FAQ for Hong Kong applicants to Harvard College
Q: Where do I get an application?
A: You can download an application from Harvard's website at:
http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/apply/forms/index.html
You can also apply online using the Common Application.
Q: How many students get admitted from Hong Kong each year, and how many apply?
A: There are no quotas for admits from Hong Kong (or for that matter, for any regions or schools, or other groups). Over the past ten years, we've usually seen about 2-7 students get in from Hong Kong high schools each year. Most years, the figure is 3-5 students. However, this figure does not include the significant number of Hong Kong nationals who go abroad for high school and do not apply from Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Harvard Club does not know how many students apply each year, as we only see requests for interviews from the admissions office.
Q: What high schools does Harvard accept students from?
A: Admissions is possible from ANY school, since Harvard looks at the student and not the high school. The admissions office truly does look carefully at each application it receives and does not limit admissions to any group of high schools. In the past ten years, Harvard has accepted applicants from the following schools: Canadian International School, Chinese International School, Diocesan Boys' School, Diocesan Girls' School, French International School, German Swiss International School, Hong Kong International School, International Christian School, Island School, King George V, Li Po Chun United World College, Shatin College, and South Island School.
Q: I'm applying to Harvard College this year. Will I get an interview?
A: Harvard's policy for conducting alumni interviews varies from country to country. In Hong Kong, applicants will be contacted by a local alum if the admissions office requests an interview for you. Not getting an interview will not adversely affect your application.
Q: If I am requested to interview, how should I prepare?
A: You don't need to prepare. Even though you might be nervous, be yourself and try to view the interview as a conversation and not an interrogation. You'll probably be asked about both your academic and non-academic activities. It might be helpful to have a printed out list of your activities and test scores as well as a copy of your transcript and to save your interviewer from having to take notes.
Q: Will Harvard look at my HKCEE results?
A: Yes, definitely. The admissions officers who review Hong Kong applicants are familiar with the local school system.
Q: I am in a curriculum that is 13 years long, one year more than the 12 years of the American primary and secondary school system. Should I apply in year 12 or year 13?
A: Many international schools in Hong Kong follow the GCSE or IB curriculum which are 13 years long. Also, local schools also have a 13 year program, at least until 2012. Harvard's admissions office encourages students to complete the program they're in because they think that students will be more mature and have stronger applications with that extra year. And indeed, almost all students who apply from Hong Kong, especially from GCSE or IB schools, are in grade 13. However, there have been a small number of students who successfully applied from a local school in grade 12 (i.e., Form 6).
Q: My SAT verbal and writing scores are low. Will the Admissions Office consider the fact that English is not my primary language?
A: Yes, the Admissions Office considers your background when interpreting your scores and grades. However, the reality is that strong English skills are essential to be successful at Harvard and other top US colleges. Low verbal scores can indicate less strong English skills, so the Admissions Office will look carefully at your written English in the essays and on the essay portion of the SAT, plus comments from your teachers and your interviewer with regard to your English abilities. If English is not your native language, you might want to take the TOEFL.