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Harvard University

Five 150 word essays, all required. Two annotated examples for each.

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Required essays

Length each

150 words

Recommended

~100 words

Optional?

None

What Harvard rewards

Harvard requires five short supplemental essays for 2026-2027, on top of your Common App personal statement. Each caps at 150 words, and Harvard’s own guidance suggests aiming closer to 100. None are optional, and all five are read together.

That adds up to roughly 750 words of supplements beyond the 650 word Common App essay, but split into five tight boxes. Length is the test. You have about a paragraph per answer, with no room to warm up and no room to hide. A tight 100 word response that shows one true thing beats a padded 150 word one every time. This guide takes each prompt apart: what it is really asking, how to get in, and two full annotated examples per prompt so you can see more than one way to do it well.

01Specific curiosity. Not 'I love learning,' but a particular thing you chase when no one is making you. Shown through detail, not declared.

02Real impact on people. Evidence you have changed something for someone, a teammate, a sibling, a stranger, however small the stage.

03Self-awareness. A sense that you have actually thought about who you are, including the parts that are still in progress.

04Something to add. A clear sense of what you would bring to a dorm, a seminar, a lab. Texture only you can provide.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

5 prompts for Harvard, each broken down with annotated examples.

Contribution150 words max · ~100 recommended

Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a student body with a diversity of perspectives and experiences. How will the life experiences that shaped who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?

Disagreement150 words max · ~100 recommended

Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue. How did you communicate or engage with this person? What did you learn from this experience?

Experience150 words max · ~100 recommended

Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are.

Future goals150 words max · ~100 recommended

How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future?

Roommates150 words max · ~100 recommended

Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

See all 5 prompts and get a read

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at Harvard and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Restrictive Early ActionNov 1

Regular DecisionJan 1

Cost

Sticker price$83,000

Avg net after aid$18,000

Meets full needYes

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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Harvard weighs most Supplemental essays5 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $18,000/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Harvard interview? Format, tips, and practice The Harvard Reader ProScore your draft against Harvard's exact prompts

Similar schools

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Harvard appears in

Colleges that still require test scores Colleges where the essay matters most The most selective colleges Colleges that weigh character most heavily

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Harvard FAQ

What is Harvard's acceptance rate?

4.2% (Class of 2029, 2,003 of 47,893). At Harvard, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Harvard require?

Harvard requires 5 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Harvard cost?

Harvard's published sticker price is about $83,000 per year, but the average family pays $18,000 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Harvard require SAT or ACT scores?

Harvard requires SAT or ACT scores as part of the application.

When are Harvard's application deadlines?

Harvard's application deadlines are Restrictive Early Action Nov 1; Regular Decision Jan 1. Add Harvard to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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