SAT and ACT Scores For Harvard University

Harvard University's admission process is notably competitive, featuring an admission rate of just 4%. Though neither SAT nor ACT scores are required, presenting strong scores can be an advantage in this selective context.

Harvard offers an early action option but does not have an early decision program, allowing students the flexibility to apply early without the binding commitment.

The focus on optional standardized testing indicates Harvard’s holistic admissions approach, yet high test scores clearly remain an integral part of many successful applications.

SAT Scores

  Recommended Score: 1520

At Harvard, the SAT score range for admitted students is quite high, with the 25th percentile at 1480 and the 75th percentile at 1580. The recommended score sits at 1520, setting a lofty benchmark for applicants.

Breaking down the SAT scores, the Reading and Writing section scores range from 730 to 780. This highlights Harvard’s emphasis on strong verbal skills and the ability to critically engage with texts.

For the Math section, scores fall between 750 at the 25th percentile and 800 at the 75th percentile, showcasing Harvard’s high expectations for quantitative skills, important across its varied academic offerings.

Achieving a high SAT score is crucial for those opting to submit their results, reflecting the rigorous academic environment at Harvard. Applicants should aim to meet or exceed these scores to strengthen their applications.

Thorough preparation, especially in areas where the applicant might be weaker, is crucial. Given the high score thresholds, prospective students must strategically prepare to meet Harvard’s exceptional standards.

ACT Scores

  Recommended Score: 35

Harvard sets demanding criteria for ACT scores, with the 25th percentile at 33 and the 75th percentile at 36. A recommended ACT score of 35 underscores the competitive admissions landscape.

In English, the ACT scores required range from 35 at the 25th percentile to 36 at the 75th percentile, indicating the importance of excellent language skills for success at Harvard.

The Math scores are slightly broader, with the 25th percentile at 32 and the 75th percentile at 35. This range emphasizes the necessity of strong mathematical proficiency, although slightly more flexible than the verbal component.

ACT Writing scores from successful applicants range from 8 to 10, suggesting that while less emphasis may be placed on this section, strong writing skills are still valuable for a complete, competitive application.

Preparation for the ACT should be comprehensive, with an emphasis on excelling in each section. Prospective students should aim for the upper end of these score ranges to align with Harvard’s academic expectations.

Admission Numbers

Overall Rating: Extremely Competitive

Here are the applicant and admissions numbers per year for Harvard University:

Admission to Harvard University is extraordinarily competitive, as indicated by the low admission rate and high standardized test scores. Although SAT and ACT scores are not mandatory, they are crucial for those who choose to submit them.

Students should target top percentile scores in both the SAT and ACT to align with Harvard’s high standards, reinforcing the school’s reputation for academic excellence.

Harvard’s rigorous admissions standards and the high benchmarks set for standardized tests reflect its status as a premier institution, expecting nothing less than exceptional academic and personal achievements from its applicants.