Applying to Harvard? It’s a big goal with big expectations—and yes, it’s a lot to handle. Out of all the moving pieces of your Harvard application, letters of recommendation can feel a bit out of your control. But don’t worry! They’re not as scary as they seem.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about Harvard letters of recommendation: how many you need, what Harvard wants to see in them, and how to guarantee yours makes a strong and lasting impression.
- How Many Letters of Recommendation Are Needed for Harvard?
- What Makes a Great Harvard Recommendation Letter?
- How to Get the Best Recommendation Letters for Harvard
- Harvard Recommendation Letters for Transfer Applicants
- Should You Submit an Extra Letter of Recommendation to Harvard?
- Tips for Teachers Writing Harvard Recommendation Letters
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
How Many Letters of Recommendation Are Needed for Harvard?
Let’s get the basics out of the way first: Harvard asks for two letters of recommendation from teachers. These need to come from people who’ve taught you in core academic subjects, such as math, science, English, history, or foreign language. The idea is to show how you handle challenges, participate in class, and think critically.
You’ll also need a School Report from your guidance counselor. This includes their recommendation, which gives Harvard a broader view of you: your academic achievements, your role in your school community, and how you’ve grown over time.
If you’re applying as a transfer student, Harvard wants two academic evaluations from professors at your current college. These letters should dig into how you’ve performed in college-level coursework and whether you’re ready for Harvard’s rigor.
What about extras? You can submit a supplemental recommendation, but only if the person writing it knows you in a way no one else does. This could be a coach, a mentor, or a research supervisor. But keep it meaningful—don’t just pile on recommendation letters for Harvard just for the sake of it.
What Makes a Great Harvard Recommendation Letter?
Not all Harvard recommendation letters are created equal. Harvard’s admissions team has read it all, so it takes more than generic praise to stand out. A strong letter is:
1. Detailed and specific
Forget vague compliments like “a great student.” Harvard wants examples that show who you really are.
For instance:
“Anna’s thorough research paper on renewable energy solutions sparked a heated class debate. She has a gift for presenting complex ideas in ways that get everyone engaged.”
2. Focused on your character
Your grades and test scores are already on your application. This is the space for recommenders to highlight your integrity, leadership, and how you make an impact. Maybe you rallied classmates during a group project or started a volunteer initiative. Those moments matter.
For example:
“When our school’s debate team needed a captain, Ryan stepped up. He mentored younger members, helped with strategy, and led the team to regionals. His ability to motivate others is rare.”
3. Written by someone who knows you well
A generic letter from a teacher who barely remembers you won’t cut it. Harvard wants a sense of your personality and growth, which only comes through if the writer genuinely knows you.
How to Get the Best Recommendation Letters for Harvard
You’re the one asking for these letters, so you can set yourself up for success. Here’s how:
1. Pick the right people.
Think about teachers who’ve seen you at your best. Did your English teacher rave about your essay-writing skills? Did your physics teacher notice how you problem-solved through a tricky lab? Choose recommenders who can speak to your strengths and potential.
For transfer applicants, focus on professors who know you well from your college courses. If you’re close to a mentor or coach, their insight might work as a supplemental letter—but only if it adds something fresh.
2. Give them the full picture.
Your teachers want to help, but they might not remember every detail about you. Make their job easier by providing:
- A resume or list of accomplishments
- A short note about what you’ve learned in their class and how it’s shaped you
- Your goals for Harvard and beyond
The more context they have, the better they can tailor the letter to showcase what makes you special.
3. Ask early (and politely).
Teachers are busy, so don’t drop this on them at the last minute. Ask at least a month before the deadline. A polite email or conversation goes a long way.
For instance:
“Hi Ms. Carter, I really enjoyed your AP Chemistry class and learned a lot from our lab projects. Since Harvard asks for two recommendation letters from teachers, I was wondering if you’d be willing to write one for me? I can send over my resume and goals to make it easier.”
Harvard Recommendation Letters for Transfer Applicants
If you’re wondering how to transfer to Harvard, know this: your recommendation letters are key. Transfer admissions are insanely competitive, so you’ll need to highlight why you’re not just a great student, but why you’re a perfect fit for Harvard. Letters of recommendation can make or break your case.
