Prompt 2: Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue. How did you communicate or engage with this person? What did you learn from this experience? (150 words)
Harvard Disagreement Essay Slides
Q: What disagreement should you choose?
A:
Select an intellectual conflict, not a personal fight.
The issue should be about ideas or methods, not emotions.
Example: A disagreement with a teacher over a historical interpretation.
Example: A conflict with a teammate on a project's technical approach.
Q: How did you engage with them?
A:
Show, don't just tell. Describe your specific actions.
Example: To engage my history teacher, I first summarized her interpretation to prove I heard her. I then presented new archival evidence that challenged her premise, leading to a new, shared conclusion.
Your actions should show intellectual humility and curiosity.
Q: What did you learn?
A:
Focus on intellectual growth. The learning is the essay's core.
Show a specific change in your perspective or thought process.
Example: I learned my initial position on the Civil War was based on a flawed premise. We developed a stronger, hybrid solution that integrated new economic data.
Q: How to structure a 150-word essay?
A:
Conflict introduction (30 words).
Engagement and communication (60 words).
Lesson learned and reflection (60 words).
Every sentence must build on the last.
Q: Final check?
A:
Did you show intellectual maturity, not just a debate win?
Is your lesson specific and meaningful?
Did you avoid clichés like "I learned to respect other people's opinions"?
Prompt 3: Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are. (150 words)
Harvard Extracurriculars Essay Slides
Q: How to set the stage?
A:
Choose one specific activity. Do not list them.
Introduce it with a specific, memorable detail, not just the title.
Example: Instead of "I worked at a cafe," try "During the morning rush at The Daily Grind, I learned more than how to steam milk."
Q: What was the core anecdote?
A:
Describe a single, specific event, challenge, or interaction. This is the core anecdote.
Show your growth in action. What was the problem or turning point? What did you do?
Example: "A regular customer, a veteran who never spoke, once left his wallet. I found his address and returned it that evening. He didn't say thank you, but the next day he looked me in the eye and said 'good morning.' It was the first time."
Q: How did this shape you?
A:
Clearly state what this single moment taught you. What core value or trait did it build in you?
This explicitly answers the "how it shaped you" part.
Example: "I learned that service isn't about grand gestures but about recognizing the quiet needs of others. That act of quiet dignity taught me to look for the person behind the transaction, a lesson I now carry into every interaction."
Q: How to structure your essay?
A:
The Context (~30 words)
The Moment (~65 words)
The Transformation (~55 words)
This structure ensures a compelling narrative within the 150-word limit.
Prompt 4: How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future? (150 words)
Harvard Future Education Essay Slides
Q: What is your specific goal?
A:
Start with the specific problem you want to solve or the field you want to innovate in.
Be focused and ambitious.
Example: I want to develop predictive models for urban heat islands. The models will synthesize public transit data and satellite imagery. This will help design more equitable city infrastructure.
Q: What is the Harvard bridge?
A:
Name specific professors, research centers, or programs at Harvard essential for your goal.
Explain how they connect to your plan.
Example: I'll pursue research at the Kempner Institute. I'll study under Professor Doshi-Velez to build interpretable machine learning models. CS 181 will provide the technical foundation.
Q: What is the future impact?
A:
Show how your Harvard education enables your contribution.
Conclude by showing how your work will help the world.
Example: This direct experience empowers me to build and deploy technology. The technology will not just advance a field, but will also save lives.
Q: How to structure a 150-word essay?
A:
Your Specific Goal (~40 words).
The Harvard Bridge (~75 words).
Your Future Impact (~35 words).
This structure ensures a compelling narrative within the 150-word limit.
Prompt 5: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you. (150 words)
Harvard Roommate Top 3 Slides
Q: How to approach this prompt?
A:
The goal is to reveal your character.
The three items are not facts. They are windows into your personality.
Choose items that hint at your values, interests, and habits.
The essay shows self-awareness and a friendly, authentic voice.
Q: What three things should I share?
A:
Choose one item from each category.
A Positive Quirk/Hobby: A fun habit that could benefit your roommate. Example: "I bake to de-stress. I promise you'll be my official taste-tester."
A Daily Habit/Routine: A routine that shows you are considerate. Example: "My alarm goes off early for a morning run, so I get ready in the bathroom. You can sleep in."
A Communication Style/Boundary: A self-aware boundary that shows maturity. Example: "I'm an open book, but I need a completely quiet space to write. Just give me a heads-up if you have friends over."
Q: How to write the response?
A:
Keep it conversational. It's a note, not a resume.
Each sentence should be short and direct.
The language should be a peek into your genuine personality.
Example: "Hey, future roommate. My top three things: a portable espresso machine for morning study sessions, my hand-drawn maps, and my love for late-night radio dramas."
Q: What do these details reveal?
A:
The baking habit shows a friendly personality.
The running routine shows discipline and consideration.
The communication boundary reveals maturity and a proactive approach.
