School-Specific Guide
Harvard Supplemental Essays 2025-2026: How to Write Them
Everything you need to know about Harvard's supplemental essay—what they're looking for and how to deliver.
Harvard at a Glance
3.2%
Acceptance Rate
57,000+
Applications
Optional
Supplemental Essay
Nov 1 / Jan 1
REA / RD Deadlines
Harvard receives over 57,000 applications each year and admits roughly 3%. At these odds, every part of your application matters—including the supplemental essay.
The good news? Harvard's supplemental is "optional." The bad news? At Harvard, optional means expected. This guide covers exactly what Harvard is looking for and how to deliver.
The 2025-2026 Harvard Essay 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?"
This prompt is deceptively simple. It's asking two things:
- Who are you? What experiences have shaped your identity?
- What will you contribute? How will you add to Harvard's community?
Notice it says "life experiences," not achievements. Harvard isn't asking for another list of accomplishments—they want to understand your perspective and how you'll engage with their community.
What Harvard Actually Wants to See
Harvard's admissions office has stated they look for students who will be:
- Contributors to the community: Will you engage beyond academics?
- Intellectually curious: Do you pursue learning for its own sake?
- Good citizens: How will you treat your peers and community?
- Potential for growth: Will you take advantage of Harvard's resources?
Your essay should demonstrate at least one of these qualities through specific examples and experiences—not by claiming you have them.
Four Approaches That Work
1. The Perspective Approach
Focus on how your background gives you a unique way of seeing problems or ideas. What do you notice that others might miss?
Example angle: Growing up bilingual and how it shaped how you think about communication and translation— not just of languages, but of ideas between groups.
2. The Bridge-Builder Approach
Show how you connect different worlds, ideas, or communities. Harvard values students who can facilitate dialogue.
Example angle: Navigating between two cultures at home and how that's made you skilled at helping people understand each other.
3. The Deep Dive Approach
Focus on one specific interest or passion and show the depth of your engagement. Harvard wants students who go deep, not just wide.
Example angle: Your obsession with a niche topic and how you'll bring that intellectual energy to seminars, dining halls, and late-night conversations.
4. The Values Approach
Highlight a core value that drives you and show how it will shape your engagement with Harvard's community.
Example angle: Your commitment to making knowledge accessible and how you'll contribute to peer tutoring, study groups, or community education.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Repeating your Common App essay
Harvard wants new information. Use this space to show a different dimension of yourself.
Listing achievements
They already have your resume. Focus on experiences and perspective, not accomplishments.
Generic "diversity" statements
Don't just claim you'll "bring diversity." Show specifically how your perspective is unique.
Flattering Harvard
They know they're good. Don't waste words explaining why Harvard is prestigious.
Writing Tips for Harvard
- Be specific about contribution. Don't say "I'll contribute to discussions." Say "I'll bring my experience organizing youth climate protests to the Environmental Action Committee."
- Show intellectual depth. Harvard wants students who think deeply. Demonstrate complexity in how you approach ideas.
- Connect past to future. Your experiences should clearly link to how you'll engage at Harvard.
- Research Harvard resources. Mention specific programs, clubs, or opportunities that connect to your interests. This shows you've done your homework.
- Keep it concise. There's no strict word limit, but 200-300 words is typical. Every word should earn its place.