You probably have some questions about your chances of getting into Harvard as a student from Singapore. Here are some things to help direct your research. You’ll find quick answers to some of the following:
How high is Harvard’s ranking in the world?
What will it cost to attend?
How many students can apply?
What is it like for students to live there?
Is Harvard worth the hype?
With this post, we created a simple and easy guide to help students throughout their Harvard journey without using a lot of difficult jargon.
How Harvard Ranks (and Why People Make Such a Big Deal About It)
Let’s be honest — Harvard’s name itself already carries massive weight.
- It’s almost always ranked #1–#3 in the world across major ranking systems.
- Employers, grad schools, researchers — basically everyone — respects the Harvard brand.
- The alumni network is crazy strong. Presidents, Nobel Prize winners, CEOs… you name it.
But here’s the truth, people don’t say out loud:
The name helps, but what matters more is how you use the opportunities inside.
Harvard doesn’t magically hand success to you — but it surrounds you with the tools to build it.
What You Can Study at Harvard (There’s A LOT)
Harvard gives you the freedom to explore before locking in your major. This is one of the biggest reasons many international students love it.
Some popular areas include:
- Economics, Government, Public Policy
- Computer Science & Data Science
- Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology
- Engineering & Applied Sciences
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- History, Philosophy, Literature, Languages
The interesting part is that you can mix and match, double major, or add minors. Harvard is super flexible, which means for students who wish to explore more subjects, Harvard turns out to be a good choice.
Cost of Studying at Harvard
Yes, Harvard is expensive. Everyone knows that.
But here’s something many Singapore students don’t realise:
Harvard gives need-based financial aid to international students, too.
That means your family’s annual income determines how much you pay.
For many students, Harvard actually becomes cheaper than some local private universities.
The total cost that one has to pay for Harvard is high, but don’t worry, with financial aid (if your family qualifies for aid), your share will drop significantly.
| Amount in USD | Amount in SGD | |
| Tuition | $57,328 | $78,500 |
| Housing and Food | $20,000 | $27,400 |
| Health Insurance and Other | $4,000 | $5,500 |
| Personal Spending | $5,000 | $6,850 |
| Total Per Year | $86,900 | $118,800 |
Campus Life: What Harvard Actually Feels Like
Studying at Harvard isn’t just “study, sleep, repeat.”
There’s a real community vibe — something students from Singapore often appreciate.
Here’s what life there looks like:
- You live on campus for the first year, which helps you settle in fast.
- Students come from over 100+ countries, so you’re constantly learning new viewpoints.
- There are hundreds of clubs — cultural groups, student government, dance teams, debate, coding societies, community service, sports… literally everything.
- Professors are approachable (even the super famous ones).
- The libraries and labs are insane — if you enjoy research, you’ll be in heaven.
It’s intense, yes, but also very enriching. Students usually say the people and conversations are what make Harvard special.
The Good and The Not-So-Easy
What’s great:
- Top-tier academics
- Flexible courses
- World-class professors & resources
- Networking opportunities everywhere
- Strong support for international students
- Tons of extracurriculars
What’s challenging:
- Admissions are extremely competitive
- Academics can feel overwhelming
- Cost is high without aid
- You need to be self-disciplined (no one chases you)
But if you can manage the pace, the experience is definitely worth it.
Should Singapore Students Apply?
You might be a good fit if:
- You have a strong academic record
- You’ve built meaningful extracurriculars
- You enjoy learning deeply (not just memorising)
- You want a global, diverse environment
- You’re open to challenges and independence
If you like freedom in choosing what to study, Harvard is a great match. If you prefer a structured curriculum like JC, this will feel very different — but in a good way.
How The Princeton Review Can Help You Get There
If Harvard is even somewhere on your dream list, having the right preparation makes a big difference — especially for SAT/ACT, essays, and the full application process.
Here’s what The Princeton Review typically helps students with:
- Top-tier SAT & ACT prep (strategies + practice that actually work)
- 1-on-1 college admissions counselling
- Essay brainstorming + editing support
- Application timeline planning
- Mock interviews & profile building
- Tutors who specialise in US admissions
We are well-known for rigorous prep methods and accuracy, which are especially helpful if you’re aiming for competitive universities like Harvard.
Conclusion
The Harvard brand represents an institution and a supportive community of individuals and organisations that share similar goals and interests. It’s a platform that can help you develop as a strong individual to actually outshine in the real world. With immense opportunities, Harvard helps you not only with strong academics but skills and experience that guarantee a bright future ahead.
If you have a strong academic background and good financial aid, target Harvard to change your life forever. In case you need experts who can help you target Harvard, contact The Princeton Review now for the best guidance and expert support.