Reviewed by:
Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Reviewed: 3/26/24
Want to learn how to get into the number one medical school? Read on for expert tips to getting your Harvard Medical School acceptance letter.
Harvard Medical School is known as one of the most prestigious universities in the world. But Harvard premed is hard to get into. It takes time, effort, patience, and mastery of the application process. We’re to help you with all of that and more.
In this article, we’ll provide useful tips to help you navigate the hurdles ahead. Perseverance pays off. The challenges may seem like an endless road, but with determination and preparation, you can succeed.
Harvard’s course requirements combine modern medicine with other fields of science like technology. Premed students wanting to receive an education at Harvard Medical School should take their prerequisites to meet the minimum barrier of entry.
The good news is, there is no required premed major. However, there are premed majors we strongly recommend as they’ll help you grasp important concepts in medical school, especially one with a rigorous courseload like Harvard.
Harvard’s premed blue book can help you navigate the entire process and ensure you take the right courses. Use it as your timeline and guide for Harvard premed. Let's take a look at the most common premed requirements and the courses associated with them.
Fulfilling the requirements for Harvard premed students involves careful planning and active participation. With Harvard's support and resources, students can confidently navigate their journey toward a rewarding career in medicine.
If you’re struggling to build your Harvard Medical School application Inspira Advantage offers comprehensive support for premed admissions. Many of our admissions counselors have over 15 years of experience helping students like you succeed as a Harvard premed.
"A bachelor’s degree is a must. Harvard Medical School does not have specific prerequisite courses, but they recommend a strong foundation in the Natural Sciences and a broad liberal arts education." – Shea, Admissions Counselor at Inspira Advantage
The average GPA for Harvard premeds is 3.9. To ensure you meet this, use support services, take summer classes for balance, plan ahead, and stay flexible with your schedule.
Harvard offers various support systems, including the Harvard Office of Career Services (OCS), pre-health peer liaisons, and house premedical tutors. Take advantage of these resources to manage your workload effectively.
Balancing your major coursework with premed requirements can be overwhelming. Spread out your commitments by taking summer classes, allowing you more time to focus on both without feeling overwhelmed.
Develop a comprehensive plan before each academic year begins. If you aim to apply to medical school during your junior year, plan accordingly and adjust your strategy as needed to stay on track.
While it's important to remain dedicated to your goal of becoming a doctor, be open to adjusting your schedule. If the workload becomes overwhelming, gain hands-on experience to alleviate the academic pressure.
"The average GPA of an accepted student is around 3.9, therefore it’s essential to study hard and excel in your undergraduate coursework to demonstrate your academic excellence." – Shea, Admissions Counselor at Inspira Advantage
The best time to take the MCAT for Harvard premed is the summer before your application year (around June–August). That means if you’re applying for Harvard in 2025, you should have taken the MCAT in the summer of 2024.
For those looking for additional resources as a Harvard premed applicant, the Office of Career Services provides one-on-one advising for every aspect of the premed program.
Harvard also offers a Pre-Health 101 Orientation, which is designed to help first-years navigate their premed journey. Students should take advantage of this orientation if they’re worried about upcoming years. If you cannot attend the orientation, Harvard provides a session recording, though we recommend attending if possible.
Harvard premeds can also make use of several organizations to aid in their journey. Below is an overview of the resources you can choose from.
Harvard has an affinity for extracurricular activities. Students should prioritize seeking out impactful learning opportunities to succeed as a Harvard premed. These experiences help you grow as an individual in the field you want to pursue and are thus vital to your intellectual and career development.
"Volunteering at healthcare organizations, conducting research, participating in student organizations, and taking on leadership roles are excellent ways to showcase your commitment and contribution to the medical field." – Shea, Admissions Counselor at Inspira Advantage
Finding good volunteering opportunities is just one piece of the Harvard premed puzzle. Thankfully, Harvard helps connect students with valuable volunteering opportunities. There are many to choose from, so pick an opportunity or two that resonates with you. Highlighting your volunteer work will be a key step in your medical school application, so choose wisely.
