Can an average student from India get into Harvard?
Asked by: Jeffery Rodriguez | Last update: September 7, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (17 votes)
Yes, Indian students can get into the Harvard Business School with the right preparation and hard work. The first step to get started by understanding who goes into the school and competitively positioning oneself to prepare a strong application.
Can an average international student get into Harvard?
For a recent admission cycle, the overall acceptance rate for Ivy League schools ranged from 3.4% (Harvard) to 8.7% (Cornell). In Harvard's case, 14.8% of the class was constituted of international students, and in Cornell's case 10.2%.
Does Harvard accept average students?
GPA: Harvard often admits students who rank at or near the top of their high school classes. While there isn't an exact GPA threshold, a majority of successful applicants have a GPA of 4.0 or higher (unweighted), or a weighted GPA of 4.2 or higher.
Can I realistically get into Harvard?
The acceptance rate at Harvard is 3.5%.
For every 100 applicants, only 4 are admitted. This means the school is extremely selective. Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation.
What is the hardest university to get into?
Harvard University
The Harvard acceptance rate is 3%, tied with Caltech for the #1 spot on our list of hardest colleges to get into. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is a quintessential New England school globally recognized for its rigorous academic programs and influential alumni.
How To Get Into Harvard (from India)
Is Harvard hard for Indian students?
Harvard Business School (HBS) is a highly competitive program, and it can be difficult to get into. According to HBS's website, the school received over 9,600 applications for the class of 2023, and the acceptance rate was just 11%. 11 out of every 100 that apply.
Does Harvard give 100% scholarship to Indian students?
Harvard offers need-based financial aid to international students, including Indians. Financial aid is determined by the family's financial situation, not academic merit. If eligible, students can receive a scholarship covering full tuition, room, and board.
How do I get into Harvard as an Indian?
- Undergraduate Studies.
- Postgraduate Studies.
- Tips to Ace the Interview.
- Apply Early.
- Take Rigorous Courses & Score Well.
- Submit Your SAT/ACT Scores.
- Demonstrate Leadership and Community Involvement.
- Write a Strong Personal Essay.
What is the easiest Ivy League to get into?
Cornell is considered the "easiest" Ivy League to get into because it has the highest Ivy League acceptance rate. While statistically speaking, it's easier to get into Cornell, it's still challenging.
How much is Harvard tuition for 4 years?
Based on the 2023-24 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for on-campus students at Harvard University is $86,705 per year. This includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other on-campus expenses. Over four years, this would amount to approximately $346,820.
Which famous Indians went to Harvard?
Rahul Bajaj, the late Chairman Emeritus of Bajaj Group, also attended Harvard Business School for his postgraduate education. P. Chidambaram, an Indian politician and lawyer, obtained his MBA from Harvard University. Lastly, Subramanian Swamy, known for his roles in politics and economics, earned his PhD from Harvard.
How to get Harvard full ride?
Harvard will review your financial situation and determine your eligibility. Families with an annual income below $65,000 are not expected to contribute towards their child's tuition, and Harvard will cover the full cost of attendance including tuition, room, board, and other fees.
Which country students are most in Harvard?
Indeed, Americans make up nearly 80 percent of Harvard College students but comprise less than five percent of the world's population. Harvard is an internationally renowned university. Its name and impact are known across all seven continents.
How much does Harvard cost for an Indian?
Undergraduate Tuition Structure
The tuition for Harvard's undergraduate programs in 2025 is about $55,000 a year. This includes tuition and access to campus resources.
Has anyone gotten a full ride to Harvard?
Harvard has offered me full financial aid, as I got accepted and my family income falls below their $85,000 a year threshold. The financial aid covers not just tuition – it includes everything: food, housing, medical expenses, books, supplies, etc.
What GPA is required for Harvard?
GPA requirements for Harvard
At Harvard, the standard GPA is 4.18. (While some schools publish an unweighted GPA, most utilize a weighted GPA out of 4.0.) Harvard needs you to be at the top of your class with a GPA of 4.18. To compete with other applications, you'll need to receive almost all A's.
Can I go to Harvard if I'm poor?
What Does Harvard Cost? Harvard costs what your family can afford. We make sure of that. If your family's income is less than $85,000, you'll pay nothing.
What is the most race in Harvard?
The most common race/ethnicity at Harvard University is white (3,778 degrees awarded).
How many Indians go to Harvard every year?
And each year, anywhere from 500-800 Indian students and scholars study at Harvard.
Is Yale or Harvard harder to get into?
Yale has a slightly higher acceptance rate at 6.5%, compared to Harvard's 5.3%. Which university has a larger campus and student body? Harvard has a larger campus and student body.
What is the #1 college in the US?
The top 10 colleges in the US according to U.S. News' Best National University Rankings are: #1 Princeton University. #2 Columbia University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. #5 Yale University.
Is IIT harder than Harvard?
IITs boast a strong focus on practical applications and industry connections. Acceptance is highly competitive, with selection based solely on entrance exam scores. While IITs offer a more specialized educational experience than Harvard's liberal arts approach, the financial advantage is undeniable.