How to Get into Harvard Medical School?
Are you studying premedical and have eyes on Harvard Medical School but have no idea how to get into Harvard Medical School? If yes, then this article is for you. Today, we will guide you on how to get into this highly competitive medical school and secure a spot for yourself.
Pursuing a medical degree at Harvard Medical School (HMS) is the dream of many students, but due to its academic standards, only a few get through its challenging application process. Fear not; we are here to help you out. Read this guide to learn how to improve your chances of getting into Harvard Medical School.
Harvard Medical School is one of the best medical schools in the world and receives numerous applications every year, but this school accepts only a few of them to maintain its reputation. So, if you want to get into Harvard Medical School, you need to understand the application process and how to submit an application that matches the standards of Harvard Medical School. The factors on which the committee selects the candidates to pursue medical at Harvard Medical School are:
- Academic records.
- Exemplary extracurricular activities.
- Applicant’s essay.
- MCAT score.
- Letter of recommendation.
- Life experiences.
- Commitment to community services.
- Summer occupations.
Take notes and ensure your application covers all these points if you want to get into Harvard Medical School. Let’s discuss these factors in detail to be fully prepared beforehand to understand what makes a candidate’s application competitive and just right for HMS.
I will discuss the points that helped me get into Harvard Medical School. I am sure you will find these helpful, too.
Academic Excellence
Studying medicine at Harvard Medical School was my dream, and I knew they only accept candidates who have an exceptional academic record, and I had to maintain high academic performance to make myself worthy of HMS. So, if you want to get into Harvard Medical School, ensure your educational foundation is strong and you get a competitive GPA.
I remember when I was trying to get into Harvard Medical School, they didn’t accept an application below a 3.9 GPA out of 4.0. I must say completion is really high here.
MCAT Score
Apart from an excellent academic background, it would be best if you also aced the MCAT; only then will you have a chance to get into Harvard Medical School. This test determines a candidate’s intellectual ability, medical knowledge, and skills to be a future Doctor.
520 MCAT score may seem high, but it’s the average score one can get in the MCAT to show exceptional intellectual and medical knowledge to the committee of Harvard Medical School. Many applicants score even higher than the average. You need to work hard and score better if you want to get into HMS.
Life Experience
Another factor that makes Harvard Medical School applicants a strong candidate for the school is their research and clinical experience. Before submitting my HMS application, I prepared myself to pass all their selection factors, which is why I participated in several research projects and internships. If you have any real-life experience in the medical field or healthcare centers, make sure you add it to your application to show your commitment and dedication to the medical field.
Extracurricular Activities
Harvard indeed puts great emphasis on impressive academic background, but that does not mean they are looking for bookworms. An ideal candidate for the Harvard Medical School is one who sets exemplary extracurricular records without compromising on studies.
These activities develop leadership skills, organization skills, prioritizing others, dedication, etc., which are highly needed in a person involved in medicine. Books can not teach you these qualities, which is why Harvard Medical School looks for candidates who balance studies and extracurricular activities side by side.
Personal Statement and Letter of Recommendation
Congratulations! If you are good at studies and extracurricular activities, you are very close to getting your application accepted at Harvard Medical School, but this is not enough. You need to persuade the authorities that you are perfect for HMS and fulfill all their selection criteria. Don’t worry; I will tell you how I did and got into Harvard Medical School.
First, you will need a compelling and motivating personal statement that shows your passion for medicine and why you are interested in pursuing your career at HMS. Ensure your statement aligns with the vision and mission of Harvard Medical School. Furthermore, you will need to obtain two highly compelling recommendation letters from your previous professors reflecting your academic abilities, character, and work ethic.
Is It Hard to Get Into Harvard Medical School?
If you have read this article up till now, you must have gotten the idea Harvard Medical School’s application process requires a lot of effort and carefulness, so yeah, getting into Harvard Medical School is challenging. Even if you fulfill all the selection factors and eligibility criteria, there is no guarantee you will get admission here. Here’s why.
- The acceptance rate is less than 4%, and comparing it with the applications they receive, it is hard to make an application stand out from others.
- US reports say Harvard Medical School is among the 20 hardest schools to get admission nationwide.
Tips to Get Admission into Harvard Medical School
The struggle and journey of getting into HMS does not end with application submission. I want to share valuable tips with those passionate about studying medicine at Harvard Medical School. Therefore, if you wish to get into Harvard Medical School, try the following bonus tips to make your application better than others.
- Before applying, research and understand the institute’s values, culture, and characteristic preferences to tailor your admission application to align with institute selection factors.
- Build a compelling application highlighting all your achievements, including your excellent academic records, extracurricular activities, community work, experiences, future plans, and passion for medicine.
- Seek help from your professors and mentors. They will guide you on how to make it more appealing and impressive for the admission committee members of Harvard Medical School.
- Try to submit your application as soon as possible when admission opens because the application number is low at that time, and these applications receive slightly greater attention than those who submit admission applications on the end dates.
- Plan your finances so you do not have to stress about your school’s academic expenses and tuition fees if your application gets accepted and you fully concentrate on your studies.
- The admission committee of Harvard Medical School also sends interview invitations after reviewing the applications carefully. If your application has everything they are looking for and they find an X factor, you will be a standout candidate for HMS. There is a high chance you will receive an interview letter from Harvard Medical School, so prepare for the interview by searching for potential questions and their responses to prove yourself.
What GPA do you need to get into Harvard Medical School?
Harvard Medical School is known for its high academic standards, and to get into this school, you should maintain an outstanding academic record. According to reports and previous results, on average, at least a 3.9 GPA is required to get admission to Harvard Medical School.
Does Harvard accept MBBS?
Yes, Harvard accepts applications for MBBS, but only 6% of the applications Harvard Medical School receives each year are accepted. It is one of the highly competitive medical schools. Even highly intellectual individuals have difficulty getting admission to Harvard Medical School.
How hard is it to get into Harvard Medical School?
Getting into Harvard Medical School is not hard; it is formidable. It is ranked among the 20 hardest medical schools to gain admission to, and the admission committee here is highly selective. You need to be an all-rounder to get into Harvard University.
What is the MCAT score for Harvard?
The average score for the MCAT for Harvard is 520.
Can I do an MBBS at Harvard after the 12th?
No, you can not do MBBS after the 12th at Harvard. Although many countries accept MBBS applications after the 12th, Harvard is not one of them. You should at least get a bachelor’s degree to apply and get admission to MBBS at Harvard.
Which is the top 1 medical college in the world?
According to the medical college ranking reports, Harvard University is ranked #1 worldwide for the top medical college.
Getting into Harvard Medical School is undoubtedly challenging because of its high academic standards and reputation. However, with thorough research, excellent educational background, exemplary extracurricular participation, and passion for medicine, you stand a chance to get admission to Harvard Medical School. Moreover, these points will boost your application and make you stand out from other applicants.
Make sure your application aligns with all their requirements, and still, if you get stuck somewhere, feel free to get help from this guide. Be extraordinary, and you will definitely get into Harvard Medical School. Good Luck.