Chances of getting into Harvard University
Acceptance Rate
How hard is it to get into Harvard and can I get accepted?
The acceptance rate at Harvard is 4%. It ranks #1 in Massachusetts and #2 in the nation for lowest rate of acceptance. Harvard is extremely competitive school to get into with a very low chance of acceptance - even for applicants with the highest scores and grades. Last year, 2,318 out of 57,786 applicants were admitted.
The school has exceptionally high admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 2 percent on standardized admission tests. 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. Of those applicants who were admitted, 84% chose to enroll. This indicates that admission to the school is highly desirable and is a top choice for many students.
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 1530 on the SAT
- Score 34 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top 10% of your high school class
- Submit letters of recommendation from your teachers
Test Optional
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Harvard University. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 54% of students submitted SAT scores and 31% submitted ACT scores for admission for the 2021/2022 academic year..
Harvard SAT Scores
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 25th | 730 |
| SAT Math 25th | 750 |
| SAT Composite 25th | 1480 |
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading 75th | 780 |
| SAT Math 75th | 800 |
| SAT Composite 75th | 1580 |
| Average SAT Score | 1530
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to Harvard University?
Harvard University is a test optional school meaning applicants are not required to submit SAT scores with their application. The position on SAT scores from the school is "considered but not required".
Students who get into Harvard University score in the top 1 percent of all SAT test takers.. The SAT composite score range for the middle 50% of students is 1480-1580.
Find other colleges with similar SAT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score
Harvard ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 25th | 35 |
| ACT Math 25th | 32 |
| ACT Composite 25th | 33 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| ACT Reading 75th | 36 |
| ACT Math 75th | 35 |
| ACT Composite 75th | 36 |
| Average ACT Score | 34
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for prospective students to get into Harvard?
Harvard University is test optional. Students are not required to submit ACT scores with their application. The policy on ACT scores is "considered but not required".
Harvard regularly accepts students who score 33 and above on the ACT. These students typically score in the top 2 percent nationally. The ACT composite score range for the middle 50% of students is 33-36.
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classEstimated Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Explore Harvard University
Harvard GPA
Estimated GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Harvard University?
Applicants require exceptionally good grades to get into Harvard. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at Harvard University was 4.0 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily A/A+ students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #1 in Massachusetts for highest average GPA. 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.
Explore more colleges with similar GPA requirements
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
High School Class Rank
94% of Harvard University freshman were in the top ten percent of their high school graduating 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
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 30,805 | 26,981 | 57,786 |
| Accepted | 1,218 | 1,100 | 2,318 |
| Acceptance Rate | 4% | 4% | 4% |
| Enrolled | 1,026 | 925 | 1,951 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 84% | 84% | 84% |
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Harvard University is $75.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Harvard University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Considered but not required |
| High School GPA | Recommended |
| High School Class Rank | Recommended |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Neither required nor recommended |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Neither required nor recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | No |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Other Colleges to Consider
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?
54% of students submit their SAT scores to Harvard. 31% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Harvard University?
4% 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 1480 and 1580. 54% of students submit SAT scores when applying. 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 33 and 36. 31% of students submit ACT scores when applying. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.