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How to Get Admission in Harvard University for MBBS?

Pragati Srivastava • 7 Mins read • 14 May 25

If you are aiming for MBBS admission in Harvard University, it’s a great choice for your medical career. As one of the top medical schools in the world, Harvard Medical School (HMS) offers world-class education, advanced research opportunities, and strong clinical training that prepares you to become a successful doctor.

Although Harvard does not offer the traditional MBBS degree (common in countries like India or the UK), it provides the equivalent qualification, the MD (Doctor of Medicine) program. This is the standard medical degree in the United States and is globally recognized. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Harvard admission requirements, application process, and key steps to help you pursue your dream of studying medicine at Harvard.

About Harvard Medical School

Harvard Medical School (HMS) was established in 1782 and is one of the oldest and most respected medical schools in the world. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, it is part of Harvard University but has its own campus and facilities. HMS is famous for its cutting-edge medical research, excellent teaching, and outstanding patient care.

Harvard is consistently ranked as one of the top medical colleges in the world. It offers a variety of popular courses and specializations, including biomedical sciences, clinical care, public health, and medical ethics. Students have the chance to learn and work at some of the world’s best hospitals and research centers, giving them excellent opportunities for practical experience and research.

Now, let’s dive into the main topic and explore the Harvard admission process step by step.

Harvard Medical School: Admission Process

Below is a step-by-step guide that outlines the Harvard University admission process for the MD (equivalent to MBBS) program:

Steps	Description
Step 1- Complete Undergraduate Education	Earn a bachelor's degree, ideally with a strong foundation in science subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics.
Step 2 - Prepare for and Take the MCAT	Score well on the MCAT, which is a key part of the Harvard University Medical Entrance Exam.
Step 3 - Gather Letters of Recommendation	Request strong recommendation letters from professors, mentors, or professionals who can speak to your skills and potential.
Step 4 - Complete the AMCAS Application	Apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), the standard portal for U.S. medical schools.
Step 5 - Submit Supplemental Application	Fill out Harvard’s supplemental application, which includes additional essays and requirements.
Step 6 - Interviews (if invited)	If shortlisted, attend interviews where you’ll have a chance to present your personality, goals, and motivation.
Step 7 - Acceptance	If accepted, congratulations! You’re on your way to becoming a Harvard-trained physician.

MBBS in Harvard University: Eligibility Criteria

Getting into HMS is incredibly competitive. As part of the Harvard admission requirements, admissions committees look for well-rounded individuals who demonstrate:

Academic Excellence: A stellar undergraduate GPA is essential, particularly in science courses (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics). While there's no minimum GPA requirement, successful applicants typically have very high scores.
MCAT Score: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, computer-based test required for admission to most medical schools in the U.S., including Harvard. A competitive MCAT score is crucial. Again, there's no official minimum, but successful applicants generally score very high.
Strong Letters of Recommendation: Compelling letters of recommendation from professors, research mentors, or physicians who have witnessed your abilities and potential are critical.
Extracurricular Activities and Experiences: HMS seeks students with a demonstrated commitment to medicine. Meaningful experiences, such as volunteering in hospitals or clinics, shadowing physicians, or conducting research, are highly valued. Leadership roles in extracurricular activities are also beneficial.
Personal Essay and Application: The application includes a personal essay where you can showcase your unique qualities, motivations for pursuing medicine, and experiences that have shaped you. This is your chance to stand out from the crowd.
Research Experience: While not strictly required, research experience is highly regarded, especially at a research-focused institution like Harvard.
Commitment to Service: A demonstrated commitment to serving others, whether through volunteering or community involvement, is important.
Interviews: Applicants who make it past the initial screening process are invited for interviews. These interviews assess your communication skills, personality, and fit for the program.

Harvard University Medical Entrance Exam: MCAT

The MCAT is a crucial part of the application process for Harvard University. It assesses your knowledge of science concepts, critical thinking skills, and verbal reasoning abilities. The exam has four sections:

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

Preparing for the Harvard University Medical Entrance Exam requires dedicated study and practice. Utilize resources such as practice tests, study guides, and review courses to strengthen your preparation.

Harvard MBBS (MD) Admission Documents Checklist

When applying to Harvard Medical School, students need to submit several important documents as part of the admission process. Here’s a list of required documents:

Graduation mark sheet
MCAT scorecard
Recommendation letters
Personal statement
Resume or CV (if applicable)
Extra essays (for Harvard’s secondary application)
Proof of English Proficiency (for international students)
Valid Passport Copy (for international students)

Harvard Medical School Scholarship Opportunities

Harvard Medical School offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options to support students throughout their medical journey. These can be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both. Students are encouraged to explore scholarships for MBBS in Harvard University by visiting the official HMS financial aid page, where detailed information about institutional aid is available.

In addition to Harvard’s internal scholarships, there are also several external funding options that international and domestic students can apply for. Since financial aid plays a crucial role for many aspiring medical students, it’s important to begin your research early and prepare the necessary documents in advance.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the information you need about how to get admission in Harvard University for MBBS (MD), it’s time to take action. With a solid academic background, a competitive MCAT score, strong letters of recommendation, and hands-on experience in the medical field, you can successfully navigate the admission process. Remember, Harvard looks for individuals who are not only academically strong but also passionate about medicine and committed to serving others.

So, what are you waiting for? Start preparing for the MCAT, build your extracurricular experiences, and get ready to take the first step toward becoming a Harvard-trained physician. Your dream of studying at one of the world’s top medical schools is within reach—take action today!

FAQs

How to get admission in MBBS in Harvard University?
Harvard University doesn’t offer MBBS, but it offers the equivalent MD (Doctor of Medicine) program. To get admission, you need a solid undergraduate education, a competitive MCAT score, strong recommendations, and a genuine commitment to medicine.

Does Harvard University offer MBBS?
No, Harvard Medical School offers an MD program, which is the equivalent of MBBS in the United States.

What are the eligibility requirements for Harvard Medical School?
The eligibility for admission includes having a strong undergraduate academic record, a competitive MCAT score, letters of recommendation, extracurricular experience in medicine or research, and a personal essay.

What is the MCAT, and why is it important for admission to Harvard?
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a test required for admission to medical schools in the U.S. It assesses your knowledge in science, critical thinking, and verbal reasoning. A competitive MCAT score is essential for admission to Harvard Medical School.

Is the medical degree from Harvard University globally recognized?

Yes, the medical degree from Harvard University is globally recognized. Graduates from Harvard are considered among the best-trained physicians, and the degree holds significant weight in both clinical practice and research internationally.

What documents are required for the Harvard Medical School application?

To apply to Harvard Medical School, the following documents are required:

Graduation mark sheet
MCAT scorecard
Resume or CV (if applicable)
Recommendation letters
Personal statement
Extra essays (for Harvard’s secondary application)
Proof of English Proficiency (for international students)
Valid Passport Copy (for international students)