Here’s a breakdown of just some of the volunteering opportunities Harvard recommends:
Maybe you’re looking for research opportunities or summer programs. Harvard has recommendations for those, too. We highly recommend choosing from Harvard’s suggestions as they are some of the best opportunities in the field of medicine. This will help you build a competitive application for med school when you get there.
Here are just some opportunities you can choose from.
Shadowing experiences provide premeds with a look at the actual job. If you’re hoping for a long career in medicine, this is the best way to ensure you’re making the right choice.
Firsthand exposure is one of the best ways to grasp new concepts. We recommend shadowing experiences for every premed, but especially if you learn well by doing hands-on work. Harvard also provides a list of shadowing opportunities that they recommend.
"Shadowing is a great opportunity to explore different specialties, build relationships with clinicians, and gain letters of recommendation. It’s helpful to ask for a letter at the end of the summer if it’s a few years before you apply." – Neil Jairath, Former Admissions Officer at the University of Michigan
For many of these shadowing opportunities, you are learning from some of the most seasoned professionals in the industry. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of doctors, nurses, technicians, and more. What more could you ask for?
Students can access shadowing opportunities through many channels, including connections with healthcare professionals in their hometowns, leveraging existing contacts such as professors or researchers who work with physicians, and resources provided by Harvard itself.
The Harvard Alumni Association and platforms like Firsthand Advisors offer avenues for students to connect with alumni who can provide shadowing opportunities and mentorship.
Additionally, student groups like the Harvard Premedical Society and programs such as the Harvard BIOME program and the Harvard Athlete Medical Mentoring Program (AMMP) offer structured shadowing experiences tailored to premed students' needs and interests.
As you work through your shadowing experience, keep a journal or diary and track your thoughts on everything you do. By doing so, you’ll understand if this is truly the field for you, and you’ll also have a record to refer back to when you apply to medical school.
To get your highly coveted acceptance letter to Harvard Medical School, you’ll need to reaffirm that you’re a competitive applicant. This can be done through a variety of steps, which we’ll explore in detail below.
With an acceptance rate of just 2.4%, Harvard is extremely particular on who they let in, which is why it’s imperative that you stand out from the crowd. Here’s how it’s done.
Harvard Medical School consistently attracts students with an exceptional academic record every year. They're looking for near-perfect GPAs and MCAT scores, with accepted students boasting an average GPA of 3.94 and an MCAT score of 520. If your grades are not competitive, consider retaking courses or enrolling in post-baccalaureate programs to improve your academic standing.
Prepare extensively for the MCAT, aiming for scores between 129 and 130 in each section. Dedicate lots of time to studying, particularly for the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section, where scoring around 128 is vital.
Practice with MCAT CARS resources and take our MCAT practice test to ensure nothing is a surprise on test day. Retake the MCAT if necessary, as scores are only accepted within the last three years.
Harvard values your essays, so make sure they stand out. Get help from medical school advisors to craft compelling essays that show why you're a great fit for medicine.
Did you know Inspira Advantage offers essay examples and responses? Here is an example taken from our database.
Prompt: “If you have already graduated, briefly summarize your activities since graduation. (4000 characters)”
Answer: After graduating, I decided to get some real-life experience before going to medical school. I was lucky to have a job lined up after graduation, working in a medical laboratory. I volunteered as I pursued my undergraduate degree and gained professional experience as an office assistant.
The medical laboratory was in a research facility that tested new drugs at various stages of development. I was able to observe how the researchers started their experimental drug trials and shared their disappointment if something had an unexpected result. It felt as though I was on the cutting edge of medical research, and that perhaps one day, I would be prescribing these drugs to my patients.
Though my job was mainly assisting the researchers, I was able to learn a lot about the importance of medical research and how certain drugs, when made available to the public, could change lives. I loved hearing about the different studies that were going on in the laboratory, and it inspired me to do my best.
When I wasn’t working, I was able to volunteer at a local children’s hospital. I spent a lot of time with the patients and gave their parents a much needed break. This volunteer opportunity allowed me to learn a lot about what it is like to be a patient and how difficult it can be when a loved one is in the hospital.
During my time as a volunteer, I got to know some of the children who were there receiving cancer treatments. One of these patients had a huge impact on my perspective on medical care, including the difficulties our system is currently facing.
