Harvard University International Admissions Guidelines: SAT/ACT Required, TOEFL Not Required, Financial Aid Same as for U.S. Students

The Harvard College admissions website has specific instructions for international applicants: the admissions and financial aid processes are the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality. Here are the most important points for Chinese students.

Specific Impacts and Advice for Chinese Students and Parents

• Strict Standardized Testing Requirements: Applications must include SAT or ACT scores. Scores from AP, IB, A-Level, and similar programs can only be used as substitutes in special circumstances, such as when tests are unavailable or test centers are full. Even if you have AP, IB, or A-Level scores, Harvard still expects you to take and submit the SAT or ACT as long as cost and test availability are not issues. English proficiency tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo cannot replace standardized tests.
• English Proficiency Tests Are Not Required: Neither first-year nor transfer applicants are required to submit English proficiency test scores, though you may do so if you wish.
• Equal Financial Aid for All: Harvard's financial aid policy treats applicants of all nationalities equally. Aid is awarded entirely based on demonstrated financial need, and admissions decisions are not affected by whether you apply for aid. The university will meet the student's demonstrated financial need. For students who receive aid, the package also includes a travel allowance for round-trip transportation to and from campus.
• Guidelines for Translating Recommendations: If you provide translations of academic records or recommendation letters, students must absolutely not translate them themselves. You do not need to hire a professional translator; an English teacher or similar person can do it, but the translator's name and relationship to the student must be stated, and the untranslated original must always be included.
• Other Application Advice: All students must complete the Common Application and its supplemental materials. Harvard has no quota or limit for international students. Alumni interviews are not available to all applicants, and not having an interview will not negatively affect your application. We advise parents and students to plan for the SAT or ACT early and to discuss translation matters with recommenders in advance.

Application Fee: If the application fee poses a financial hardship for your family, you can request a fee waiver in the Common App. Requesting a waiver will not negatively affect your application. Note: Non-U.S. citizens attending high school outside the United States are generally not eligible for SAT/ACT fee waivers.

Source: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/international-applicants. Policies are subject to the latest official updates.