Harvard is like a dream college for almost every student across the world. It is one of the most prestigious ivy league colleges. Harvard is not just a University; it is a brand in itself. The acceptance percentage of Harvard is very low, and the tuition fees are high. It grants unparalleled education. The name Harvard itself transfers one to elite fairyland. Getting into Harvard is very hard, but sometimes students with merit restrain from applying to this university because of financial issues. To address this, Harvard offers several scholarships that extend from full-ride scholarships, grants from outside, federal and state grants for American citizens, and even student employment programs. According to Harvard's website 55% student receives need-based scholarships. To get a scholarship at Harvard, you need to have remarkable academic results. You also need to score according to the cut-offs in competitive exams like GRE, TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc., for applying to specific scholarships like the Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship, The Robert S Kaplan Life Sciences Fellowship, and others.
Exams
For most of the scholarships, you have to meet some cut-offs to be eligible to apply for them. In TOEFL, you have to have a score that is not less than 109; in PTE, your score should not be less than 7.5. Even in IELTS, you are expected to score more than 7.5. In GRE, you have to have a score of 330 or more. Achieving these cut-offs will only make you eligible for applying for the scholarship.
Except for satisfying the cut-offs, here are few things you need to have while applying for Harvard scholarships.
Research or Research Proposal
While applying to Harvard, you have to keep in mind that it is among the most elite universities in the world, and very few exceptionally brilliant students get in. Keeping in mind this competition, along with your TOEFL, IELTS, etc., scores, you will also need to show some research work or research proposal. Publications in prestigious journals are very much are considered while selecting students for scholarships. This is a must-have. It goes for applying to degrees in both social sciences and scientific degrees.
Patents
A patent is an intellectual property right of an inventor. Patents help to protect your invention and prevent it from further exploitation. While applying for a degree in science, if you have a patent or more than one patent in your name, your chances of getting into the university increase manifold times. This is so because it shows that you are extremely engaged with the subject and have that zeal, and you are motivated to work further. This will help you be different from all your fellows and will give an edge to your application.
A business model or entrepreneurial skill
When applying to Harvard for degrees in business, even if you have scored more than the cut-off for the competitive exams, there is a chance that you will not get in. If you show entrepreneurial skills and have built a business model, it gives you an upper-hand over your fellows. If you can show that you have established a successful business, be it small or large, it will always give you an edge and make you a more desirable candidate.
Extensive work experience
If you are applying for a post-graduate degree, then you have to show some work experience. Having work experience in the field shows that you have an overall idea of the working of the field. It also proves that you are accustomed to what is expected out of you. If you have led any projects or mentored in some, it will come in handy while applying for your scholarship.
Academics and extra-curricular
Academic excellence is something that cannot be blindsided while applying to Harvard. Being one of the most prestigious universities, the student quality of Harvard is excellent. Only the best of best get in, in the university. Competition for entry into Harvard is very much, and the percentage of getting accepted is very low. Therefore, it is very important to stand out and have an excellent academic background. Other than the competitive exams, your academic result in your undergraduate degree or your senior year also has a huge impact. It dictates whether you will be able to apply to the university and also your chances of getting selected. When a university grants you financial aid, it is financing your education. So, it is necessary for the officials to feel that you deserve such a scholarship; academic excellence is, therefore, a must-have.
Along with academics, it is also important to focus on extra-curricular; the university should not feel that you are way too self-centered; you can engage in extra-curricular, like sports or helping in some way to return to society. This will increase your soft skills in turn. Sports will enhance your leadership skills, your commitment and will also make you more adaptable. In let's say helping out old-age homes will make you more empathetic and increase your emotional intelligence, making you a more suitable candidate.
