ARE YOU MEXICAN AND INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO HARVARD?
PRIMEX
ARE YOU MEXICAN AND INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO HARVARD?
PRIMEX is a pilot program sponsored by the Harvard University Mexican Association of Students (HUMAS) aimed at increasing MEXICAN representation at HARVARD
INFORMATION (English Subtitles)
OUR VALUES
INCLUSIVE
At PRIMEX, we believe that access to quality educational opportunities should be available to everyone, regardless of their background or resources. Our free and open model allows talented students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, to receive the support they need to apply to Harvard.
SUSTAINABLE
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our reward system : recipients admitted to Harvard commit to serving as mentors in the following cycle. This creates a self-sustaining community, in which each generation contributes to the growth and continuity of the program, ensuring its impact over time.
IMPORTANT DATES
Instructions
Welcome to the selection process for the Harvard Mexican Association (HUMAS) PRIMEX program!
Before starting your online application, it's very important that you watch the preview video and review the following instructions . This will help you prepare your information and avoid any setbacks that could prevent you from submitting your responses correctly.
The 5 Parts of the Application
1. Informed consent
You must read and accept the legal and privacy notice, confirming your understanding and consent to participate in the program.
2. Personal and contact information
In this section, you'll be asked for basic information such as your full name, address, phone number, email address, CURP, and other relevant information.
3. Academic aptitude
Here you'll need to enter information about your academic history, including GPAs, schools attended, standardized tests, awards, scholarships, grade levels, etc.
4. Open questions (short essays)
You'll answer 7 key questions that will help us get to know you and evaluate your profile. IMPORTANT: Each answer has a word limit.
RECOMMENDATION
We recommend that you DO NOT start the application without first answering the prompts in a Word document or other text editor.
The platform may close automatically if you spend too much time typing, and you could lose your progress . Once you have your answers ready, you'll just have to copy and paste each one into the corresponding cell.
CURRICULUM VITAE
To complete your application, you must upload your CV in Harvard format (PDF). You can refer to this official format sample for guidance.
Don't start your application without first having your CV in this format and ready to attach. The file must be in PDF format. Don't start your application without having all your answers and your CV in PDF format ready.
CV FORMAT
PROMPTS
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Why are you interested in studying at Harvard? Maximum 200 words. Briefly explain which specific aspects of Harvard attract your attention (they may be academic, research-related, community-based, or about global impact).
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What are your professional goals for 5, 10, 15, and 20 years from now? Maximum 200 words. Using bullet points is recommended for clarity.
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How would your experience at Harvard contribute to achieving your personal and professional goals? Maximum 200 words. Clearly state how you would make the most of the university and its network to reach your objectives.
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From your perspective, what is the main issue facing Mexico in your field of study? Maximum 200 words. Identify and explain the issue, briefly arguing why you consider it a priority.
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If you were to pursue your education at Harvard, how would you contribute solutions to the issue you mentioned? Maximum 400 words. Use bullet points to structure your ideas and include references to institutions and projects you would be interested in collaborating with. Describe specific actions, proposals, and collaboration networks you would like to promote by leveraging Harvard's resources.
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What have been the main challenges you have faced in accessing better educational opportunities, and how have you overcome or plan to overcome them? Maximum 300 words. Describe your personal and/or structural challenges, as well as the strategies, learnings, and support that have allowed you to move forward.
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What previous experiences have you had in social work or volunteering? Maximum 300 words. Share your contributions, number of hours, and duration of involvement with the program.
TIP: It is advisable to save all your answers in a single document for easy reference.
FAQ's
Questions?
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What is PRIMEX?
PRIMEX is a free mentorship program facilitated by HUMAS (the Association of Mexicans at Harvard), designed to support Mexican candidates applying to college or graduate programs at Harvard. It is a student-led initiative, not officially affiliated with the university and does not influence the admissions process. -
Does PRIMEX guarantee my admission to Harvard?
NO. PRIMEX is a guidance and mentorship program; neither HUMAS nor the mentors have any influence, intervention, or responsibility over admission decisions at Harvard or any other university. -
Who can apply to PRIMEX?
