So you want to apply to Harvard? Here’s how to craft the best possible responses to Harvard’s supplemental prompts! The prompt: Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard? (Max 150 words) What the Prompt is About: Although it doesn’t say it directly, this is kind of like Harvard’s “community” prompt, where they want to know how your unique background will positively impact Harvard students and faculty. Tips: Be introspective. Take some time to evaluate your recent academic and/or life experiences, and think about the ones that have impacted you positively. What skills have you learned, and how can you see yourself using them at Harvard? Research. Be sure to research Harvard’s research opportunities, clubs and organizations, and course offerings. Think about ways you could creatively take part in these areas and think about the lasting impact you would have on Harvard. The prompt: Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue. How did you communicate or engage with this person? What did you learn from this experience? (Max 150 words) What the Prompt is About: For this prompt, Harvard is curious about how you interact with differing perspectives and how you grow from these interactions. They’re also interested in what you care about and the beliefs you’re willing to defend against others. Tips: Select a high-stakes example. As you review times in your life when you strongly disagreed with someone, try not to pick a time when you argued over peanut butter and jelly versus peanut butter and Nutella. Instead, think about moments when you had debates about issues related to gender, sexuality, politics, equality, and/or religion. Do not limit yourself to these topics, but try to use an example that expresses your perspective on major issues that impact us today. End on a positive note. Even if you ended up fundamentally disagreeing with someone in your example, think about the positive implications of “agreeing to disagree.” Harvard is interested in your “growth mentality,” or how you learn from conflicts. The prompt: Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are. (Max 150 words) What the Prompt is About: This prompt is pretty straightforward. It’s asking why you’ve chosen to participate in your extracurriculars, jobs, travels, or any family responsibilities and how they have impacted you in the long term. Tips: Pick 1-2 activities. Remember, Harvard isn’t asking for your resume—rather, pick one to two of the most important activities/responsibilities you have and describe them in detail. Highlight your character strengths. Think about some of your most important character traits and relate them to your activities. So, if you’re an ambitious person, maybe you can describe how your internship at a local business has helped you build your work ethic and set goals for yourself. The prompt: How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future? (Max 150 words) What the Prompt is About: Again, Harvard isn’t speaking in code here. Something to keep in mind, however, is that they might want to know about your five to ten-year plan. Where do you see yourself, and how will going to Harvard help you get there? Tips: Clearly outline your future. Harvard is looking for motivated, passionate students who know exactly what they want in life. While the reality is that your plans may, and will, definitely change, they still want to know where you see yourself at the moment. Be as specific about your career and educational goals as possible. Know what you want from Harvard. Think carefully about why exactly you want to attend Harvard and what career/academic opportunities you hope to gain from the experiences you acquire there. The prompt: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you. (Max 150 words) What the Prompt is About: This is a fun “personality” prompt where you’re basically defining yourself using three personality traits, quirks, or interests unique to you! Tips: Be creative! Try not to write that you like to sleep with the light off and no music on. Instead, think about the fun activities you’d like to enjoy with your roommate—do you want to stay up late every Tuesday night and try cuisines from all over the world? Think fun and positive! Be friendly! Don’t come across as a strict, totalitarian roomie. Instead, list your best personality traits and explain how your roommate will benefit from them.
