As one of the top ranked public policy schools in the world, gaining admission into Harvard Kennedy School is highly competitive. With thousands applying every year and limited space available, the Harvard Kennedy School acceptance rate hovers around a very selective 15-20% on average.
In this comprehensive guide, we will demystify the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) admissions process by examining up-to-date acceptance rates across programs, profiling successful applicants, comparing rates to peer schools, and providing insider tips directly from admissions officers and current students for putting your best foot forward.
What is the Overall Harvard Kennedy School Acceptance Rate?
Out of over 5,000 applications received last year, the overall Harvard Kennedy School acceptance rate came out to just 16% – meaning only about 1 in 6 applicants were admitted.
To put that in perspective, HKS accepts a smaller percentage of applicants than even many Ivy League undergraduate programs. So getting admitted is no easy feat and requires standing out from an elite applicant pool.
Over the past five admission cycles from 2018 to 2022, the overall Harvard Kennedy School acceptance rate has fluctuated between 14% at its lowest and 19% at its highest:
- 2022: 16%
- 2021: 15%
- 2020: 18%
- 2019: 14%
- 2018: 19%
As you can see, while precise acceptance rates shift from year to year, the consistently ultra-competitive rates reinforce how selective the Harvard Kennedy School is compared to other graduate programs. Applicants face steep odds, so proper planning and preparation becomes crucial.
Acceptance Rates by Program
It‘s also useful to break down acceptance rates by specific degree programs within Harvard Kennedy School. The competitiveness can vary across Master‘s, Doctoral, and fellowship offerings.
Here is an overview of acceptance rates by program type based on recent admission cycles:
- Master in Public Policy (MPP): 18-22%
- Master in Public Administration (MPA): 11-15%
- PhD in Public Policy: 5-8%
- Fellowship Programs: Ranges between 22-28% for programs like New and International Security Fellows and journalists
- Joint/Concurrent Degree Programs: Varies based on partner school
As expected, doctoral programs see the lowest admit rates given their intensive focus and high research expectations. Master‘s programs – the bread and butter of HKS – admit about 1 in 5 applicants on average. So while still highly competitive across the board, targeting a Master‘s specifically does help the odds.
Fellowship programs, on the other hand, offer unusually high acceptance rates for HKS – some even going up towards a remarkably accessible 30%. These specialized programs cater to topics like leadership or specific career experiences, allowing greater flexibility on traditional metrics like test scores.
Who Gets Accepted to Harvard Kennedy School?
Now that we‘ve covered the intense competitiveness of Harvard Kennedy School admissions measured through acceptance rates, let‘s humanize those stats and profile who actually gains acceptance.
First and foremost – there is no "formula" or specific background you need. HKS explicitly values diversity of experience and perspective among its incoming classes. But looking at average accepted student demographics and stories can help provide guidelines.
Here is an overview of common traits and strengths among admitted applicants:
Academics
The majority of accepted students come in with exceptional academic performance at the undergraduate or graduate level. A strong GPA demonstrating intellectual vitality goes a long way – most have around a 3.7 or higher.
Challenging coursework like quantitative analysis, microeconomics, philosophy, or statistics helps lay the foundation for succeeding in HKS‘ rigorous policy curriculum.
That said, having an "non-traditional" academic track or undergrad major outside political science is perfectly fine and often valued. From engineering to music to biochemistry – all provide unique lenses to public policy.
Test Scores
Competitive GRE/GMAT scores in at least the 80th percentile or higher remain important benchmarks. But HKS also offers test-optional and waiver pathways recognizing the weaknesses of standardized exams.
Here are average scores from recently accepted students:
- GRE Verbal: 164
- GRE Quantitative: 167
- GMAT: 720+
Applicants who excel beyond test scores through work achievements and potential can still gain admission with slightly below average exams. Scores are assessed in context rather than as cut-offs.
Experience
At least 2-5 years of full-time professional work experience helps provide the practical foundation to transition into policy leadership, though this also varies by program. Applicants showcase the impact made through past roles.
Experience in government agencies, legislative offices, election campaigns, non-profit organizations, journalism, activism, or research based think tanks all offer great preparation. Leadership in one‘s respective field – whether private or public sector – also strengthens candidacy.
