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What to Expect After You Apply
GUIDES
Guides
What to Expect After You Apply
Tracking Your Application
After you submit your application through the Common Application or Coalition Application (we have no preference which application you use), you’ll receive an email confirmation from us with a link to the Applicant Portal. Please note that we don’t start sending application acknowledgment emails until mid-September, so if you submit your application very early, you may not receive the email until this time. In the portal, you can:
- Update your email address, mailing address and other contact information
- View your personalized application checklist
- Confirm the testing information we have received
- Change your financial aid application status
- If submitting scores, self-report your test scores
- Change your application round (Restrictive Early Action to Regular Decision)
- Upload additional documents and materials
- Withdraw your application
Have a Conversation with an Alumni Interviewer
More than 10,000 alumni/ae help us recruit students from all 50 states and from around the world. For the Class of 2026 application cycle, we expect these conversations to be conducted via Zoom or other video conferencing platforms due to the public health restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is no need for you to arrange this conversation. If it is possible to arrange an interview, you will be contacted by one of our alumni interviewers after you have submitted your application for admission. Ordinarily this person will reach out to you by email to arrange a time for this conversation and we try to connect you with alumni from your local community, although this is not always possible.
It is important for you to know our alumni interviewers do not have access to your application – they only have your name, your contact information and the name of your high school. Any recording of this conversation is strictly prohibited, either by you or your interviewer.
A few tips:
- It is best to use a computer for this video conversation and not your cell phone. If this is not possible, let our alumni interviewer know of your constraints and we will do our best to accommodate your circumstances. Alternatively, your interview could be conducted by phone.
- Be aware of your background and consider using appropriate virtual or neutral options.
- Try to find a quiet room or space for this conversation and make sure there is no one else in the room. These conversations are always best if you have the opportunity to engage with your alumni interviewer without the distraction of a third party presence.
- Be yourself and use this opportunity to learn more about the Harvard community from someone who has been a Harvard student.
- There is no need to dress in formal attire. Consider wearing something you would wear to school.
Please know that we will reach out to you if we would like to schedule an interview. You do not need to take any additional actions to set up an admissions interview. If an interview cannot be arranged, you will not be at a disadvantage during the application process.
International applicant interviews
Please refer to the country list below to learn more about the availability of interviews in your country.
You will be contacted directly by an interviewer if one is available. If an interviewer is not available, the lack of an interview will not affect your candidacy.
If you are applying from one of the following countries, you should initiate contact with one of our interviewers once you have submitted your application. Please refer to your Applicant Portal for more information about scheduling an interview in your area.
- Greece
- Jordan
Viewing Your Decision
Most importantly, the Applicant Portal is where you’ll view your admissions decision. Most applicants receive an email reminding them to check their portal and view their decision about 15 minutes after decisions are released. However, if you are logged in to the portal at the time that decisions are released, you may not receive this email.
When you log in, you’ll see a crimson-colored banner with “Status Update”. Click on that banner to view your letter.
Chan Stride Independent Projects
PBHA’s Priscilla Chan Stride Service Program (formerly known as Stride Rite) supports students of diverse economic and social backgrounds as they become leaders in their communities by providing reflection and skill development opportunities, mentorship, and financial assistance. Scholarships are awarded to income-eligible undergraduate students to support a consistent, year-round commitment to service. Program participants commit to service work year-round: 25 hours/week for at least 6 weeks during the summer, and an average of 8 hours/week during the academic year, in addition to small meetings and leadership development. Preference is given to applicants pursuing full-time projects for a minimum of 8 weeks over the summer. The program is open to enrolled College students. Compensation up to $5000 is provided for summer service. Additional financial support (up to $4,000) is provided to support term service work. Scholars who complete all aspects of the program are eligible for graduation awards to support transition to life after college.
Applications and Deadlines: The application deadline has passed. Visit the PBHA website for more information.
President’s Public Service Fellows
Harvard’s Presidential Public Service Fellowship (PPSF) program supports a broad range of summer opportunities that serve the common good, awarding grants to 12-16 applicants seeking support for innovative projects that affect communities across the United States. Students from Harvard College and from Harvard’s graduate and professional Schools are eligible to apply. The program takes place in a variety of locations across the US. Program dates for Summer 2022 are to be determined.
Applications and Deadlines: The application deadline has passed. Visit the PPSF website for more information.