Your professors should focus on:
- Your academic performance in college (think grades, projects, and class participation)
- Why you’re transferring and why Harvard is the right fit for you
- How you’ve contributed to your current college community—and what you’ll bring to Harvard
For example:
“In my advanced economics course, Sophie not only excelled academically but also organized study groups that helped her peers. Her ambition to explore economic policy aligns perfectly with Harvard’s resources.”
Should You Submit an Extra Letter of Recommendation to Harvard?
Thinking about sending in an extra letter of recommendation to Harvard for good measure? It might sound like a great way to boost your chances, but it’s not always the slam dunk you might think.
While an extra letter can help show off something unique about you, it can also backfire if it doesn’t bring anything new to the table. Let’s break it down so you can decide if submitting an extra letter of recommendation to Harvard is the right move for you.
When an extra letter works in your favor
A supplemental letter can really stand out if it highlights something that isn’t already covered in your other letters. Think of it as giving Harvard a peek into a side of you they wouldn’t otherwise see. Here’s when an extra letter can make a difference:
1. You’ve got a unique talent or experience.
Maybe you’ve been working with a coach, mentor, or employer who knows you in a way your teachers or counselor don’t. A letter from them could add depth to your application.
For example, a coach could share how you managed to lead your team to success while juggling academics, showing off your determination and leadership.
2. You did research or an internship.
If you’ve had the chance to work in a lab or complete an internship, a letter from your supervisor could show how you approach real-world challenges.
For instance, a mentor might write about how you designed an experiment or handled a tough problem at work, showing your initiative and problem-solving skills.
3. You’re applying for a specialized program.
If your application leans heavily on a specific field—like music, engineering, or the arts—an extra letter from someone in that area can help back up your skills.
For example, a music instructor could describe how you’ve poured hundreds of hours into perfecting your craft and how you’ve stood out among your peers.
When an extra letter might hurt your application
Realistically, an extra letter isn’t always a good idea. Admissions officers are already drowning in applications, and a weak or repetitive letter might just waste their time.
Here’s when you might want to hold off:
1. If it repeats what’s already in your application.
If your teachers and counselor have already talked about your academic skills and leadership, another letter saying the same thing won’t add much.
2. If the writer doesn’t know you well.
A letter from someone who barely knows you can feel forced or generic. Admissions officers can tell when a letter doesn’t feel personal, and it might even hurt your chances.
3. If it feels random or unnecessary.
Sending a letter from someone unrelated to your academic or extracurricular achievements—like a distant relative or casual acquaintance—might make your application feel unfocused.
How to know if you should send an extra letter of recommendation to Harvard:
Still on the fence? Ask yourself these questions:
1. Does this letter bring something totally new to my application?
2. Does the writer know me well enough to give specific examples?
3. Does the letter support a key part of my story, like my leadership, curiosity, or unique talents?
If you can confidently say “yes” to these, it’s worth considering an extra letter. If not, stick to the required ones and make sure those are top-notch.
Tips for Teachers Writing Harvard Recommendation Letters
If you’re a teacher and a student has asked you to write a recommendation letter for their Harvard application, you’re about to play a huge role in their application. But this isn’t just about listing their achievements or throwing in a few kind words. Harvard’s admissions team is looking for something deeper: stories and examples that show who this student really is.
Here’s how to actually help your student stand out:
1. Get specific with the details.
Skip the vague stuff. Instead of saying, “Alex is a great problem-solver,” paint a picture. Share a moment that shows what makes them exceptional.
For example:
“In our biology class, Emma noticed an error in a lab procedure that everyone else, including me, had overlooked. She not only identified the issue but proposed a quick fix that saved the experiment. Her sharp eye for detail and problem-solving skills truly stood out.”
2. Talk about their growth.
Harvard loves students who grow and improve. Did they face challenges in your class and come out stronger? Share that journey.
For example:
“Julia started the semester terrified of public speaking. By the end, she was leading class discussions and even helping other students find their confidence during presentations.”
3. Highlight their curiosity.
This is where you can really make your student stand out. Talk about the times they went beyond what was required, whether it was staying late after class to ask deeper questions or starting a class debate that got everyone fired up. Harvard wants thinkers, not box-checkers.
For example:
“Ryan brought in outside research and challenged us all to think differently. His presentation on artificial intelligence had the whole class buzzing for days.”
4. Don’t just list achievements.
Admissions officers already know the grades and awards. Your job is to fill in the gaps. What kind of teammate are they? How do they handle setbacks? What do they bring to a classroom beyond academics?