Additionally, many admitted students showcase substantial volunteer work, passion projects outside regular jobs, or active campus leadership as undergraduates. Pursuing policy-adjacent hobbies or advocacy provides a signal for interest and commitment.
Insider Tips from Harvard Kennedy School Admissions
Understanding acceptance rates and profiles of admitted applicants is helpful. But nothing beats going directly to the source – admissions officers and current Harvard Kennedy School students themselves – for actionable tips.
Here is condensed advice on making your HKS application shine based on direct from insider perspectives:
Admissions Officer Tips
- "Be authentic about who you are. We want diversity of identity and thought."
- "Go beyond just stats and scores. Show don‘t tell when it comes to impact."
- "Fit matters more than achievements alone. Make that HKS connection clear."
- "Think creatively about letters of recommendation."
- "Talk to current students. Their journey can inspire yours."
Current Student Tips
- "Align recommendations, essays, experiences to your ‘story‘."
- "Quantify achievements by focusing on scope, scale, impact".
- "Explain why policy and why now to show commitment".
- "Don‘t obsess over test scores if application strong otherwise".
- "Apply even if you don‘t meet ‘average‘ accepted stats‘."
As you can see from both groups, HKS values authenticity, diversity, demonstrated impact, creative recommendations, and qualitative assessments over formulaic checkboxes. The admissions decision reflects an integrated evaluation across numerous aspects of fit and experiences beyond any one metric.
How Harvard Kennedy School Compares to Top Policy School Peers
To fully appreciate the intensity of competition for getting into Harvard Kennedy School, it helps to compare its acceptance rates over recent years against similarly top-ranked public policy programs across the country:
- Harvard Kennedy School: 14-19%
- Princeton School of Public and International Affairs: 14%
- UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy: 26%
- Columbia SIPA: 16%
- Duke Sanford School of Public Policy: 18%
As you can clearly observe, other elite policy schools feature extremely competitive admission odds as well. So while HKS sits on the lower end, applicants face rigorous across the board.
The key is targeting programs based on quality of fit, not just prestige or name recognition. Find policy programs offering the curriculum, location, cost, and career outcomes aligning closest to your goals. Apply widely within reach options too – this helps mitigate risks given the volatility of admission rates.
Tips for Getting Accepted to Harvard Kennedy School
While no definitive formula or path guarantees Harvard Kennedy acceptance, following this strategic advice can help maximize your probability of getting in:
Strengthen Academics – Enroll in quantitative coursework, maintain a strong GPA in challenging major, and pursue academic enrichment opportunities.
Achieve Competitive Scores – Aim for GRE/GMAT scores in 80th percentile or take practice tests to determine viability of test-optional path.
Showcase Leadership – Develop professional impact through work achievements, career progression, and policy-relevant projects.
Tell Your Story – Connect experiences back to public service goals through essays and interviews with coherence and purpose.
Get Strategic Recommendations – Secure letters from managers and mentors highlighting specific skills, providing 360 evaluation.
Conduct Informational Interviews – Talk to current students and alumni to better understand HKS culture and community.
While the Harvard Kennedy School acceptance rate sets a remarkably high bar, applicants with drive and dedication can clear it with proper planning. Beyond just admiring HKS from the outside, take action and put yourself in the running for admission through smart preparation.
Conclusion: Demystifying the Harvard Kennedy School Acceptance Rate
Gaining admittance into the world‘s #1 public policy program is enormously competitive – but hopefully this guide has demystified key statistics, trends, and strategies related to Harvard Kennedy School acceptance rates.
Remember that admissions selectivity is not the sole indicator of program quality or potential outcome benefits. Taking an informed approach by selecting target schools strategically, emphasizing fit, applying broadly, focusing on what you can control, and showcasing the impact you can make as a leader pays dividends regardless of institutional brand names.
Rather than get discouraged by the intense competition, use it as motivation to present the very best version of your candidacy possible. HKS seeks those unfazed by long odds – passionate leaders equipped with the grit and skill to drive real-world policy change. With diligence and intention, you can position yourself to earn admission and create lasting impact.