Key Takeaways:
- To get into Harvard, academic factors that admissions officers consider are GPA, academic rigor, ACT/SAT test score, recommendations, and the application essay.
- Admissions officers also look at nonacademic factors including extracurriculars, character, volunteer work, and more.
- The average GPA for accepted students in 2023-2024 was 4.2. 99% of accepted students scored over a 30 on the ACT, and 95% of accepted students scored over 1500 on the SAT.
Source: Flickr user 127687091@N07.
To say that it’s hard to get into Harvard University is an understatement. In 2023, this Ivy League school received 56,937 applications and accepted only 1,708 students. This puts their acceptance rate at 3%. That means, for every 100 applicants, only about 3 are successful. With such a low acceptance rate, Harvard is one of the most–if not the most–selective colleges. Harvard’s GPA requirements are among the highest of all universities and so are their average SAT and ACT score requirements.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to get into Harvard including GPA requirements and what kind of SAT or ACT scores you would you need to make the cut for this prestigious school.
What are the Standard Admission Requirements for Harvard?
GPA and ACT/SAT scores are not the only things Harvard considers when assessing applications. According to Harvard’s Common Data Set, the following are important factors that admissions officers look for in first-year students.
Academic Factors:
- Rigor of secondary school record
- Average Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Recommendations
- Standardized test scores
- Application essay
Nonacademic Factors:
- Interview
- Extracurriculars
- Talent/ability
- Charter/personal qualities
- First generation
- Alumni relation
- Geographical residence
- Volunteer work
- Work experience
While the nonacademic factors tend to be rated more subjectively (although no less stringently), we can put some numbers behind the academic factors. Let’s explore more.
Minimum GPA Requirements for Harvard
Harvard receives more than 55,000 applications every year. Although the admissions committee reads and considers all completed applications, earning an impressive GPA is a major factor for students to be accepted. A high GPA is important not only for admissions purposes. It also acts as an indicator of your preparedness to thrive in this highly competitive atmosphere.
So, what GPA is “required” for you to get in?
- The average GPA for student accepted into Harvard according to its 2023-2024 Common Data Set was a 4.2.
- Of enrolled students, 74% had a GPA of 4.0.
- Academic rigor is important. A student with a 4.0 GPA with challenging classes (AP or IB courses) will be considered over a student that carries a 4.0 GPA with a standard or easier workload.
So, while a lower grade point average doesn’t automatically disqualify you from Harvard acceptance, you’ll want to set your set your sights on a competitive 4.0 GPA.
In addition to GPA, admissions reviewers will also want to assess your test scores.
Average ACT Score for Harvard University
The average ACT score for Harvard University is higher than that of any other Ivy League in the country. From previous years the average ACT score for students who get accepted into Harvard is between 34 and 36. This is well above the national average of 21.
If you’re planning to apply to Harvard, you should aim to score 34 – 36 in all three categories – ACT English, ACT Math, and ACT Composite.
Average SAT Score for Harvard University
Harvard states on their website that they do not have testing cutoffs for applications. However, they do consider applicants’ test scores along with other factors. They also published the previous year’s range of SAT scores for enrolling students.
According to the published stats, the range of SAT scores for enrolling students was 680-800 for Math and 670 – 690 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. While that’s the range, consider that:
- 92% of accepted, incoming students scored above a 700 on the Reading and Writing section.
- 95% of students had above a 700 on the Math portion.
- Of accepted students, the composite SAT score tends to be between 1500 and 1590. That’s what you’ll need to aim for.
Note: Harvard states that the way in which it reviews test scores within applications will not be impacted by the College Board’s shift to a digital delivery of the SAT.
How To Boost Your Changes of Getting Accepted into Harvard
Students who wish to study at Harvard start working towards their dream early. If your goal is to attend Harvard, you’ll want to start planning early and study often.
- Start by taking challenging classes in high school.
- Study hard and earn a high GPA of 4.0.
- Set aside time to participate in meaningful extracurricular activities and spend time in community activities. Remember, you don’t need to participate in a long laundry list of activities. Instead, focus on quality instead of quantity.
- Prepare for the SAT or ACT. The best way to do this is by taking ACT and SAT practice tests. Assessing your performance in practice tests tells you a lot about your strengths and weaknesses. If you start early, you’ll have sufficient time to work on your weak areas to improve your score. Harvard accepts both the ACT (with writing) and/or SAT, so pick the test that’s right for you.
- Ask for recommendation letters from the people who know your abilities best! Make sure to ask early so they have time to write out a solid letter.
- Keep track of your volunteer/community work and any other areas that you excel at and can put into an application.
- Start on that college application essay early. Make sure it’s unique to you and that you have it reviewed before you are ready to submit.
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