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Home / Testbook US / Harvard University Acceptance Rate

Harvard University Acceptance Rate, SAT, GPA, and ACT Scores.

Last Updated on Jun 24, 2025
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Harvard is one of the most competitive institutions in the world and is known for its prestige and academic rigour. Thus, the candidates for admission must possess excellent qualifications such as outstanding grades, meeting, of course, the SAT examination requirement of Harvard University, exemplary extracurricular achievements, and some reflection on the students' show of leadership experiences. Harvard likes intellectually curious, resilient candidates willing to make a positive difference. The admissions team reviews each application holistically, considering personal essays, letters of recommendation, and individual strengths. Those with unique backgrounds and accomplishments are encouraged to apply, as Harvard values diversity and fresh perspectives.

Harvard University SAT & ACT Requirements

  • SAT Score Range: 1500-1580
  • ACT Score Range: 34–36
  • GPA Requirement: 4.0

Did You Know Facts About Harvard University?

📜 Oldest University in the U.S. – Harvard was founded in 1636, making it the country's oldest institution of higher education.
📖 Named After a Minister – It was named after John Harvard, who donated his library and half of his estate to the school.
🏛️ World-Class Alumni – Harvard has produced 8 U.S. Presidents, including Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy.
📚 Largest Academic Library – Widener Library at Harvard holds over 20 million volumes.

Harvard University Admissions Highlights

Elements

Details

College Name

Harvard College

College Location

Cambridge, MA

University Short Form

Harvard

Graduation Rate

97%

Acceptance Rate

3.5%

FAFSA Deadline

February 1

Early Action candidates 

November 1

Regular Application Due

January 1

SAT Score

1500-1580

ACT Score

34–36

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Harvard University Admission Requirements

Harvard accepts applications via the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Candidates must submit transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. While there is no minimum SAT or ACT score, the average ranges below reflect strong competitiveness.

Requirement

Details

Application Platform

Common App or Coalition App

Harvard University SAT Scores

1500-1580

Harvard University ACT Scores

34–36

Harvard University GPA

Near-perfect or exceptional (4.0)

Application Requirements

Letters of Recommendation (2 letters, preferably from Professors or Employers)

Extracurricular Activities (to display significant involvement with leadership roles and passion in meaningful activities)

Personal Statement/ Essay (a strong narrative that articulates the student's unique experiences and aspirations)

Application Fee

$85 or a fee waiver is available

A well-rounded profile is critical to navigating the highly competitive acceptance rate for Harvard University.

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Harvard University SAT Score Requirements 

Competitive applicants usually have SAT scores between 1460 and 1580 on the SAT. Harvard uses a holistic review process, so test scores are considered alongside GPA, leadership experience, essays, and personal background.

Harvard University Average SAT Requirements

For admission to Harvard, competitive Harvard University average SAT scores are generally above 1500. A competitive Harvard University SAT Requirements composite score typically ranges between 1500 and 1600, placing applicants in the top percentile of national test-takers.

Harvard University SAT Scores Distribution

The Harvard University average SAT composite score among admitted students often exceeds 1500, with section scores as follows:

  • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Between 740 and 780
  • Math: Between 740 and 800

Section

Average

25th Percentile

75th Percentile

Math

790

760

800

Reading + Writing

760

740

780

Composite

1550

1460

1580

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Applicants below the 25th percentile may still have a chance if they have exceptional achievements in other areas. Those with scores within the 25th and 75th percentiles are positioned competitively, while applicants above the 75th percentile significantly improve their chances of acceptance.

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Harvard University Schools that Use SAT Scores

Each Harvard school uses Harvard University's average SAT scores as part of its evaluation process, while still considering holistic factors:

  • Harvard College
  • Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
  • Harvard Business School
  • Harvard Law School
  • Harvard Medical School
  • Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
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Harvard University ACT Scores Requirements

Like the Harvard University SAT requirements, Harvard University ACT exam scores are a key factor in admissions. For admitted students, ACT scores typically range between 34 and 36, indicating the highly competitive nature of Harvard admissions.

Harvard University Average ACT Scores for Admitted Students

This range reflects the ACT scores of admitted students at Harvard University, emphasising the high academic standards expected from applicants. Getting good ACT scores or above the Harvard University ACT range can significantly enhance applicants' chances of acceptance, especially with outstanding GPAs and extracurricular accomplishments.

  • 25th Percentile ACT Score: 34 (25% of admitted students scored below this level)
  • Median ACT Score: 35 (midpoint score among admitted students)
  • 75th Percentile ACT Score: 36 (75% of admitted students scored below this level)

Percentile

ACT Score

25th Percentile

34

Median Score

35

75th Percentile

36

Find out the Upcoming ACT Test Dates and Deadlines

Do I Need the Minimum Required Harvard University SAT or ACT Score?

Harvard University does not have a minimum SAT or ACT score for admission. In the last cycle, the range (10th to 90th percentile) of SAT scores was 670–790 for Reading/Writing and 680–800 for Math. The ACT composite score range was 34 to 36. These high ranges align with the Harvard University acceptance rate, which reflects its highly selective nature.

