Harvard University, established in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and a symbol of academic excellence. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is renowned for its prestigious faculty, rigorous curriculum, and historic campus. The university offers a wide range of programs across its schools, including Harvard College, Law School, Business School, and Medical School. Harvard's libraries, museums, and research centers are among the best in the world, providing students with unparalleled resources. Consistently ranked as one of the top universities globally, Harvard attracts the brightest minds from every corner of the world.
Harvard's commitment to innovation and leadership is evident in its alumni network, which includes U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates, and industry leaders. The university fosters a vibrant intellectual community, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking. Harvard's financial aid policies ensure accessibility, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to benefit from its world-class education. The campus blends historic charm with modern facilities, offering state-of-the-art labs, lecture halls, and student spaces. Harvard's global impact extends beyond academia, influencing policy, business, and culture. Its dedication to excellence continues to set the standard for higher education worldwide.
Harvard University Acceptance Rate
Harvard University (Harvard) is one of the most selective universities in the USA. With an acceptance rate of 3.45%, the institution utilizes a Holistic Review process to identify students with exceptional intellectual depth.
Admissions Guidelines
- Elite Standards: Admitted students typically rank in the top 2-5% of their high school class.
- Curriculum Rigor: AP, IB, or Honors courses are essential to validate academic readiness.
- Character & Impact: Beyond grades, leadership, research, and unique 'spikes' in extracurriculars drive decisions.
At this level of selectivity, meeting average GPA and test scores is considered the 'baseline.' Because Harvard values intellectual curiosity, your supplemental essays and personal recommendations are critical in distinguishing your application from thousands of other high-achieving candidates.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Harvard University Admission Requirements
Harvard GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Harvard is 4. It means that Harvard is very selective in terms of the GPA. (Most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).
With an average GPA of 4, Harvard requires you to be near the top of your class. You need to score mostly A's in all classes to have good chances of admission. Additionally, AP or IB courses related to your chosen field (e.g., math, calculus, physics for engineering) will strengthen your application.
Harvard GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Admissions at Harvard utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 4, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 4.00 – 4.00 | Academic Target | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.80 – 3.99 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.60 – 3.79 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.59 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Harvard, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Harvard University (Harvard) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Harvard University Average SAT Score: 1553
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Harvard University is 1553 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do extremely well to score 1553 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1580 SAT or 36 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Harvard University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1500, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Harvard. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 780 | 760 | 800 |
| SAT Reading | 760 | 740 | 780 |
| SAT Composite | 1553 | 1500 | 1580 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1500 then you are below most of the admitted students at Harvard and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1580 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1550
Can I get into Harvard University (Harvard) with a 1600 SAT?
With a 1600 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Harvard University (Harvard) are good but the admission staff at Harvard tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Harvard University (Harvard) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Harvard is 35.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Harvard University Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 35 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 35 | 33 | 36 |
| ACT English | 36 | 35 | 36 |
| ACT Composite | 35 | 34 | 36 |
Can I get into Harvard University with a 36 ACT?
With a 36 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Harvard University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 35.Harvard Profile
Name: Harvard University (Harvard)
City: Cambridge
URL: www.harvard.edu/
State: Massachusetts
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 2138
Campus: Main
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
Elite Strategy: The 'Spike' Approach
To be successful at a world-class institution like Harvard, you must move beyond being 'well-rounded' and demonstrate that you are institutionally necessary.
Elite schools favor 'pointy' students; those who are world-class in one niche. Achieve national-level recognition or produce original research rather than joining ten generic clubs.
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Does a degree from Harvard Worth It?
Getting into Harvard can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Harvard offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Harvard is USD: 76879.55 and unemployment rate is 3.46%.
How much does a degree from Harvard Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Harvard University is USD: 82842. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Harvard University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
15.79% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 4.88 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Harvard and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Harvard University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Harvard as your choice in the form.
How much a Harvard Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 101817. An average Harvard graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Harvard University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont McKenna College, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Harvey Mudd College | Harvey Mudd College, CA | 1537 | 35 |
| Pomona College | Pomona College, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Wesleyan University, CT | 1513 | 34 |
| Yale University | Yale University, CT | 1534 | 34 |
| Emory University | Emory University, GA | 1507 | 33 |
| Northwestern University | Northwestern University, IL | 1526 | 34 |
| University of Notre Dame | University of Notre Dame, IN | 1510 | 34 |
| Bowdoin College | Bowdoin College, ME | 1514 | 34 |
| Northeastern University | Northeastern University, MA | 1505 | 34 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Harvard University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | University of Chicago, IL | 1554 | 35 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Johns Hopkins University, MD | 1553 | 35 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA | 1553 | 35 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | Columbia University in the City of New York, NY | 1547 | 35 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Carnegie Mellon University, PA | 1545 | 35 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Harvard University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | University of Chicago, IL | 1554 | 35 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Johns Hopkins University, MD | 1553 | 35 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA | 1553 | 35 |
| Rice University | Rice University, TX | 1553 | 35 |
| Stanford University | Stanford University, CA | 1553 | 35 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Archeology
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Behavioral Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions About Harvard University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $101817 annually, depending on the industry.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $82842 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Harvard University is 3.45 which is extremely low. Admission is highly competitive, and only the top candidates are accepted.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 4. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.7, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.7, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.7 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.6 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Harvard University if my GPA is below 3.6
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 4, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Harvard University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1553 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1500-1580
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Harvard University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.