Your chances of getting into Harvard University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Harvard is 3.2%. Its admission rate is the lowest in Massachusetts and the 4th lowest the nation.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Harvard and can you get accepted?
Harvard is an extremely competitive school to get into and is highly selective who it accepts. You have a very low chance of acceptance even even if you meet the admission criteria. It's critical that you meet their GPA requirements to get past the first round of consideration. Last year, only 1,984 out of the 61,221 who applied were admitted.
Harvard University typically accepts and attracts "A/A+" average high school students with an average GPA around 4.0. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class or better. Of those applicants who were admitted, 83% elected to enroll. This indicates that the school is the top choice for most students who apply.
Can you get into Harvard?
3% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Harvard University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 4.0 or better
- Earn A/A+ grades in high school
- Score 1540 on the SAT
- Score 35 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top 10% of your high school class
Harvard GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Harvard University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into Harvard are to have around a 4.0 high school GPA. You are required to have exceptionally good grades and you should be graduating near the top of your class.
Given the school's very highly selective admissions, acceptance at Harvard extremely difficult and unlikely even with a 4.0 GPA. The school should be considered a reach even if you have a 4.0 GPA. If your grades do not meet the GPA requirements, you will have very little chance of being considered for admission.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at Harvard is 4.0 on the 4.0 scale. 76% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A/A+ letter grades and regularly score around 97-100 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #1 in Massachusetts for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since Harvard is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 4.0 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
Harvard SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Harvard University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 55% of students submitted SAT scores and 28% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 730 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 760 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1490 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 780 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 800 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1580 |
| Average SAT Score | 1540
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Harvard University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at Harvard is 1540 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1490-1580. Students who get into Harvard University score in the top 1 percent of all SAT test takers.. Harvard ranks #2 in the state of Massachusetts and #8 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1540 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Harvard regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1490 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1490, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1440, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Harvard University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1540 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1535, you have around a 3% chance of being admitted. A 1580 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 6% chance of getting in.
Harvard ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 35 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 32 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 34 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 36 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 35 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 36 |
| Average ACT Score | 35
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Harvard?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to Harvard is 35, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 34 and 36. The school ranks #1 in Massachusetts and #3 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 35. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 34 and score in the score in the top 1 percent nationally.
28 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Harvard University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Harvard University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into Harvard for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 35 score has around 3% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 6% with a 36 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
94% of Harvard University freshman are in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class. For your application to be competitive, you need to graduate at the top of your class.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 94% |
| Top 25% of class | 98% |
| Top 50% of class | 100% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 33,197 | 28,024 | 61,221 |
| Accepted | 1,076 | 908 | 1,984 |
| Acceptance Rate | 3% | 3% | 3% |
| Enrolled | 906 | 740 | 1,646 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 84% | 81% | 83% |
Fall 2024 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
The application deadline for Fall 2024 has passed. Applications were due on Jan 1, 2024.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Harvard University is $85.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Harvard University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Recommendations | Required to be considered for admission |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | No |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because Harvard is extremely competitive, you have a very low likelihood of acceptance. It is critical that you earn at least a 4.0 GPA to have any chance. Additionally, you need to score at least a 1540 on the SAT and optimally 1580 to put yourself in a competitive position. For ACT scores, you should really strive for a 35 to have the best chance of getting in.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Harvard University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=166027 IPEDS survey data for Harvard University.
FAQs
Does Harvard University prefer SAT or ACT?
55% of students submit their SAT scores to Harvard. 28% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Harvard University?
3% of those who apply are granted admission to Harvard. Admission competition is extreme and the college has elite admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Harvard University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1490 and 1580. The average SAT score is 1535. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Harvard University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 34 and 36. The average ACT score is 35. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.