A concentration within the College
Harvard says students choose a concentration, its word for a major. The pages read describe no separate application to Physics.
Undergraduate · Harvard College
Harvard Physics: a concentration chosen within the College
Harvard College admits students to the College, and Physics is one of the concentrations they can choose once enrolled. Harvard describes a concentration that serves many goals, from fundamental laws such as relativity and quantum mechanics to fluids, solids and living matter, with several entry points into the physics sequence. For an A-level or IB applicant, the questions are how the concentration is reached, where mathematics fits and what Harvard says about calculus and testing. This guide claims no separate application to Physics.
Official information · read 31 October 2026, no entry-year label
What Harvard says about Harvard Physics
Taken from Harvard College's Concentrations page, the Department of Physics undergraduate page and the Application Requirements page, read on 31 October 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.
Several ways into the sequence
Most students begin with mechanics in Physics 15a, 16 or 19, but Physical Sciences 12a/b or Applied Physics 50a/b are also possible starting points.
Mathematics early
Harvard says mathematics is indispensable and suggests two Math 21-level courses early on.
Calculus is not an admission requirement
Harvard says no specific math course is required for admission and students can start with an introductory calculus class.
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 Physics: Undergraduatephysics.harvard.edu
- Harvard College: Application Requirementscollege.harvard.edu
Read on 31 October 2026 on Harvard College's Concentrations page, the Department of Physics undergraduate page and the Application Requirements page, which describes 2027 entry. The pages carry no entry-year label. Harvard's course catalogue, the Physics concentrator guide and requirement pages, honours and thesis pages, fees, deadlines and financial aid were not read and are not stated.
The concentration
What Harvard says Physics is
Harvard's concentrations page says Physics serves a variety of goals: understanding the laws that govern matter, the properties of macroscopic systems such as fluids and solids, and complex systems such as oceans, atmospheres, stars and living matter. It provides a foundation for physics and for computer science, astronomy, biophysics, engineering and other fields. Students usually begin with mechanics, and those starting elsewhere can consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies. This guide did not read the requirement pages.
Is it the right concentration?
Physics, Applied Mathematics or Engineering Sciences
Harvard describes each as a separate concentration, so the choice is made after admission. Avandy's comparison is general.
Physics fits if
you want the fundamental laws and their consequences studied for their own sake.
Applied Mathematics fits if
you want mathematical modelling in an area of application. Avandy's Harvard Applied Mathematics guide covers it.
Engineering Sciences fits if
you want engineering. Avandy's Harvard Computer Science and Engineering 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 IB or A-level results as a substitute only in exceptional cases when those tests are not accessible. Schools on the IB or A-level curriculum send predicted grades. Harvard says calculus is not required for admission and that students can start with an introductory calculus class. This guide states no score.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Harvard's.
Where would you start in the sequence?
Harvard lists several entry points.
Are you ready for mathematics early?
Harvard suggests Math 21-level courses.
Can you plan the SAT or ACT with your A levels or IB?
Harvard requires one of them.
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 31 October 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 Physics undergraduate page and plan the SAT or ACT.
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 Physics?
The pages read describe admission to Harvard College. Students choose a concentration, Harvard's word for a major, once enrolled.
Where does the physics sequence start?
Most students begin with mechanics in Physics 15a, 16 or 19; Physical Sciences 12a/b and Applied Physics 50a/b are also possible.
Do I need calculus before applying?
Harvard says calculus is not a requirement for admission.
Do I need the SAT or ACT with A levels or the IB?
Harvard requires the SAT or ACT; other results count only in exceptional cases when those tests are not accessible.
Do A-level and IB schools send predicted grades?
Harvard expects the school to send predicted grades for students on those curricula.
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 Physics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their mathematics, where they would start in the physics sequence 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.