Mexican women and men interested in applying to Harvard for college (undergraduate) or graduate (master’s and doctoral) programs. The program may give priority to those who show academic potential, commitment, and a diversity of profiles. -
How long does it take to fill out the application?
Completing the application takes at least one hour and must be done in a single session. We recommend preparing your answers and your CV in PDF format before starting the process. -
Can I save my progress and continue later?
No, the form does not have a save function. If you close or refresh the page, you will lose your progress. That’s why it’s essential to have all your answers and files ready before you begin. -
How do I prepare my CV in the Harvard format?
You must use the structure indicated in the following guide. Make sure to submit your file in PDF format. https://hwpi.harvard.edu/files/ocs/files/gsas-cvs-and-cover-letters.pdf -
What kind of questions are included in the open-ended prompts?
The 7 questions aim to explore your motivations, professional goals, challenges faced, social contributions, and your vision for making an impact in Mexico in your area of study. -
How many words can I write in the prompts?
Each question has a specific limit (between 200 and 400 words). Do not exceed the limit to avoid your response being cut off or invalidated. -
What happens if I don’t have all standardized tests (SAT, GRE, TOEFL, etc.)?
It is not mandatory to have taken all standardized tests at the time of applying to PRIMEX, but you must state which ones you have, your scores, and any planned exams for the admission cycle. -
When will I find out if I was selected for the mentorship program?
You will receive a notification by email in mid-October, after all applications have been reviewed. -
Is there any cost to participate in PRIMEX?
No. PRIMEX mentorship is completely free. However, selected participants are expected to give back as tutors for the next program cycle if chosen. -
What happens if I am selected?
You will be assigned a mentor to guide you through the Harvard application process. You will have at least three personalized mentorship sessions for advice and essay review. -
Can I apply to PRIMEX more than once?
No, only one application per person is allowed during each selection cycle. -
Can I apply if I am also applying for other scholarships or universities besides Harvard?
Yes, you can participate in PRIMEX even if you are applying to multiple institutions or scholarships. However, the program’s focus is on the Harvard admissions process. -
Is participation in the “give-back” phase mandatory if I am admitted to Harvard?
Yes, if you are admitted and participate in PRIMEX, you are expected to volunteer as a mentor for future generations, as much as you are able. -
How many spots are available in PRIMEX this year?
The number of spots depends on the number of volunteer tutors and the programs they cover. Mentorship is only assigned to candidates applying to a program represented by an available tutor.
In case of high demand, priority will be given to the most qualified candidates and those best aligned with PRIMEX’s objectives.
FAQ's
MEET THE TEAM
Alexa Kalach Luft
Co-Founder and Co-Director, PRIMEX
Master's in Public Policy Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School '27
Alexa Kalach is a Master in Public Policy candidate (MPP '27) at the Harvard Kennedy School. She is a Mexican-American researcher with a background in government and legal affairs. Her work focuses on international security, international law, and human rights, with particular attention to transnational crime, US–Mexico relations, and the global dimensions of armed violence. Alexa earned a double degree in Economics and Government from Dartmouth College, where she graduated with honors in 2025. Prior to Dartmouth, she attended the American School Foundation in Mexico City, completing her studies in 2020.
Andrés Inzunza, MD
Co-Founder and Co-Director, PRIMEX
VP, External Affairs, HUMAS
Master of Medical Sciences in Clinical Investigation Candidate,
Harvard Medical School '26
Andrés Inzunza is a Master's of Medical Science candidate (Clinical Investigation, '26) at Harvard Medical School. Originally from Guadalajara, he completed his medical degree at Tec de Monterrey, where he graduated with a Diploma of Excellence for Professional Development. He is a Mexican physician with a background in clinical research and is currently applying to neurology residency programs. His work centers on disease diagnosis through retinal imaging and clinical trials, with particular interest in glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmology. He is currently conducting research at Mass Eye and Ear and has received the Jalisco Youth Award in Science (2024).
PRIMEX is an independent mentorship program organized by the Harvard University Mexican Association of Students (HUMAS), with no official affiliation or influence over Harvard’s admissions processes. Participation is free of charge and does not guarantee acceptance to any university.
By submitting your application, you accept these conditions and give your consent for the handling of your data in accordance with current regulations.