FAQ Admissions

Does the Department offer a Master's Degree?

• No, we only offer a Ph.D. degree.

Should I contact faculty before I apply?

• Contacting faculty prior to application is not necessary or recommended. Faculty receive hundreds of emails from prospective students and regret that they are unable to respond to all inquiries. Prospective students are encouraged to learn about faculty research via the faculty webpages.

Does the department offer advice regarding undergradute course selection?

• We are not able to advise applicants about course selection. We encourage you to meet with your current academic advisors as they can better assist you.  
  

What is the TOEFL requirement?

• Applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold the equivalent of a US Bachelor degree from an institution at which English is the language of instruction must submit scores from the Internet based test (IBT) of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 80 on the Internet based test (IBT) on the TOEFL is required for consideration by the Graduate School.

What code should I use to report the TOEFL score?

• When requesting official score reports, indicate the receiving institution as Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Code 3451. If an “Applicant’s Score Confirmation Report” is available, scan and upload a copy, attaching it to your online application. However, the official institutional score report sent by ETS to GSAS is still required.
  

How long does should the Statement of Purpose be?

• The statement of purpose should be approximately two pages single spaced or three to four pages double spaced.

Can I submit more than three letters of recommendation?

• Yes, however the on-line application will only allow you to submit up to four.

Can I submit transcripts after the deadline with my fall grades?

• Yes, transcripts can be mailed directly to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
  

Do you accept the GMAT in place of GRE?

• No, we only accept the GRE.

Do you require a writing sample?

• No, we do not require a writing sample but you can include one if you woud like.

Does the department accept transfer credits?

• No, we do not accept coursework which was previously completed at another University.

If I am admitted to the program, can I defer my acceptance?

• We do not generally encourage deferrals, however each situation is reviewed carefully and if appropriate, one can be granted.