This child was often left alone in the hospital, as their parents both had to work in order to pay for the treatments. I was at the hospital once a week and would always check in on my little friend during their six-week stay.
Though we mainly played video games, I knew my visits had a great impact on their mental health; they were often left alone for long periods of time. Their parents did everything they could to get them excellent care, but the hardship of their condition was still palpable.
Having the time to see what patients and their families go through when disease strikes made my resolve to become the best doctor I can even stronger. I don’t think I will ever forget the children I met during this experience. It will always remind me to put the care of the patient at the forefront of everything I do.
As a medical school hopeful, I was also able to spend some time shadowing a local family doctor, Dr. Alice Richardson. Dr. Richardson was a friend of my parents and offered me this opportunity when she found out I was applying to medical school.
The clinic she works in is located in the suburbs and is multidisciplinary; she works with other general practitioners, as well as two chiropractors and an osteopath. They try to work as a team and often refer clients to each other, if there is a need for consultation.
Dr. Richardson was very patient with me. I asked many questions about her experience and passion for medicine. I learned that working in a multidisciplinary practice can be both challenging and rewarding. I could see that she worked hard at making sure that her patients got the best care, no matter what type of specialist they may need. She always went the extra mile to make sure her patients were healthy.
My time between graduating and today has been very valuable. I have learned a lot about the medical profession, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow within medical school and beyond.
This sample response is just one way to articulate your story to the admissions committee. Remember, Harvard wants to hear from you. Avoid telling a story you think they want to hear, and definitely avoid using someone else’s words.
You must submit your essays before the deadline. A good way to remember the date is by recording it in your phone or journal and set a reminder notifcation one week prior to the deadline.
"Your story needs to be something that is unique to you and the activities that you choose need to make sense for that story. The art of applying to medical school is threading the needle through everything that you've done during your undergraduate career." – Aditya, Admissions Counselor at Inspira Advantage
Get involved in extracurriculars, community service, research, and healthcare experiences. Show you're a leader, care about others, and have the maturity and empathy Harvard is looking for. Your activities should demonstrate your dedication to making a positive impact on the world around you.
If you're applying to the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST) or the MD/PhD program, make sure your essays are a perfect fit.
Highlight your quantitative and analytic skills, research interests, and career goals that align with what these programs are all about. Show them you're ready to dive deep into cutting-edge research and make a real impact in the field.
Make sure to get solid recommendation letters that really speak to your academic skills, character, and suitability for med school. Pick recommenders who know you inside out and can give a deep dive into why you're a great fit for a career in medicine.
If you’re selected for an interview, get ready to talk about why you want to be a doctor, what you've done so far, and where you're headed. Practice answering typical interview questions and be ready to brag about your grades, activities, and how much you care about helping people. They want to see your passion and dedication, so make sure it shines through.
By refining all the elements that make a competitive application, you’re setting yourself apart from the crowd. When you’re up against a 2.4% acceptance rate, every advantage helps.
The Harvard Medical School admission process offers both Pathways and HST, as well as the MD-PhD combined degree tracks. Students can decide between either track or both before they apply to medical school.
The Pathways track is easily the most popular choice as it admits 135 students annually. You will immediately begin learning the foundation to study medicine, including fundamentals of anatomy, histology, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology; genetics; immunology; and introductory pharmacologic principles; the fundamental social and population sciences.
On the other hand, the HST (Health Sciences and Technology) track is for students interested in the technology aspect of medicine and only admits 30 students per year. You’ll learn all the aspects of academic medicine and clinical care. Courses in this track will focus on biological, chemical, physical and engineering sciences and you’ll have the opportunity to work with Harvard and MIT faculty on your own groundbreaking research.
To apply, visit the AMCAS and submit your application by October. All applicants will receive the HMS Supplemental Application link. There is an application fee of $100.
We highly recommend submitting your application early so that the admissions board has more than enough time to review your application thoroughly. AMCAS should receive your letters of recommendation by October.
Interview notifications will be sent by mid-January. If you get selected for an interview, ensure you prepare well in advance to answer all the questions confidently. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, all interviews will be conducted virtually, so there’s no need to visit the campus.
