Admissions FAQ
  • What is a qualified applicant's likelihood for admission?
    • Our Ph.D. admissions are extremely competitive, so it is difficult to assess any qualified applicant's likelihood of admittance. A very large percentage of our applicants are qualified, yet we admit only about 10% of them.

  • What are the enrollment dates?
    • Enrollment is in September and the deadline is by December 15th of the previous calendar year.

  • Can I apply to two different GSAS degree programs at the same time?
    • Yes, but two separate applications (each with its own supporting letters of recommendation, transcript, GRE scores, etc.) need submitting. Each department will then independently consider the application. The applicant will need to decide which program to enroll in, if admission is granted to both. However, the applicant will be able to cross-register courses offered by the other program, so there is flexibility for the applicant to design a program that suits his/her needs and interests.

  • Is a Math or Stats major required for admission?
    • No, but it is helpful. An applicant should have the equivalent math background of Mathematics 21a and 21b (see Harvard course catalog), at minimum. Students who do not have that level may not compete well against undergraduate math or statistics majors in admissions and will struggle in the courses here.

  • Is the GRE Mathematics Subject Test required?
    • No, but some faculty do want to see the Math subject test score, although fewer and fewer applicants are taking it. It is strongly recommended to take it only if the applicant is confident of doing very, very well.

  • For how long are the GRE exam results valid?
    • Five years.

  • Does it matter if an applicant takes the PBT (paper-based test) or the CBT (computer-based test) GRE?

  • Can I send an unofficial GRE score in with my application in order to meet the application deadline?
    • Yes, you can send the unofficial GRE scores, which are available immediately, but also make sure to request that Educational Testing Services (ETS) send the official scores.

  • What are the guidelines for proficiency in the English language for an international applicant?

  • What is the GRE/TOEFL institution code for Harvard GSAS?
    • 3451

  • How much is tuition for a Ph.D. student?

  • Is Financial Aid available for Ph.D. students?
    • Yes. Virtually all Ph.D. students are fully supported with a combination of tuition and stipend grants and teaching and research assistantships. Ph.D. students are required to work part-time during the academic year as teaching fellows and research assistants.

  • Can spouses of international students work?
    • Spouses of international students may or may not be able to work depending on their Visa or the Visa of their spouse and depending on obtaining a work authorization, which is not automatically granted.

  • What is the cost of living in Boston/Cambridge?
    • The cost of living in Boston/Cambridge is high. For a single person, one should have a minimum of $1,800.00 per month. Here is more information.