (such as diplomats and ambassadors) or occasionally executives from the private sector. 

In support of the scholars, Research Assistants spend much of their time searching for information using the Wilson Center Library’s resources. Other duties include proofreading, editing, compiling bibliographies, writing literature reviews, summarizing research materials, etc. Less than 20% of these tasks are administrative. Consequently, a strong sense of responsibility and the ability to work with a minimum of supervision are strong assets. Foreign language skills are oftentimes useful, and should be noted in the application.

While at the Center, all interns are encouraged to fully assimilate into the Wilson Center’s community, and go beyond their particular internship responsibilities and to attend our many panel discussions, conferences, symposia, and social events.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to highly qualified undergraduates, recent graduates, or graduate students. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (or equivalent). Applicants must be current students, recent graduates (within one calendar year), and/or have been accepted to enter an advanced degree program. Non-degree seeking students are ineligible.

International students studying in the U.S. are eligible, but they must hold a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and appropriate work authorization.  All international students must obtain written permission (or CPT/OPT) from their Designated School Official or Responsible Officer for visas at their university stating that they are in valid immigration status and eligible to do an internship at the Center.

The Wilson Center does  NOT  sponsor visas for interns. International students that are not already studying in the U.S. on a F-1/J-1 visa must go through a university exchange program or an outside organization (internship placement agency) that will sponsor their visa.

New scholars are always arriving at the Wilson Center, and it can be difficult to predict what specific projects will be carried out in the future. For that reason, all interested students are encouraged to apply.

Important Dates

Applications for the Summer 2024 term will open on March 15. Please complete the Research Assistant Internship application  NO LATER THAN APRIL 15 . Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

March 15, 2024: Applications for the Summer term open

April 15, 2024: Applications for the Summer term close

June 3, 2024: Start date for Summer internships

Most scholars arrive and interns start their internships at the beginning of a semester (January, June, September). However, the Intern Coordinator can work individually with students or schools on a quarter system schedule.

Summer 2024 Scholars

• Natalia Antelava,  Journalist and Editor in Chief, Coda Mediam former BBC Correspondent. “How Big Tech is Helping Authoritarians Win and What to Do About It?” (Science and Technology Innovation Program)
• Ruth Greenspan Bell,  Public Policy Scholar, Wilson Center. “Chasing Climate Change: How humans and good intentions get in the way of solutions to an existential challenge.” (Environmental Change and Security Program) 
• Jana Morgan,  Professor of Political Science, University of Tennessee. “Exclusionary Democracy: How Ethnoracial Hierarchies Threaten Democratic Citizenship.” (Latin America Program)
• Alyssa Park,  Professor of History, University of Iowa. “Homeward: Korean Refugees and the Politics of Occupation, Division, and War, 1945-50.” (History and Public Policy Program /Asia Program) *Applicants with Russian or Japanese language skills encouraged to apply
• Ajay Verghese,  Assistant Professor of Political Science, Middlebury College. “Secularization in the Hindu Tradition.” (Asia Program)
• Robin Wright , a joint USIP-Wilson Center Distinguished Fellow, is one of the country’s foremost authorities on the Middle East, including Iran, Arab-Israeli conflict, Islamic extremism, and political and military dynamics in the Muslim world. She runs two website projects—the largest resource in the world on  Iran , and a separate site on more than 50  Islamist  groups and militias for the Middle East program.

Application Process

To apply, applicants will need to submit the Research Assistant Internship Application form and required documents, listed below.

Application materials include:

• Completed Wilson Center Internship Application Form 
• Cover Letter (indicating academic interests or areas of interest)
• Current Resume (indicating relevant coursework)
• 3-5 page Writing Sample (excerpts of a research paper are acceptable) with bibliography
• 2 letters of recommendation, or a brief list of references
• Transcript(s) (unofficial copies are acceptable)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For questions, contact  [email protected]

The cost to attend these New England universities will top $90,000 a year this fall. Expect more to follow.

More than a few students — and parents — experience sticker shock when considering the cost of college. And prospective students at a number of New England universities are seeing a particularly breathtaking sum this fall.

Boston University, Tufts, Wellesley, and Yale will now top $90,000 a year for tuition, housing, and other expenses, according to the schools’ admissions websites . Other private colleges around New England are also likely to cross the $90,000 annual threshold, but haven’t released their updated costs.

Let’s pause for a moment here. More than $90,000. A year. For college.

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What does look like? Well, at BU, the total cost for the 2024-2025 academic year includes $66,670 in tuition, $19,020 for housing and food, plus the cost of books and various fees for a grand total of $90,207. That’s a nearly 42 percent jump from a decade ago, the 2014-2015 academic year, when the all-in cost for a year at BU was $63,644 .

Just six years ago, parents broke out in a cold sweat when costs at private universities like Tufts, Harvard, BU, and Amherst College surpassed $70,000 a year. But since then, costs have continued to climb.

“There’s always a huge psychological impact to these thresholds,” said Sandy Baum, senior fellow in the Center on Education Data and Policy at the Urban Institute and an expert on higher education finance. “I remember when it went above $50,000, and people were just in shock.”

Shock is right. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that the $90,000-plus figures do not take into account financial aid — in the form of grants or loans — or scholarships.

BU, for instance, says it is committed to meeting 100 percent of demonstrated financial aid “for admitted, first-year students who are US citizens or permanent residents,” according to its website.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, BU will award “$425 million in financial assistance to students,” with 92 percent of the school’s financial assistance being need-based, said spokesman Colin Riley in an e-mail. That aid is “guaranteed for four years with BU Scholarship Assurance,” he said.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, approximately 56 percent of domestic students at BU received “some form of aid,” with the average financial aid package being $67,000, for an average cost of $16,000, Riley said.

“Because this is an average, some of the neediest students paid $0, and others paid more,” he pointed out.

This college admissions season has descended into chaos for many families because of a number of problems — chief among them the rocky rollout of the new form used to determine federal financial aid , known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA).

Significant delays meant colleges did not receive FAFSA information from applicants until March , leaving some high school seniors in limbo as they weigh their options.

Baum called the issues a “short-term difficulty” and said families should hold tight.

“It’s really unfortunate, and I’m sure some people have given up,” she said. “The whole thing is about increasing the amount of financial aid that people are going to get. The financial aid system is going to give people more money now. It’s just a matter of making this work out.”

Some schools in the Boston area have yet to announce their costs for the upcoming school year. Still, those institutions are likely to see their prices rise.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, Harvard charged $79,540 for billed costs, a number that rose to an estimated $87,450 when expenses such as books were factored in. At Boston College , the all-in cost last year was $89,955. Meanwhile, at Northeastern University , the total sticker price was $86,821.

A handful of schools in New England and beyond have published their total costs for the 2024-2025 academic year.

At Tufts in Medford next year, the cost of attendance will be $91,888 (not including health insurance), according to preliminary estimates posted on the school’s site. At Yale University in New Haven, Conn., the estimated cost will be $90,975; $81,729 at Stonehill College in Easton; $73,002 at Suffolk University in Boston; $88,210 at Amherst College in Amherst; $89,824 at Brandeis University in Waltham; and $85,960 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology . Again, none of these totals reflect financial aid.

If there are relative bargains to be had, they can be found at public universities. Next fall at the University of Massachusetts Amherst , the sticker price for an in-state student living on campus is $37,219.

Take a look at how the cost of attending BU has changed over the past decade.

Correction: Due to an editing error, an earlier version of this story miscalculated the percentage increase in annual costs at BU. Between the 2014-2015 academic year and the upcoming school year, prices have increased almost 42 percent.

Shannon Larson can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her @shannonlarson98 .