A concentration within the College
Harvard says students choose a concentration, its word for a major. The pages read describe no separate application to Astrophysics.
Undergraduate · Harvard College
Harvard Astrophysics: the universe through the laws of physics
Harvard College admits students to the College, and Astrophysics is one of the concentrations they can choose once enrolled. Harvard describes the study of matter and radiation in the universe through the laws of physics, taught through observational and theoretical courses that build from modern physics. This guide makes no claim of a separate application to Astrophysics.
Official information · read 1 November 2026, no entry-year label
What Harvard says about Harvard Astrophysics
Taken from Harvard's Department of Astronomy undergraduate program page, Harvard College's Concentrations page and Application Requirements page, read on 1 November 2026. The pages carry no entry-year label, so for a 2028-entry application every statement below is evidence for the previous cycle and may change; check Harvard's pages for the 2028-entry details.
Observation and theory
Harvard says the concentration introduces a broad range of phenomena through observational and theoretical courses.
Built on modern physics and mathematics
The gateway list pairs astronomy courses with introductory mechanics and calculus-level mathematics.
Joint concentrations are common
The department says students often pursue a joint concentration with Physics or Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Calculus is not an admission requirement
Harvard says it views math records holistically with no specific course required, and calculus is not required for admission.
The SAT or ACT is required
Harvard requires one of them; A-level and IB school reports carry predicted grades.
Official sources
- Harvard College: Concentrations (Liberal Arts & Sciences)college.harvard.edu
- Harvard Department of Astronomy: undergraduate programastronomy.fas.harvard.edu
- Harvard College: Application Requirementscollege.harvard.edu
Read on 1 November 2026 on Harvard's Department of Astronomy undergraduate program page, Harvard College's Concentrations page and Application Requirements page, which describes 2027 entry. The pages carry no entry-year label. Harvard's course catalogue, the full requirement lists, fees, deadlines and financial aid were not read and are not stated.
The concentration
What the Astrophysics concentration teaches
Harvard's concentrations page defines astrophysics as the study of matter and radiation in the universe through the laws of physics, from neutron stars and supernovae to the earliest phases of the universe. The concentration builds from a foundation of modern physics to an account of the known contents of the universe, with gateway courses in stellar and planetary astronomy and in galactic and extragalactic astronomy alongside introductory mechanics and mathematics. The department page notes the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian and research opportunities for undergraduates. This guide does not list the full requirements.
Is it the right concentration?
Astrophysics beside Physics and Earth and Planetary Sciences
Harvard lists these as separate concentrations, so the choice is made after admission. Avandy's comparison is general.
Astrophysics fits if
you want astronomical questions answered with physics, in observational and theoretical courses.
Physics fits if
you want the broader discipline first. Avandy's Harvard Physics guide covers it.
Earth and Planetary Sciences fits if
you want the Earth and planets as systems. Avandy's Harvard Earth and Planetary Sciences guide covers it.
Admission and testing
A College application, an SAT or ACT, and predicted grades
Harvard requires the SAT or ACT, and accepts other results such as the IB or A levels only in exceptional cases when those tests are not accessible. Schools on the IB or A-level curriculum are expected to send predicted grades. Harvard says calculus is not required for admission and no specific math course is required. This guide states no score.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Harvard's.
Do you want astronomy as the main subject or as an application of physics?
The concentration is physics-based and the department notes joint options.
Are mechanics and calculus-level mathematics secure?
The gateway list includes both.
Can you plan the SAT or ACT with your A levels or IB?
Harvard requires one of them for first-year applicants.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Harvard's pages carry no entry-year label, so nothing on them is confirmed for 2028 entry. Use them to understand the structure of the application, then check Harvard's own pages for the 2028-entry details.
The requirements and descriptions on the pages read on 1 November 2026, which carry no entry-year label
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Harvard has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Deadlines, fees, financial aid and any department prerequisites not quoted here: not stated
This guide has not read them. Check Harvard for the values that apply to your application year.
What to do now
Read the Astrophysics entry on Harvard's concentrations page and the department page, and plan the SAT or ACT alongside your A levels or IB.
Support
Independent support with planning your own application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Harvard College or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here is limited to understanding the requirements and planning the applicant's own work; Avandy does not write or edit essays, does not submit any materials and has no partnership with Harvard College. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
Can I apply directly to Harvard Astrophysics?
The pages read describe admission to Harvard College. Students choose a concentration, Harvard's word for a major, once enrolled.
Can I combine Astrophysics with Physics?
The department says students often pursue a joint concentration with Physics or Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Is undergraduate research available?
The department encourages students interested in term-time or summer research to contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Do I need calculus before applying?
Harvard says calculus is not a requirement for admission and that no specific math course is required.
Do I need the SAT or ACT with A levels or the IB?
Harvard requires the SAT or ACT; IB or A-level results meet the requirement only in exceptional cases when those tests are not accessible.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Harvard's wording with no entry-year label. Check Harvard's pages again when Harvard publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Harvard Astrophysics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their physics and mathematics, their interest in observation and theory and their SAT or ACT plan, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.