Harvard University, located in Massachusetts, is the oldest college in the United States. Famous for its large endowment, expansive library, and alumni that include countless presidents and billionaires, Harvard represents the pinnacle of American higher education.

Thinking of transferring to Harvard? You’re not alone, and you’re facing some of the toughest odds in higher education. Harvard’s transfer acceptance rate has plummeted in recent years, now sitting at an all-time low.

On average, Harvard grants admission to 12 transfer students annually, which makes up for less than 1% of those who submitted a transfer application.

Harvard Transfer Acceptance Rate: The Last 5 Years

Harvard’s transfer acceptance rate has barely fluctuated in recent years, staying around 0.8-1.2%:

2023-2024: 0.8%
2022-2023: 0.86%
2021-2022: 0.8%
2020-2021: 1.24%
2019-2020: 1.10%

Harvard 2023-2024 Transfer Acceptance Rate

For the 2023-2024 transfer cycle, Harvard University received 1,892 applications and offered admission to just 15 applicants, resulting in a transfer rate of only 0.8%!

Harvard 2022-2023 Transfer Acceptance Rate

For the 2022-2023 transfer cycle at Harvard University, there were 1,735 applicants, and the university extended admission offers to 15 of them. As a result, the final transfer acceptance rate ended up being just 0.86%.

Harvard 2021-2022 Transfer Acceptance Rate

In the fall of 2021, the university received 1,957 transfer applications and accepted 16 students, amounting to a Harvard acceptance rate of transfer students of 0.8%.

To sum up, each year, the school takes 12 or so total students via transfer out of the approximately 1,500 who apply. Therefore, the Harvard University transfer acceptance rate is actually way more competitive than its freshman admission rate of approximately 3.4%.

Harvard 2020-2021 Transfer Acceptance Rate

For the 2020-2021 transfer cycle, Harvard University admitted students at a rate of 1.24%, representing a slight increase from the previous year.

This uptick was likely influenced by the unique circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on higher education transfer patterns.

Harvard 2019-2020 Transfer Acceptance Rate

In the 2019-2020 academic year, Harvard’s transfer acceptance rate was 1.10%, maintaining the university’s characteristically low admission rates for transfer students while remaining consistent with historical patterns.

Harvard Transfer Deadline and Decision Date

You should immediately mark these critical dates. The final date to submit your application for transferring is March 1. Harvard transfer deadlines are firm and allow no exceptions.

Annual Timeline (dates remain consistent each year):

Application Opens: August 1st
Transfer deadline: March 1st (11:59 PM EST)
Financial Aid Deadline: March 1st
Harvard transfer decision date: By June (You will be notified in June at the latest, although in some cases, applicants are notified earlier than that)
Reply Deadline: July 1st

Keep in mind that if you are accepted as a transfer student, you will not be allowed to defer your attendance, no matter the circumstance. Harvard does not offer spring transfers; admitted students must enroll in the fall semester.

Harvard Transfer Supplemental Essay Overview

All Harvard transfer applicants will have to answer the following prompts:

Please provide a statement (250-650 words) that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve.
Did any time elapse between high school and college, or have you left any school or college voluntarily for an extended period of time? (3,000 characters or fewer)
Briefly, please indicate the most influential factors in your decision to attend your present college (for example, location, cost, size of student body, only option, special program offered, Early Decision plan, etc.) (3,000 characters or fewer)
What alternatives to transferring to Harvard are you considering? (3,000 characters or fewer)
Please indicate your field of specialization and briefly outline your academic plans at Harvard College. (3,000 characters or fewer)
What are your current postgraduate/career plans? (3,000 characters or fewer)
Briefly discuss one book that has strongly influenced you. (3,000 characters or fewer)

Pro tip: The “reasons for transfer” essay is where most applicants struggle. Generic responses about Harvard’s “prestige” won’t cut it. You need to demonstrate specific knowledge of Harvard’s programs, faculty research, or unique opportunities that align with your goals.

Academic Requirements to Transfer to Harvard

Harvard’s transfer admissions process evaluates candidates holistically, but academic excellence remains the foundation of any competitive application.

While the university doesn’t publish specific minimum requirements, successful transfer applicants consistently demonstrate exceptional performance across several key academic areas.

Harvard Transfer GPA Requirements

Unfortunately, the university does not disclose the average GPA for accepted transfer students. However, from our experience working with successful applicants, Harvard transfer requires a GPA of 3.9 or higher.

This is not to say that your chances are nonexistent if your GPA falls below that mark, but having a 3.9 or above will give you the best chance of being accepted.

