How does Harvard University's acceptance rate compare to IIT Bombay's if I'm weighing both options?
Harvard University has an acceptance rate of around 4 percent, while IIT Bombay accepts under 1 percent of applicants, making IIT Bombay even more selective by this measure. Both charge very different tuition, so weigh selectivity alongside cost and career outcomes before choosing.
If you are comparing selectivity, Harvard University accepts around 4 percent of applicants, while IIT Bombay accepts under 1 percent, making IIT Bombay the harder of the two to get into on paper. Acceptance rate alone should not decide your choice, since tuition and outcomes differ sharply between the two.
Harvard University vs IIT Bombay: Key Numbers
| Parameter | Harvard University | IIT Bombay |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4% | Under 1% |
| QS Ranking | #4 | #129 |
| Annual Tuition Fee (B.Tech) | INR 45.1 Lakhs | INR 8 Lakhs to INR 20 Lakhs |
| Average Package | USD 175,000 (INR 1.45 Cr) | INR 23.5 LPA |
How Admissions Work Differently
Harvard evaluates your overall profile, including essays and extracurriculars, when deciding admission, while IIT Bombay admits students almost entirely based on their entrance exam score or percentile, and majors are allotted accordingly rather than chosen freely.
My Advice
If you want more control over your choice of major and a holistic admissions process, Harvard's profile based approach may suit you better despite the tougher acceptance odds. If cost is your bigger constraint, IIT Bombay's tuition is dramatically lower, so weigh your budget against your long term goals.
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