Harvard Supplemental Essays 2026-27

They’re here: the 2026-27 Harvard supplemental essays. And they look a lot like last year’s.

All are required, and you’ve got 150 words to make your case, beyond your Common App essay.  Make every word count, use details unique to your life, and refrain from using Claude and the other robots when your own brain is much more interesting and appropriate. Please!

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are.
4. How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future?
5. Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

I have worked with many applicants to Harvard and many students who get in because they have outstanding records and, in some cases, they have “hooks”– they are super legacies or parents who teach there. I have also worked with outstanding students who did not get in but who got into other top universities. These are comments from families I’ve worked with on these and other essays and applications.

I’m celebrating July 4th weekend by working with students on their applications and essays. Drop me a line.