Key Takeaways:
- Harvard is one of the most difficult schools to get into in the nation due to the fact that it is a highly ranked college (usually in the top 3 of overall rankings) and that the school receives over around 56,000 applications each year.
- That’s a high number relative to the only around 2,000 applicants they can accept annually — about a 3% acceptance rate.
- To be one of the few accepted into Harvard, it’s key to understand the GPA requirements, achieve top notch ACT/SAT scores, participate in extracurriculars, and submit a solid application.
Getting into college can be difficult, but what about getting into Harvard University? Is it really as difficult as they say? Well, yes – it is quite tough to get accepted to Harvard! Here’s why, and how you can work to increase your chances of getting an acceptance letter from this Ivy League.
How Hard is it To Get into Harvard?
Flickr user Ian Lamont
Harvard University is one of the most difficult schools to get accepted to in the United States. Harvard College, the school for undergraduates, had an acceptance rate of only 3% in the 2023 admissions cycle. Out of the 56,937 applications they received, only 2,015 were accepted. 84% of students accepted Harvard’s offer and attended the Ivy League the following fall.
Looking back to 2020, however, it’s easy to see that being accepted into Harvard is getting more difficult each year. In the 2020 admissions cycle, the school accepted 5% of the 40,248 applications sent in – that’s 1,708 students. More and more students are applying to Harvard each year, which is lowering their overall acceptance rate.
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Why Is It So Difficult?
It’s so difficult to get into Harvard because of the sheer number of well-equipped and well-educated students trying to get in. The school regularly ranks in the top 5 in the country – for the 2025 College Raptor rankings we named Harvard #2. It’s a desirable university, and students know they’re going to get an amazing education. Future employers can be impressed with a Harvard degree, too.
Most colleges simply don’t have the room to accept over 56,000 applicants each year, even if every single one surpassed the expectations of the admissions board. In 2011, Harvard offered admission to 2,158 applicants. Even though that was a record year, that was still only 6.2% of the applicant pool.
4 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting Accepted to Harvard
Going above and beyond is one of the best ways you can increase your chances of getting an acceptance letter from Harvard University. Here are a few tips:
1. Know Harvard GPA Requirements
Most schools use a weighted 4.0 GPA scale, including Harvard. This means that the GPA takes course difficulty into account. As a result, an A+ in a college-level English class is worth more than an A+ in a cooking class.
According to Harvard’s 2023-2024 Common Data Set, the average GPA for accepted students was 4.2, up from a 4.18 in 2020. More than 74% of accepted students had above a 4.0, while just under 20% had a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99.
Keep in mind that a lower GPA doesn’t automatically rule you out for acceptance at Harvard. That year 0.33% of applicants actually had a GPA below 2.99, including 0.07% that had a GPA between 1.0 and 1.99. However, a higher GPA will increase your chances of being accepted to Harvard.
Talk to your guidance counselor or college advisor to discuss how your GPA is calculated. They can also give you advice on academic rigor and course selection to improve your grades and weighted GPA.
2. Improve Your ACT or SAT
Harvard College still requires standardized test scores from applicants. These are generally the SAT or ACT, but the school also accepts AP exam results, IB Actual or Predicted scores, General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)/A-Level Actual or Predicted Results, National Leaving Exams Results or Predictions. 74% of students who enrolled in Harvard in Fall 2023 decided to submit their SAT or ACT scores.
Based on previously accepted students, Harvard is looking for an ACT Composite score of 34 to 36. In 2023, 99.44% of incoming first-year students earned above a 30 on the ACT – the remaining had between 24 and 29. Their highest scores were in English and Reading, followed by Science then Math.
For the SAT Combined, students tended to have between 1,500 to 1,590, or a 760 to 800 on the Math and a 750 to 790 on the Reading/Writing. More than 92% of accepted, incoming students scored above a 700 on the Reading and Writing section and nearly 96% of students had above a 700 on the Math portion.
The ACT or SAT isn’t like an IQ test. There is room for improvement. If your GPA is a little lower, you can make up some points here by scoring extremely well. Studying, taking practice tests, and reviewing your results can help you see a higher score each time you sit for the exam.
3. Participate in Extracurriculars
Competitive schools like the Ivy Leagues aren’t just looking for top grades – they want to see you giving back to your community and participating in things outside of the classroom. Join clubs, sports, or other programs you’re interested in – even during your downtime, like during the summer – and put in the legwork. You should be aiming to show off your achievements while also reaching important positions, like those in leadership.
4. Put In Extra Effort With Your Application
Even if you’ve checked off the last three boxes, you’ll still need a solid submission to impress the admissions department, and they will notice if you don’t put your best foot forward.
That means:
- preparing for the admissions interview.
- writing a strong college essay.
- securing letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals you trust.
Harvard uses the Common App so you can get a head start by knowing what they’re asking for ahead of time.
Getting into Harvard, or any of the Ivy Leagues for that matter, is no easy feat. Taking steps as soon as possible though can help increase your chances of getting that coveted acceptance letter.
Curious about Harvard University, your admissions chances? Check out our page on the school to get all the information you need.
