***Harvard has officially released their 2025-2026 prompts and essay questions on the Common App.
The following required five short answer questions invite you to reflect on and share how your life experiences and academic and extracurricular activities shaped you, how you will engage with others at Harvard, and your aspirations for the future. Each question can be answered in about 100 words.
If you’re applying to Harvard during the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, the supplemental essays will be one of the most important parts of your application. These questions are your chance to show Harvard who you are, what you care about, and why you belong on campus. They're intentionally designed to uncover the qualities, experiences, and perspectives the university values most. By offering authentic and meaningful responses, you’ll help the admissions committee imagine what kind of classmate, community member, and contributor you’d be as part of the Class of 2030.
Be specific
Don’t just say you’re passionate or curious about something. Show it. Use concrete examples and tell real stories—Harvard wants to understand the person behind the achievements.
Make each answer distinct
Each question is a chance to reveal something new. Remember that your Personal Statement essay from the Common App will also be reviewed together with the Harvard supplement. Try not to repeat themes across answers.
Make sure you are answering the question
This sounds obvious, but it’s a common pitfall. Take time to truly understand what each prompt is asking—and make sure your response clearly and directly addresses it.
Highlight positive qualities
While it can be beneficial to discuss challenges, failures, and personal growth, be mindful of the takeaway. If your essay leaves the reader questioning your judgment, character, or integrity, it could harm your admission chances. Ensure that even when discussing setbacks, the overall message is one that casts you in a positive light.
Use the maximum word count
Although the Harvard Admissions Office instructions say each question can be answered in about 100 words, I strongly recommend you to aim for the maximum of 150 words. It will already be challenging enough to get your message across in 150 words, you will need to use every word possible to get an effective response across.
Build a cohesive story
A strong narrative turns your application from a list of accomplishments into a memorable story about what drives you. It helps admissions officers understand not just what you’ve done, but why it matters — and where it’s all heading. Not sure what a narrative looks like? Check out this blog post!
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
***Harvard has officially released their 2025-2026 prompts and essay questions on the Common App.
The following required five short answer questions invite you to reflect on and share how your life experiences and academic and extracurricular activities shaped you, how you will engage with others at Harvard, and your aspirations for the future. Each question can be answered in about 100 words.
If you’re applying to Harvard during the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, the supplemental essays will be one of the most important parts of your application. These questions are your chance to show Harvard who you are, what you care about, and why you belong on campus. They're intentionally designed to uncover the qualities, experiences, and perspectives the university values most. By offering authentic and meaningful responses, you’ll help the admissions committee imagine what kind of classmate, community member, and contributor you’d be as part of the Class of 2030.
Be specific
Don’t just say you’re passionate or curious about something. Show it. Use concrete examples and tell real stories—Harvard wants to understand the person behind the achievements.
Make each answer distinct
Each question is a chance to reveal something new. Remember that your Personal Statement essay from the Common App will also be reviewed together with the Harvard supplement. Try not to repeat themes across answers.
Make sure you are answering the question
This sounds obvious, but it’s a common pitfall. Take time to truly understand what each prompt is asking—and make sure your response clearly and directly addresses it.
Highlight positive qualities
While it can be beneficial to discuss challenges, failures, and personal growth, be mindful of the takeaway. If your essay leaves the reader questioning your judgment, character, or integrity, it could harm your admission chances. Ensure that even when discussing setbacks, the overall message is one that casts you in a positive light.
Use the maximum word count
Although the Harvard Admissions Office instructions say each question can be answered in about 100 words, I strongly recommend you to aim for the maximum of 150 words. It will already be challenging enough to get your message across in 150 words, you will need to use every word possible to get an effective response across.
Build a cohesive story
A strong narrative turns your application from a list of accomplishments into a memorable story about what drives you. It helps admissions officers understand not just what you’ve done, but why it matters — and where it’s all heading. Not sure what a narrative looks like? Check out this blog post!
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University
As a College Counselor I help students navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to help students stand out and get accepted to their top-choice schools.