Applying To Harvard: Indian Law Program

Harvard Law School is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with a stringent acceptance rate of around 5%. The J.D. (Juris Doctor) program is a three-year postgraduate course that first gives students the intellectual foundations for legal study and then allows them to focus their studies on areas of particular interest. The program is open to international applicants, including those from India. The application process is extremely competitive, and applicants are advised to start their preparation early, including improving their academic records, preparing for standardized tests, and participating in extracurricular activities. Harvard Law School offers a variety of courses related to Indigenous communities, including American Indian Law and Environmental Law. The university also has several Native American programs, such as the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development and the Harvard University Native American Program.

Eligibility requirements

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with an average acceptance rate of less than 5%. The stringent acceptance rate means that only 5 out of every 100 candidates that apply to the university are accepted. As such, the eligibility requirements to get into Harvard are stringent.

Firstly, a good overall academic record is important to get into Harvard. The average GPA at Harvard is around 4.18. However, even if your GPA is low, having higher scores on SAT and ACT can contribute to your admission. The average SAT score at Harvard is 1520 on a scale of 1600. The minimum ACT score required for admission into Harvard University is a composite score of at least 33.

Harvard has a score-choice policy of "Highest Section" called "superscoring". Students can choose which SAT tests they would like to submit for consideration by the admissions committee. The highest section scores across all SAT test dates that applicants submit will be chosen for consideration.

Harvard University recommends that students who choose to submit SAT scores must submit two SAT Subject Tests, with only one being the math test. For graduate courses, the admission process is very competitive. Above-average GRE test scores and GMAT test scores could help applicants get into Harvard. The average GRE score is about 160 or the 90th percentile and above. The average GMAT score is about 730 (at the Harvard Business School).

Harvard also requires applicants to have English language proficiency. However, first-year and transfer students are not required to take an English proficiency test.

Additionally, Harvard values community involvement, leadership, and distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character. It is important to showcase your ability to be a natural leader and to demonstrate a keen passion for solving key problems in your local community. Harvard also looks for involvement in extracurricular activities beyond academics, such as being part of a band, showcasing your interests by being an active part of a club, volunteering within the community, and organizing a fundraiser.

Furthermore, relevant work experience is also important. Harvard graduates are some of the most sought-after graduates in the world, with an average pay of around $90,000.

Lastly, it is important to prepare a stellar application. This includes writing essays, having evaluations provided by teachers, and adding supplementary materials based on necessity. Essays are one of the best ways to express your ambitions and experiences. When writing essays for Harvard, there are two types: Common/Coalition Application Essay Questions or Topics (Personal Essay) and Harvard Supplemental Essays.

Application process

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with a stringent acceptance rate of around 5%. The acceptance rate varies across different schools within the university. For example, the Harvard Law School (HLS) is the world's premier centre for legal education and research. It provides unparalleled opportunities to study law and related disciplines in an energetic and creative learning environment.

The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students. However, international applicants looking for information related to visas, immigration, etc., should review the information provided by Harvard's International Office. Undocumented applicants and those with DACA status should review the information and resources listed on the Undocumented at Harvard site.

Harvard Law School offers three types of programs: the J.D. Program, the Graduate Program (for LL.M. and S.J.D. Applicants), and the Junior Deferral Program (JDP). The J.D. Program is a three-year postgraduate program that first gives students the intellectual foundations for legal study and then allows them to focus their studies on areas of particular interest. The Graduate Program is intended for students who have previously earned an initial law degree. The JDP is a pathway to the HLS J.D. program for students currently enrolled as juniors in undergraduate degree programs.

To apply for the J.D. Program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent by August of the year they intend to enrol at HLS. The program requires three years of full-time study beginning in the fall semester of each year, and new students must start their studies at the beginning of September. HLS does not offer a J.D. degree through part-time, distance, online, or summer programs.

For the Graduate Program, applicants must have already earned a law degree. The LL.M. program provides students with broad latitude to design a course of study that will give them an expanded understanding of law and legal theory. The S.J.D. is a more advanced degree intended for students who wish to pursue a career in legal education.

For the JDP, applicants must be enrolled as juniors in undergraduate degree programs and, if admitted, must commit to deferring their enrollment for at least two years after completing their undergraduate degree.

