Harvard Supplemental Essays 2024-2025: Required Short Answers
The University of Harvard can be said to be the oldest institution in the world. Not only is it one of the oldest, the admission process is one of the toughest.
Why is this so?
This is because you have a combined word count of 1000 words to write for just five questions. Also, you are competing with over 60,000 students for admission.
As the introduction suggests, the school adopts a supplementary question scheme to test the aspirants. Unfortunately, a great number of students fail these questions every year.
Thankfully, this article has been crafted to show you how to answer the supplemental questions in 2024.
Harvard Supplemental Questions
Harvard University aspirants are to answer a 200-word essay question. This essay question would be 5 in number. All you have to do is to express your thoughts within 200 words.
So, this would require you to be concise and straight to the point. The examiner would examine you based on the content structure. Ensure you do not use unnecessary mannerisms. Let’s get right into it with the questions
Essay Questions 1:
“Harvard has been known for being a distinguished institution with a diverse student body. How will the knowledge you have gathered enable you to contribute to this institution?”
This question wants to test your ability to think. It wants you to highlight what makes you special from every other person.
Ensure you think about the features that make you stand out. You could get these answers from your ethnicity or even your hometown. Consider an example.
Let’s say you are from an African home. You can easily write down the aspect of being an African that shaped you. Talking about a narrative you have had would give you an edge over everyone else. Once you have talked about your life experience, explain how this would shape your contribution to Harvard.
Essay Questions 2:
“Describe an intellectual encounter that was fundamental to you.”
Harvard University’s vision is to admit very brilliant aspirants. So, when answering this question, you do not need to worry about the structure of your content. Rather, focus on the relevance and importance of your subjects. For example, you can write about a mind-blowing research project you carried out.
You aim to reveal to the officers how you think. Ensure you begin by stating the reason you started the project. After that, you can talk about the experience you gained from the project. Talk about the things you would change the next time you would engage in the project. Do not forget to link your answer back to Harvard. Ensure you discuss the benefits you derived from Harvard that would make you a great addition to the institution.
Essay Question 3:
” Briefly describe any extracurricular events that have helped shape who you are.”
Ensure you list some of the extracurricular activities you have engaged in. Next, make sure you explain the reason you find them intriguing. Ensure you provide content that contains valuable information regarding your extracurricular activities. Explain it so the reader gains valuable information from your experience. Always highlight how these experiences have shaped your thinking today.
Essay Questions 4:
“How are you going to plan to put your Harvard knowledge in the future?”
Aha! This is an avenue to highlight your long-term objectives! Do well to talk about how Havard gas brought you closer to your desired goals. First, discuss any future goals you have been nurturing. This can typically include your career and life goals. Ensure you are very specific about these goals.
Second, connect these goals to your learning process at Harvard. You can highlight the specific courses Harvard offers that can enable you to reach your goals.
Essay Questions 5:
“What are the top three characteristics that your roommates may want to know about you?”
This is an opportunity to talk about yourself. As a start, you can think of your food, and hobbies you enjoy doing. You may also discuss your living routine. You can also discuss some good traits you may have. This question does not necessarily require you to be formal. You are allowed to be casual in this question.
What To Do After Applying To Harvard?
After answering the questions, the next step is to submit your application. This application should be carefully read to avoid errors. Continue showing your commitment to the school by prioritizing the institution’s brands. You can do this by:
– Regularly talk to the admission officer
– Make time for a personal tour
– Follow Havard on their Social Media platforms
FAQ
How do you answer Harvard University’s essay?
The majority of Harvard essay questions require a word count of 200. Of course, 200 words are not enough to discuss some points. Your answer needs to be concise and straight to the point. The objective is not to be aesthetic but to be specific.
How to answer why Harvard in an interview?
A well-informed answer is often preferable. This will show that you are very interested in the school. Do not start with a statement like ‘Havard is a big school’. You can talk about a course or discipline you find interesting. Do well to always link your answer to the school.
How to structure a Harvard essay?
Make your thesis statement captivating. Write it in a way that tells the reader the main point of the essay. The rest of the essay should just support it with facts.
Conclusion
Harvard University is a renowned institution for its teaching. The school has a wide student body comprising both international and local students. Make your essay worth the admission. Give it your best shot. Endeavour to leave out unnecessary mannerisms from your essay.
