• Online Application
• Application Deadlines
• Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to HKS

Application

The Harvard Kennedy School admissions process uses an online application.  The application for Fall 2010 admission will be available in September 2009.

Please refer to the instructions included with the online application for complete details on application requirements. In general, a completed application includes:

• a submitted online application,
• payment of the $100 application fee,
• essays,
• three letters of recommendation,
• official academic transcripts, and
• standardized tests: GRE, GMAT, TOEFL (requirements vary; see online application instructions for details).
  

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Admissions documents must be postmarked by the deadline. Applications may not be reviewed if all materials have not arrived to the Harvard Kennedy School's Office of Admissions by the application deadline.

Standardized Test Scores

GRE/GMAT

All applicants, except for those applying to the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration Edward S. Mason Program or the Wexner Fellowship, are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), even if you already have an advanced degree. Applicants to the Predoctoral program may not present the GMAT. Scores must be officially reported to the Harvard Kennedy School's Office of Admissions by the application deadline. Please allow 2-4 weeks for the Office of Admissions to receive your official test scores, and make sure to allow yourself enough time to register for an exam date.

TOEFL

The Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all applicants (both two-year and MC/MPA programs) whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate degree program was not conducted in English. The admissions committees require applicants to have a minimum TOEFL score of:

100 on the Internet-Based Test (IBT);
250 on the Computer-Based Test (CBT); or
600 on the Paper-Based Test (PBT).

Note for Predoctoral applicants: The TOEFL is not required of predoctoral applicants if the applicant holds a master's degree from a university where English is the language of instruction. Predoctoral applicants must score at or above 103, or 257, or 613, depending on the format of the test.

Our school code for the GRE and TOEFL exams is 3454. Our school code for the GMAT is HRL-27-69. This code only applies to GMAT scores sent to the Kennedy School. We do not have a department code.

LSAT

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores will be accepted from applicants* applying to Harvard's MPP/JD program. Applicants to Harvard’s joint program must send a written request to the Harvard Law School to have their LSAT scores sent to the Harvard Kennedy School's Office of Admissions.  Applicants applying to the MPA/ID/JD program or law schools other than Harvard must take the GRE or GMAT.

MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) will only be accepted from applicants* applying to Harvard's MPP/MD program. Applicants to Harvard's joint program must send a written request to the Harvard Medical School to have their MCAT scores sent to the Harvard Kennedy School's Office of Admissions, or provide the Harvard Kennedy School's Office of Admissions with an MCAT verification code. Applicants applying to the MPA/ID/MD or medical schools other than Harvard must take the GRE or GMAT.

* Does not apply for MPA/ID applicants, who must still take the GRE or GMAT.

Reapplication Process

1. Submit a new online application and pay the application fee.
2. Submit an updated Essay #1 (resume).
3. If you have applied within the last three years, you may re-use the following:

• transcripts
• test scores (GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years;
  TOEFL scores are valid for two years)
• essays
• recommendations

You may reuse these materials; however, it is advisable that you update your essays, and/or select at least one new recommender to submit on your behalf.