Minimum realistic GPA: 3.9+
Most competitive range: 3.95-4.0
Course rigor: Challenging coursework that demonstrates intellectual curiosity

Requirement	Who Needs It	Format	Notes
Course Rigor	All applicants	Advanced coursework	Includes AP, IB, Honors, or upper-level college courses.
Standardized Test Scores	Optional (through 2030)	Official scores if submitted	Strong SAT/ACT scores may still strengthen your app.
College Coursework	All applicants	At least 1 full-time year	Must complete at least 1 year before applying.
Bachelor’s Degree Status	All applicants	Must not hold a BA	If you already earned a degree, you’re not eligible.
Program Type	All applicants	Liberal arts only	Vocational, online, and performance programs are not eligible.
Time at Harvard	All applicants	2+ full-time years required	You must complete at least 4 terms at Harvard post-transfer.
High School Transcript	All applicants	Official transcript	Sent directly from your high school.
Mid-Term Report	If currently enrolled	Common App form	Required if your current semester is in progress.
Essays	All applicants	Common App + Harvard Supplement	Personal, reflective, and tailored to Harvard’s environment.
Academic Fit	All applicants	Evaluated holistically	Harvard values intellectual curiosity and liberal arts alignment.

Standardized Testing

Harvard has pushed back their standardized test score requirement for admission until 2030. Although students won’t have to send in SAT scores as part of the Harvard transfer requirements, it is still recommended that they do so if available and competitive.

Eligibility Requirements

Students are eligible to transfer only from a liberal arts curriculum that is similar to Harvard’s. Candidates whose education has been in a vocational, professional, technical, online, extension, or performance program will not ordinarily qualify for transfer admission.

Additional requirements include:

College Official’s Report (from current institution)
Mid-term Report (current semester grades)
Two Faculty Recommendations (from current college professors)
Official college and high school transcripts

Harvard values intellectual curiosity over pre-professional training. They want students who will thrive in their liberal arts environment. Therefore, academic fit is crucial.

Is Harvard Need-Blind for Transfer Students?

Harvard University is need-blind for both domestic and international transfer students, meaning that the university does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when making admissions decisions.

Students are admitted based on their academic and personal merits, without regard to their ability to pay for their education.

Who’s NOT Eligible to Transfer?

Well before the application’s deadline, students need to plan their submission based on factors such as academic need, academic achievements, extracurriculars, and eligibility requirements.

Harvard has specific restrictions:

Students who have completed more than 2 years of college
Those enrolled in vocational or professional programs
Students from non-accredited institutions
Extension or continuing education students
Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree

Want Expert Help with Your Harvard Transfer Application?

Transferring to a top university like Harvard can be a life-changing experience. However, every year, only 1 out of 100 applicants who want to transfer to Harvard are accepted into this Ivy League school. As you can see, the odds aren’t great.

Most students underestimate the challenge of crafting essays that truly differentiate them from other 3.9+ GPA applicants. The stakes are simply too high to navigate this process alone.

That’s exactly what Transfer Goat is here for. With us by your side, you get:

Extracurricular activity development that sets you apart from other applicants
Unlimited essay revisions until your “Why Transfer” and all supplemental essays align with what admissions officers are looking for
Strategy sessions with consultants who transferred to top-tier schools themselves
Personalized guidance on stats, major selection, course selection, letters of recommendation letters, update letters, and LOCI.
No time limits on our support—we work with you until applications are submitted

Book a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harvard’s transfer acceptance rate?

The transfer acceptance rate is approximately 0.8%, making it one of the most competitive transfer processes in higher education. This means fewer than 1 out of every 100 transfer applicants are accepted.

When do Harvard transfer decisions come out?

Harvard transfer decisions are released by June, though some applicants may be notified earlier. The exact date varies each year but decisions typically come out in late June.

How many transfer students does Harvard accept?

Harvard accepts approximately 15 transfer students per year from nearly 2,000 applicants. The number has remained consistently between 12-17 students annually in recent years.

When is the Harvard transfer application due?

The Harvard transfer application deadline is March 1st each year. This deadline includes all application materials and financial aid documents, with no exceptions for late submissions.

What GPA do you need to transfer to Harvard?

While Harvard doesn’t publish minimum GPA requirements, successful transfer applicants typically need a 3.9+ GPA to be competitive. Based on our experience with successful Harvard transfers, a GPA between 3.9-4.0 provides the best chances of acceptance.

Can you transfer to Harvard from community college?

Yes, but it’s extremely rare. Harvard admits very few community college transfers, and those who succeed typically have exceptional circumstances (military service, significant life challenges) plus perfect academic records and compelling reasons for their educational path.

Is it harder to transfer than apply as a freshman?

Significantly harder. Harvard’s freshman acceptance rate is around 3.4%, while the Harvard University transfer acceptance rate is below 1%. The applicant pool for transfers is also more self-selected and accomplished.

Can I apply if I took a gap year or break?

Yes, as long as you were enrolled full-time for at least one academic year at your previous institution. You’ll need to explain your time away from school in your application.

What if I already have a degree?

Harvard does not accept transfer applications from students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. You would need to apply to Harvard’s graduate programs instead.