Check out the ACT to SAT Conversion Tool By Testbook!

Harvard University GPA Requirements

Harvard University GPA scores are expected to be high at the time of admission, with most admitted students possessing near-perfect academic records. Usually, applicants receive a weighted GPA of 4.0 or above. Even though there is no minimum GPA to be considered, a good GPA is always required, especially under challenging courses, AP, or IB. The table below illustrates that exceptional academic performance is a critical factor in the admissions process at Harvard.

GPA Range

Percentage

3.75 and above

94%

3.50 – 3.74

4%

3.25 – 3.49

1%

3.00 – 3.24

Less than 1%

2.50 – 2.99

Less than 1%

The average GPA of admitted students approaches 4.0, showing that students admitted under the Harvard University acceptance rate 2025 cycle are academically exceptional.

Harvard University Average GPA of Admitted Students

The average GPA of admitted students is typically very high on an unweighted scale. Most often, it approaches 4.0. Such scores denote excellence within all disciplines, especially within challenging courses.

Harvard University GPA Ranges for Admission

Middle 50% GPA range: 3.9 - 4.0. Students with GPAs in this range have a good shot at being admitted, all things being equal. If your GPA exceeds this range, Harvard will seek to balance characteristics, including exceptional extracurricular activities or an excellent personal statement.

Harvard University Acceptance Rate

Harvard is renowned for its highly selective admissions process. Of 54,008 applicants, only 1,970 were admitted, leading to a Harvard acceptance rate of about 3.5%.

Category

Number of Students

Total Applicants

54,008

Admitted Students

1,937

Enrolled Students

1,647

Acceptance Rate

3.5%

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Harvard University Early Decision Acceptance Rate

Students applying under Harvard's Restrictive Early Action may benefit from the slightly higher acceptance rate of early decision at Harvard University. Although not binding, this option may offer a slight admissions edge to outstanding applicants.

Harvard University Scholarships

Harvard University provides different scholarships and financial aid programs so talented students of all financial backgrounds can pursue an education there. The following are the main facts regarding Harvard's scholarships:

Need-Based Financial Aid

Harvard has a need-based financial aid policy, meaning it does not provide merit-based scholarships. Instead, financial aid is given based on a student's proven financial need.

No Loans Policy: Harvard fulfils 100% of demonstrated financial need without expecting students to borrow.

Income-Based Aid:

  • Families with incomes below $85,000 per year typically pay nothing.
  • Families between $85,000 and $150,000 pay 0-10% of their income.
  • Families with incomes above $150,000 may still receive aid, depending on specific situations.

International Students

Harvard offers international students the same need-based financial aid as U.S. students. International students are not eligible for special scholarships but are equally qualified for Harvard's financial assistance program.

Applying for Financial Aid

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (for U.S. applicants).

Both domestic and international students need the CSS Profile.

Other documents, including tax returns, might be required.

Outside Scholarships

Students may also apply for external scholarships, including:

  • The Gates Scholarship
  • Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
  • Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Harvard permits students to utilise outside scholarships to pay for educational costs, but they might re-adjust Harvard's financial aid package.

Conclusion

Simply having a good SAT score and GPA is not enough. You must craft an application that reflects leadership, personal growth, and a unique perspective. Given the ultra-selective Harvard University acceptance rate, your profile should be academically strong and full of meaningful personal achievements.

Acceptance Rate of Top U.S. Universities

Check Colleges Accepting Low ACT Scores

College Name

ACT Score

SAT Score

Texas Southern University

15–19*

820–980*

Tennessee State University

16–21*

890–1080*

Clark Atlanta University

17–20*

860–1053*

Keiser University

15–21*

Not available*

Barry University

16–20*

860–1062*

Colleges That Accept a 1200 Score on the SAT

University

ACT Score

SAT Score

Wayne State University Admissions

21–27*

940–1200*

Kean University Admissions

16–25*

910–1150*

Eastern Michigan University Admissions

18–26*

910–1150*

Lamar University Admissions

18–24*

910–1120*

Radford University Admissions

19–26*

950–1150*

Grand Valley State University Admissions

21–28*

950–1180*

Central Connecticut State University Admissions

16–27*

925–1140*

University Of Memphis Admissions

17–24*

930–1175*

Sam Houston State University Admissions

19–25*

950–1130*

Oakland University Admissions

20–27*

900–1150*

University Of North Florida Admissions

20–26*

1010–1200*

Harvard University Acceptance Rate FAQs

You typically need a GPA of 3.9 to 4.0 (unweighted) to be a competitive applicant. Harvard expects near-perfect grades, especially in honours, AP, or IB courses.

Yes, Harvard accepts Indian students and offers U.S. students the same need-based financial aid. Many Indians have been admitted to undergraduate and graduate programs.

Harvard is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, often No. 1 globally. It is renowned for academics, research, and alums impact.

MIT's acceptance rate is around 4%, making it one of the most selective universities in the world. It receives over 26,000 applications annually and admits about 1,300 students.

Both are highly rigorous, but MIT is often considered more intense in math and science. Harvard offers broader flexibility across majors, while MIT focuses heavily on STEM.
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