Once you finish your interviews, the admissions board will carefully review all aspects of your application. Final decisions will be sent to all applicants by the third week of March.
Applicants should understand the tracks, submit complete applications early, and prepare thoroughly for interviews to gain a competitive edge.
The Harvard Premed acceptance rate is less than 2.16%, making it one of the most competitive Ivy League medical schools globally. There are slightly higher rates for in-state applicants at 3.43% compared to out-of-state at 2.1% and international at 1.63%.
The average accepted GPA is 3.94, while the average accepted MCAT score is 520. Out of 6,986 applications received, 789 candidates were granted interviews. The incoming class comprises 164 students, with 135 enrolled in the Pathways track, 29 in HST, and 15 in the MD-PhD program.
Financial aid is provided to 71% of students, with an average annual scholarship of $59,915 and a range from $2,439 to $102,425. The average MCAT scores by section are BBFL 130.24, CARS 129.08, CPBS 130.41, PSBB 130.86, totaling 520.59.
Additionally, 24% of students come from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine, with ages ranging from 21 to 29. The student body is comprised of 56% female, 42% male, and 2% with a different identity. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.9, representing 64 different colleges, 36 states, and 6 countries, with 58% majoring in science.
Harvard premed students benefit from access to intensive coursework that prepares them for the MCAT and medical school curriculum. Additionally, they can participate in elite research opportunities on campus and often increase their GPA. For extracurricular activities, Harvard students can participate in research with top faculty, volunteer clinically at hospitals like Massachusetts General, and hold leadership roles in student organizations.
Harvard students can often secure strong endorsements from well-known professors, as well as from physicians at Harvard-affiliated hospitals. The Harvard name itself shouldn’t be discounted; it carries significant weight and may lead to increased consideration from admissions committees across various medical schools.
Harvard premeds can easily connect with a pool of alumni networking opportunities in medicine, which can provide expert mentorship and advice throughout their entire application.
The Harvard Premed acceptance rate is less than 2.4%, making it one of the most competitive Ivy League medical schools globally. There are slightly higher rates for in-state applicants at 3.2% compared to out-of-state applicants at 2.4% and international applicants at 1.6%.
Looking at Harvard’s recent admissions profile, we can determine from the acceptance rate of premed Harvard students that an impressive academic profile can help you walk the halls. The average accepted GPA is 3.94, while the average accepted MCAT score is 520. So why not aim higher?
Out of 6,856 applications received, 757 candidates were granted interviews. And of these 757 candidates, the incoming class comprises just 165 students, with 135 enrolled in the Pathways track, 30 in HST, and 14 in the MD-PhD program.
That means 592 students never made it beyond the interview stage. We recommend preparing thoroughly to speak with the admissions board and confidently explain why you’d make a good candidate over anyone else.
If you’re struggling to fund your education, you’re not alone. Financial aid is provided to 72% of students, with an average annual scholarship of $60,403. Finding the right scholarships that you have a good chance of receiving can relieve the financial burden during your studies.
It’s no secret that a competitive MCAT score is necessary for Harvard. The average MCAT scores by section are BBFL 130.31, CARS 128.84, CPBS 130.41, PSBB 130.86, totaling 520.42. That means you must stick to an extensive MCAT study schedule to get a competitive score.
Additionally, 17% of students come from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine, with ages ranging from 21 to 34. The student body is comprised of 60% female, 38% male, and 2% with a different identity.
If you have read through our article completely and still have questions, we’ll hope to answer them below.
While not explicitly required, clinical experience is highly valued and expected by HMS admissions. It demonstrates your commitment to medicine and understanding of the healthcare field.
Yes, international students can apply to Harvard College as premed students. However, for medical school admission, international applicants face additional challenges and requirements.
Extracurricular activities are very important for medical school applications. They demonstrate your leadership skills, commitment to service, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities alongside academics.
Succeeding as a Harvard premed boils down to staying informed, motivated, and making the most of the experience. By staying on top of requirements, relying on the resources at your disposal, and diving into activities outside the classroom, you'll be well-prepared for the journey ahead. So, keep pushing forward and chasing those medical school dreams!
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