Admissions

Note that the GRE is now optional for our graduate admission process.  

Each year the department receives nearly 400 applications to the doctoral program and offers admission to about 6% of applicants. The typical incoming class size is 16 students.

The admissions process is extremely competitive, but if you are serious about pursuing a PhD in history, you are encouraged to apply.

Successful applications have shared many of the following characteristics:

• Statement of purpose that makes clear why the applicant wants to study history in graduate school, and why the applicant wants to study at Harvard. This statement often illustrates the applicant’s research interests and notes potential advisors
• A personal statement that addresses the following prompt:

Please describe the personal experiences that led you to pursue graduate education and explain how these experiences will contribute to the academic environment and/or community in your program or Harvard Griffin GSAS. These may include interests or passions, leadership positions, community engagement, other opportunities, or challenges. Your statement should be no longer than 500 words.

Please note that there is no expectation to share detailed sensitive information and you should refrain from including anything that you would not feel at ease sharing. Please also note that the Personal Statement should complement rather than duplicate the content provided in the Statement of Purpose. 

• Three strong letters of reference from people who know the applicant’s writing
• Writing sample of remarkable quality that asks historical questions
• Fluent or nearly fluent in English
• Reading ability in two languages other than English
• Strong undergraduate, and, if applicable, graduate record, with excellent marks in history courses

Follow the link for more information about applying to the History Department PhD program

For information on Diversity Resources for Harvard Griffin GSAS Students, please click here. 

Harvard Griffin GSAS does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classification.