In addition to meeting the academic requirements for their chosen program, applicants should also be aware of the financial requirements. The average tuition fee for Harvard College (undergraduate degrees) is $54,269. There are also additional costs, such as cost of living expenses and medical insurance, which can amount to around $30,000 per year. Harvard offers financial aid to those who qualify, and 55% of students at Harvard receive a need-based scholarship.

Academic records

To apply for the Indian Law Program at Harvard, you must first ensure that you meet the academic eligibility criteria. Here are some key points to consider regarding your academic records:

Academic Requirements:

• Harvard Law School offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program, which is a three-year postgraduate course in U.S. law. Thus, you must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent by August of the year you intend to enrol.
• The J.D. program requires three years of full-time study, beginning in September, and does not offer part-time, distance, online, or summer programs.
• If you are an international student, your undergraduate degree should be equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.

Academic Performance:

• Maintaining a high Grade Point Average (GPA) throughout your academic life is crucial. Aim for a GPA of around 4.18, which is the average GPA at Harvard.
• If your GPA is lower, you can compensate by achieving higher scores on standardised tests like the SAT or ACT. The average SAT score at Harvard is 1520 on a scale of 1600. The minimum ACT score required is a composite score of at least 33.
• For graduate courses, above-average scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) can enhance your application. The average GRE score is about 160 (90th percentile and above), and the average GMAT score is about 730 at the Harvard Business School.
• International students must provide English language proficiency test scores, such as Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

Academic Resources:

• Harvard Law School has a Junior Deferral Program (JDP) for students currently enrolled as juniors in undergraduate degree programs. This allows you to apply to Harvard Law School and defer your enrolment for at least two years after completing your undergraduate degree.
• If you have already earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree, you are eligible to apply for a J.D. degree at Harvard Law School. However, advanced standing or transfer credits from the LL.M. program will not be offered.
• Harvard Law School offers a variety of courses related to Indigenous communities, including American Indian Law, The Art of Social Change: Child Welfare, Education and Juvenile Justice, Climate Change Justice, and more.

Remember that academic records are just one aspect of your application. Harvard Law School also considers factors such as community involvement, leadership, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.

Standardised tests

To apply to Harvard Law School, you will need to submit the results of standardised tests. The specific tests and scores required will depend on whether you are applying for an undergraduate or graduate programme.

Undergraduate Programmes

For undergraduate programmes, you will need to submit SAT or ACT scores. The average SAT score at Harvard is 1520 on a scale of 1600. The minimum ACT score required for admission is a composite score of at least 33.

Graduate Programmes

For graduate programmes, you will need to submit GRE or GMAT scores. The average GRE score is about 160 or the 90th percentile and above. The average GMAT score is about 730 (at the Harvard Business School).

Extracurricular activities

• Leadership and Community Involvement: Seek out opportunities to demonstrate your leadership skills and community involvement. This could include participating in student councils, organising fundraisers, or volunteering within your community. These experiences showcase your ability to initiate change, work collaboratively, and contribute to society.
• Clubs and Organisations: Join or actively participate in clubs and organisations that align with your interests. Whether it's a band, a social club, or a student practice organisation, these activities demonstrate your passion, teamwork, and commitment. They also provide a platform to develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and time management.
• Internships and Work Experience: Pursue internships or work experiences related to law or your specific interest in Indian Law. This could include working with organisations like the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) or participating in externships or clinical programmes focused on Indian Law. These experiences will provide you with practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of the legal field.
• Student Groups and Discussions: Engage with student groups that discuss Harvard University's activities and affairs. Connecting with other aspiring law students can provide valuable insights into the application process and help you build a strong support system. It also demonstrates your proactive approach and keen interest in the field.
• Extracurricular Activities Related to Indian Law: Specifically seek out extracurricular activities that are related to Indian Law or Indigenous rights. This could include participating in the Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP), which focuses on teaching, research, community building, and Indigenous outreach. You can also attend conferences, moot courts, and writing competitions organised by the Federal Indian Bar Association or the National NALSA. These activities will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your dedication to the field of Indian Law.

Remember, Harvard Law School seeks students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. When crafting your application, reflect on your unique journey and how your extracurricular activities have shaped your perspective, skills, and interests. Showcase your genuine passion, impact, and growth through these activities to create a compelling profile.

Frequently asked questions