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Harvard University Admissions

Are you considering applying to Harvard University? This institution situated in Cambridge, MA is known for being Most Selective (<10%) compared to peer institutions.

This page covers:

Harvard University Application Guide

Ready to Apply?

To secure your spot at Harvard University calls for an impressive application; investigate the admission policies and design a submission that stands out.

Application Fees

To secure your spot at Harvard University calls for an application that sets you apart from the rest.

Undergraduate Application Fee $85
Online Application Website college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/application-requirements

What the Admissions Office Looks For

GPA Not applicable
Secondary School Rank Not applicable
Secondary School Record Required
Recommendations Required
Standardized Test Scores (SAT, ACT, etc.) Required
College-Preparatory Program Not applicable
Formal Demonstration of Competencies Not applicable
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Not applicable
Other Tests (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.) Not applicable

This College’s Accepted and Transferable Credits

Advanced Placement Credits Accepted? Implied no
Dual-Credit Classes Implied no
Life Experience Credits Yes

Here’s How to Track Down the Admissions Department

Admissions Department Website college.harvard.edu/admissions
Admissions Office Address Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138
Admissions Department Phone (617) 495-1000

Important Questions to Ask

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How Selective Is Harvard?

4% Acceptance Rate
53% Of Accepted Are Women
54% Submit SAT Scores

Acceptance Rate

Harvard University has a very low acceptance rate of 4%, making it one of the most selective in the nation. It is wise to apply to other schools in addition to Harvard.

Average Test Scores

About 54% of students accepted to Harvard submitted their SAT scores.

When looking at the 25th through the 75th percentile, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores ranged between 740 and 780.

Math scores were between 770 and 800.

SAT Reading and Writing Scores for Harvard University  ( 740 to 780 )
200
800
SAT Math Scores for Harvard University  ( 770 to 800 )
200
800
Harvard received ACT scores from 19% of accepted students.

When looking at the 25th through the 75th percentile, ACT Composite scores ranged between 34 and 36.

ACT Composite Scores for Harvard University  ( 34 to 36 )
1
36

Harvard University Admissions & Enrollment Data

How Do You Compare to Other Incoming Students at Harvard University?

Get a better grasp of your likelihood of gaining admission by analyzing recent freshman cohorts at Harvard University.

What Admissions Statistics Mean for You

Harvard admission statistics help you understand the likelihood of being accepted. Compare your SAT and ACT scores to previously accepted students — if your scores are below average, you may want to retake the exam or find schools that better fit your scores.

Looking for Harvard University application deadlines and requirements?

Selectivity: What Is the Acceptance Rate for Students?

Open Admissions No

Acceptance and Enrollment Stats

Applicant Total 54,008
Accepted 1,970

What Is the Male/Female Breakdown When It Comes to Admissions?

Applicants: Men - Women  47 to 53
0%
100%
Accepted: Men - Women  47 to 53
0%
100%
Enrolled: Men - Women  47 to 53
0%
100%

Average Test Scores

About 54% of students accepted to Harvard submitted their SAT scores.

When looking at the 25th through the 75th percentile, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores ranged between 740 and 780.

Math scores were between 770 and 800.

SAT Reading and Writing Scores for Harvard University  ( 740 to 780 )
200
800
SAT Math Scores for Harvard University  ( 770 to 800 )
200
800
Harvard received ACT scores from 19% of accepted students.

When looking at the 25th through the 75th percentile, ACT Composite scores ranged between 34 and 36.

ACT Composite Scores for Harvard University  ( 34 to 36 )
1
36

Additional Question to Ask

Notes and References

References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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