From Muggle to Magician: Getting Into Hogwarts Ultimate Guide

Everyone in the Wizarding World knows Harry Potter and his best friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.

It’s no secret, too, that they attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, commonly shortened to Hogwarts University or Hogwarts, in the Scottish Highlands.

Hogwarts is one of the most prestigious academic institutions on the planet and in other realms.

It’s highly selective like extremely competitive universities in the UK, although applicants who show magical abilities automatically receive acceptance letters from Hogwarts’ admissions officers.

Below, I will guide you through the magical journey of applying to Hogwarts and being a student there.

Yes, you read that right — you can apply to Hogwarts after high school or after a gap year!

But is Hogwarts University real?

Yes, Hogwarts University is absolutely real to the magical community that believes in mythical things such as centaurs, dragons, fairies, goblins, wizards, witches, and magical spells and potions!

It may be a boarding school of magic in a series of fictional books and movies, alright, but it contains elements of real places, some of which you can visit in person.

You’re not breaking any law if you truly believe in your heart that it’s a real academic institution and genuinely interested in knowing how to apply to it.

Hogwarts Application Requirements: Just Like Applying to a Traditional College, But More Mystical

The pursuit of becoming an educated and established wizard or witch capable of casting spells with precision and confidence begins with filling out the Hogwarts application form.

It’s like completing the Common App or Coalition App, but with much fewer details to provide.

Magical abilities are above all else, after all!

Ensure that the details you provide match the ones in your high school records!

Recommendations and Essays are Not Application Requirements

It’s not uncommon for elite colleges and universities to require applicants to submit letters of recommendation.

Well, there’s no need to submit any recommendation when applying to Hogwarts.

Proving that you have magical abilities, whether or not fully mastered, is usually more than enough for the enchanted institution’s fussy admissions officers.

Nothing can vouch for your skills, talents and potential more than a demonstration of the things you can do!

At most traditional postsecondary institutions, candidates must submit personal statements and supplemental essays to showcase their creativity and what they can contribute to the campus community.

Casting a spell or two serves as a substitute for essays at Hogwarts.

As an incoming freshman student at Hogwarts College, you must prove that it’s the best-fit school to avoid feeling like you don’t belong and potentially dropping out before graduation.

Hogwarts Accepts AP, Doesn’t Require Test Scores

Because Hogwarts is selective, taking AP courses can work to your advantage.

Having AP courses in your high school transcript screams college readiness, especially if they have something to do with your intended major as it shows you are ready to take on challenging classes about it.

For instance, you may register for AP Chemistry, AP Math, or AP Psychology if you wish to major in Potions.

Taking AP exams and scoring a 4 or 5 in each of them may allow you to earn college credit, which can help you breeze through your Hogwarts undergraduate studies.

Yes, Hogwarts participates in the AP program by the College Board!

On the other hand, you can apply to this Harry Potter university without reporting your SAT or ACT score because Hogwarts is a test-optional school — applicants may or may not submit their standardized test scores.

Consider submitting yours if you have a great score that can add value to your Hogwarts application.

Did you take the SAT or ACT multiple times?

Make sure that you submit all your scores from all test dates because Hogwarts’ admissions officers superscores test scores, which means they obtain a composite score by adding the highest section scores found in your record.

The FAFSA Form: No Need to Fill It Out

When applying to traditional colleges and universities in the United States, one of the most important forms candidates must submit is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Submitting the completed FAFSA allows them to determine whether or not they are eligible for financial aid.

You don’t have to submit it when applying to Hogwarts University since tuition is zero.

That’s right — learning from one of the best academic institutions is free of charge!

Because of this, a supernatural bachelor’s degree from Hogwarts is accessible to all degree-seeking students, including those from low-income backgrounds who cannot afford the asking prices of some of America’s top-tier unis.

It doesn’t matter, too, if you’re a squib, muggle-born, half-blood, or pure-blood.

But it’s worth pointing out that students must shoulder everything else.

The Ministry of Magic, which is the main governing body of the magical community, does not subsidize school supplies as well as wizardry and witchcraft essentials such as robes and wands.

Declaring a Major and Enrolling in Online Courses

Like Harvard, Bryn Mawr, Yale, and the University of Chicago, all of which eerily look like the campus of Hogwarts University, Hogwarts requires students to major in a discipline to meet graduation requirements.

It’s the major you choose that will give focus and direction to your undergraduate studies.

Like numerous colleges and universities on this plane, you can attend Hogwarts online!

Applying to Hogwarts Undeclared is Okay

The Hogwarts application form asks for a student’s intended major.

Refrain from panicking when you reach this section because you can get into Hogwarts with no major in mind, although all undergraduate students must declare one by the end of their sophomore year of college.

Estimates say that 20% to 50% of students enter college undecided, which means you will not be alone.

Besides entering Hogwarts as a first-year student without a major, you can also switch majors whether you enter the university declared or choose one after making up your mind as a freshman or sophomore student.

Believe it or not, up to 80% of future wizards and witches change their majors at least once in college.

Here’s a tip: upon entering University Hogwarts undeclared, take some electives and participate in some extracurriculars to have an idea of which major is right for you.

You may also consult an academic advisor to help with your academic and career goals.

Going for Online Hogwarts Programs and Courses

Although no Hogwarts student is technically a traditional degree-seeking individual, you can attend Hogwarts University in a fashion dissimilar to those who are going to it as normal students would.

These days, Hogwarts is friendlier to non-traditional and adult learners through its online campus.

Yes, you can earn a degree from Hogwarts without having to ride the Hogwarts Express even once — you simply have to sit in front of your desktop or laptop to attend your classes or present a report before your classmates and professors.

Hogwarts Online is ideal for individuals with jobs or families to raise.

Undergraduate degree programs available online use the same curriculum as traditional degree programs, which means you will get the same top-notch education as traditional attendees.

In addition, your diploma won’t indicate that you attended the online campus instead of the physical one!

When you apply for a job where your magical knowledge and skills can be utilized, there’s no need to feel less confident and qualified as candidates with a traditional college diploma.

However, it’s worth noting that online learning isn’t for everyone.

You must have the discipline and motivation to learn the lessons on your own, including:

Alarte Ascendare
Avada Kedavra
Disillusionment Charm
Expecto Patronum
Extension Charm
Lacarnum Inflamari
Magicus Extremos
Petrificus Totalus
Redactum Skullus
Serpensortia
Tarantallegra
Wingardium Leviosa

If you cannot rely on your organization, time management, and prioritization skills, consider attending Hogwarts’ physical campus to increase your chances of attaining academic success.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the College Reality Check. 