Harvard University

Harvard University Supplemental Essay Outlines

Q: Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a student body with a diversity of perspectives and experiences. How will the life experiences that shaped who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?

Harvard University asks applicants to respond in up to 150 words. A complete paragraph-by-paragraph strategy guide for this prompt and a Wiz rough draft are available with AdmitPro Plus, Pro, or Elite.

Q: 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?

Harvard University asks applicants to respond in up to 150 words. A complete paragraph-by-paragraph strategy guide for this prompt and a Wiz rough draft are available with AdmitPro Plus, Pro, or Elite.

Q: Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are.

Harvard University asks applicants to respond in up to 150 words. A complete paragraph-by-paragraph strategy guide for this prompt and a Wiz rough draft are available with AdmitPro Plus, Pro, or Elite.

Q: How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future?

Harvard University asks applicants to respond in up to 150 words. A complete paragraph-by-paragraph strategy guide for this prompt and a Wiz rough draft are available with AdmitPro Plus, Pro, or Elite.

Q: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

Harvard University asks applicants to respond in up to 150 words. A complete paragraph-by-paragraph strategy guide for this prompt and a Wiz rough draft are available with AdmitPro Plus, Pro, or Elite.

Here is our suggested essay outlines for every prompt.

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Essay outlines

Every Harvard prompt, outlined

Long Essays

Life Experiences

150 words

Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a student body with a diversity of perspectives and experiences. How will the life experiences that shaped who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?

Paragraph 1: The Opening Memory

Describe a specific memory or sensory snapshot that illustrates your background or culture.
It is best to place the reader directly into your world using vivid details.
Do not start with a generic definition of diversity and avoid broad generalizations.

Paragraph 2: The Core Challenge

Clearly explain a specific problem or friction point you faced within your community.
It is best to highlight your emotional intelligence and awareness.
Do not complain about the situation and avoid framing yourself as a lone savior.

Paragraph 3: The Active Engagement

Paragraph 4: The Campus Connection

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Disagreement

150 words

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?

Paragraph 1: The Initial Conflict

Paragraph 2: The Opposing View

Paragraph 3: The Realization

Paragraph 4: The Growth

Paragraph 5: The College Application

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Extracurricular Activity

150 words

Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are.

Harvard University Supplemental Essay Outlines

1. Fully Customizable Outlines

2. Deep-Dive AI Interview

3. Instant Rough 1st Drafts

Every Harvard prompt, outlined

Long Essays

Life Experiences

Paragraph 1: The Opening Memory

Paragraph 2: The Core Challenge

Paragraph 3: The Active Engagement

Paragraph 4: The Campus Connection

Disagreement

Paragraph 1: The Initial Conflict

Paragraph 2: The Opposing View

Paragraph 3: The Realization

Paragraph 4: The Growth

Paragraph 5: The College Application

Extracurricular Activity

Paragraph 1: The Specific Scene

Paragraph 2: The Background Context

Paragraph 3: The Tangible Impact

Paragraph 4: The Internal Change

Future Education

Paragraph 1: The Initial Spark

Paragraph 2: The Academic Exploration

Paragraph 3: The Institutional Fit

Paragraph 4: The Future Vision

Roommates

Paragraph 1: The Friendly Greeting

Paragraph 2: The First Trait

Paragraph 3: The Second Trait

Paragraph 4: The Third Trait

Paragraph 5: The Warm Closing