Harvard Academic Calendar 2025-26: Key Dates And Deadlines

The Harvard Academic Calendar is a crucial resource for students, faculty, and staff to stay informed about important dates and deadlines throughout the academic year. As we look ahead to the 2025-26 academic year, it's essential to mark your calendars with the key dates and deadlines that will shape your academic journey. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive overview of the Harvard Academic Calendar for 2025-26, highlighting the most critical dates and deadlines you need to know.

Understanding the Harvard Academic Calendar

Before we dive into the key dates and deadlines, it's essential to understand the structure of the Harvard Academic Calendar. The calendar is divided into two main semesters: Fall and Spring. Each semester consists of 13 weeks of classes, followed by a week of reading period and a week of final exams. In addition to the semesters, Harvard also offers a January Term (also known as J-Term) and a Summer Term.

Fall Semester 2025

August 31, 2025: Move-in day for first-year students September 2, 2025: Classes begin September 14, 2025: Add/drop deadline for Fall Term courses October 12, 2025: Columbus Day (no classes) November 20, 2025: Thanksgiving recess begins (no classes) December 6, 2025: Last day of classes December 10, 2025: Reading period begins December 17, 2025: Final exams end

January Term (J-Term) 2026

January 4, 2026: J-Term classes begin January 25, 2026: Add/drop deadline for J-Term courses February 1, 2026: Last day of J-Term classes

Spring Semester 2026

February 8, 2026: Classes begin February 21, 2026: Add/drop deadline for Spring Term courses March 14, 2026: Spring recess begins (no classes) April 18, 2026: Patriots' Day (no classes) May 6, 2026: Last day of classes May 10, 2026: Reading period begins May 17, 2026: Final exams end

Summer Term 2026

June 1, 2026: Summer Term classes begin June 14, 2026: Add/drop deadline for Summer Term courses July 31, 2026: Last day of Summer Term classes

Deadlines and Important Dates

In addition to the semester dates, there are several deadlines and important dates to keep in mind:

October 15, 2025: Deadline for Fall Term course registration February 15, 2026: Deadline for Spring Term course registration March 15, 2026: Deadline for Summer Term course registration April 1, 2026: Deadline for Fall Term housing applications

Conclusion

The Harvard Academic Calendar for 2025-26 is packed with important dates and deadlines that will shape your academic journey. By marking your calendars with these key dates, you'll be better equipped to navigate the academic year with confidence. Remember to stay informed about additional deadlines and important dates throughout the year, and don't hesitate to reach out to Harvard's administrative offices if you have any questions or concerns.

Take Action

Stay on top of your academic game by:

Marking your calendars with the key dates and deadlines outlined above Registering for courses on time to avoid late fees and penalties Applying for housing and financial aid before the deadlines Reaching out to Harvard's administrative offices for support and guidance

Share Your Thoughts

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on the Harvard Academic Calendar for 2025-26 in the comments below. What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming academic year?

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