Harvard essay prompts
2025-26verified Harvard University admissions
These are the most recent published prompts. Final 2026-27 supplements typically land by early August. These are the most recent prompts Kolly has verified for this school. Schools typically publish final 2026-27 supplements by early August; check the official source below before submitting.
Extracurriculars & Identity
Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are.
150 words max · Required
Roommate / Personal
Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.
150 words max · Required
Diversity & Contribution
Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a student body with a diversity of perspectives and experiences. How will the life experiences that shaped who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?
150 words max · Required
Disagreement & Engagement
Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue. How did you communicate or engage with this person? What did you learn from this experience?
150 words max · Required
Distinctive Background
Harvard has long recognized the importance of student body diversity of all kinds. We welcome you to write about distinctive aspects of your background, personal development or the intellectual interests you might bring to your Harvard classmates.
150 words max · Required
Intellectual Experience
Briefly describe an intellectual experience that was important to you.
150 words max · Required
Roommate Note
Top three things your roommates might like to know about you.
150 words max · Required
Future Aspirations
How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future?
150 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
Make your next draft count.
Common questions
- What are the Harvard essay prompts for 2025-26?
- Harvard lists Extracurriculars & Identity (1 prompt); Roommate / Personal (1 prompt); Diversity & Contribution (1 prompt); Disagreement & Engagement (1 prompt); Distinctive Background (1 prompt); Intellectual Experience (1 prompt); Roommate Note (1 prompt); Future Aspirations (1 prompt) for 2025-26.
- How many essays does Harvard require?
- Harvard requires 8 essays based on the published group instructions for 2025-26. The page lists 8 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the Harvard supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 150 words max.