For example:
“For our group project on climate change policy, Bella organized the team’s research and made sure everyone’s voice was included. When one teammate struggled to articulate their ideas, Bella worked with them after class to refine their points and made sure they felt confident during our presentation. By the end, that teammate delivered one of the strongest arguments in our debate. Bella’s ability to empower others while maintaining the group’s momentum made a lasting impression on both me and her peers.”
5. Keep it real.
The best letters feel authentic, not rehearsed. If you have a unique connection with the student—maybe they came to you for advice or took on extra work in your class—include that. Don’t over-polish it; a genuine voice goes a long way.
For example:
“I’ve worked with hundreds of students, and what stands out about Alex is how often he stayed after class just to explore deeper into the material—not because he had to, but because he loved learning.”
6. Be honest about the student’s standing.
If possible, provide context on how the student compares to others you’ve mentored or taught. For example, if the student is in the top 10% of students you’ve worked with, share that in your letter. Harvard values this kind of perspective, as it helps the admissions committee see where the student stands among their peers.
If you’re new to mentoring or haven’t worked with enough students to make a comparison, that’s okay! Focus on the specific strengths and qualities that make this student stand out in your experience.
7. Remember who you’re writing for.
Harvard’s admissions committee wants more than smart kids. They’re looking for people who will thrive on campus, contribute to their community, and make the most of what Harvard has to offer. Frame your letter with that in mind.
By sharing meaningful examples and writing with sincerity, you’ll give your student a real advantage. Plus, you’ll know you’ve done your part in helping them take this big step. It’s a win-win!
8. Only write the letter if you can be positive.
If you don’t feel like you know the student well enough, or if you’re unsure you can write a strong letter, it’s okay to decline. Be upfront with the student about why you may not be the best fit to write their recommendation letter for Harvard.
Consider meeting with them to discuss the program, their goals, and why they’re applying. This might help you feel more confident about what to include in your letter. But if you still feel you can’t write a compelling letter, encourage them to ask someone else. A weak or neutral recommendation can hurt their application more than no letter at all.
By being honest and thoughtful, you can make sure the student gets the support they need to make their application as strong as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many letters of recommendation does Harvard require for admission?
Harvard typically requires two letters of recommendation from teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects, such as math, science, English, history, or foreign language. You’ll also need a School Report from your guidance counselor, which includes their recommendation and provides a broader view of your academic and personal achievements. These letters help admissions officers understand your academic abilities and personal qualities.
2. What are the recommendation letter requirements for Harvard?
The recommendation letter requirements for Harvard include two letters from teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects. You’ll also need a school report from your counselor, which highlights your academic achievements and role in your school community. Transfer applicants must submit two academic evaluations from college professors who can provide insight into your college-level coursework and engagement.
3. Should I submit an extra letter of recommendation to Harvard?
Submitting an extra letter can help if it adds new and specific information about you. For example, a mentor, coach, or employer could write about unique experiences, research, or leadership roles that your teachers or counselor didn’t address. However, if the letter is repetitive or irrelevant, it could weaken your application. Use this option carefully and only if it really enhances your profile.
4. How do recommendation letters affect transferring to Harvard?
For transfer applicants, recommendation letters are critical. Harvard requires two academic evaluations from professors who can speak to your college-level academic performance, engagement, and readiness for Harvard’s rigor. A strong letter should also explain why transferring to Harvard aligns with your academic and career goals, and highlight how you’ll contribute to the Harvard community.
Takeaways
Getting your Harvard letters of recommendation in order can feel like a big task, but breaking it down makes it manageable. Here are the main things to keep in mind as you work on this part of your application:
- Harvard requires two teacher recommendation letters from core academic subjects, plus a school report from your counselor. If you’re a transfer student, you’ll need two academic evaluations from your college professors.
- Pick recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed and specific examples of your strengths. A personalized letter makes a much bigger impact than a generic one.
- Supplemental letters are optional but can help if they highlight something unique about you that’s not covered in the required letters. For example, a mentor or coach could provide fresh insights into your leadership or dedication.
- Start early and make it easy for your recommenders. Give them plenty of time to write, and share your goals and accomplishments so they can create a strong and relevant letter.
- Feeling overwhelmed and unsure about where and how to start? A college admissions consultant can offer expert guidance on every step of the process, from choosing the right recommenders to perfecting the rest of your application.
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