How to Get Into Harvard: Admissions Data and Strategies
Contents
Check here Harvard Acceptance Rate for all year. Here I have listed Harvard Acceptance Rate
- Harvard Acceptance Rate 2022
- Harvard Acceptance Rate 2023
- Harvard Acceptance Rate 2024
- Harvard Acceptance Rate 2025
- Harvard Acceptance Rate 2026
Harvard Acceptance Rate: If you are looking for the top universities around the globe, the name Harvard University is sure to be mentioned many times.
The term “Harvard” is associated with top-quality education, state-of-the-art facilities, world-class faculty, high-quality research output, and more.
Many students want to study at this prestigious school and are continually seeking solutions to the question: how do I be admitted to Harvard university?
This blog will answer all your questions, including Harvard acceptance rates, Harvard university admission requirements for Indian students, what it requires to apply to Harvard university and more. So, let’s get started!
Harvard University: Quick Overview
In 1636, the university was founded. Harvard was where ideas transformed into reality, making the unimaginable possible.
Harvard University is an excellent and well-known institution for advanced training in the United States. Harvard is known for providing a stable learning environment and is home to some of the world’s most prominent personalities from all fields of study as alumni.
One of the most prestigious institutions within America, US, Harvard secured 3rd place on the QS World University Rankings 2021 and has been consistently among the top schools of the world since its beginning because of the world-class facilities for teaching as well as the top faculties and the numerous opportunities it offers.
| Name | Harvard University |
| Location | Cambridge, MA |
| Founded | 1636 |
| Acceptance Rate | 4.6% (2020-2021) |
| Enrollment | 6,710 undergraduates, 20,324 students in total (Approximately) |
| Average Tuition Fee | $48,949 |
| Average Financial Aid Award | $50,562 |
| Approximate SAT Score Accepted | 2235 (class of 2020), roughly equivalent to 1530 on the new SAT |
Harvard University Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate for Harvard in the academic year 2021-2022 is 4.6 per cent. It is one of the most challenging institutions in the USA and is known for its demanding application process, prerequisites and extracurriculars.
Harvard Univesity’s admission office vets those who are the best and most worthy candidates. They evaluate the individual’s application in various areas like academics, volunteer and extracurricular activities, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
To gain admission to Harvard University, applicants must complete their application and make sure they stand out.
Harvard Acceptance Rate at the Undergraduate Level
More than 22,000 students are studying at Harvard University, out of which 15,250 are enrolled in professional and graduate studies programs.
The acceptance rates are 3.1 per cent; Harvard is tough competition for p.Hd and other professional courses. About 5 per cent of international students enrol in post-graduation courses each year.
Eligibility Criteria
Before deciding on a Harvard admissions rate, having a clear idea of the eligibility requirements is essential. There are certain conditions that any student who plans to be accepted into a program at Harvard must satisfy.
The requirements that prospective students need to fulfil to be considered for an academic position at the school are listed below:
- .Meeting their GPA prerequisites and taking SAT/ACT is required. These tests demonstrate the academic capabilities of the potential student.
- For undergraduate courses, it is required to score a minimum of 80percent marks on the 12th board exam is required for students to get an advantage in competition.
- The Letter of Recommendations (LOR) and a Declaration of Purpose (SOP) can also play an essential part in assessing an application.
- For students from abroad, It is mandatory to pass the English proficiency test, similar to the IELTS standardised test, TOEFL etc., to prove one’s proficiency in the English language.
- With an average GPA of 4.18, Harvard expects you to be in the top tier of your class. In addition, you must enrol in online learning such as AP or IB courses to prove that school-level academics are accessible.
- If your GPA is below or below the school average of 4.18, Then you’ll need a greater SAT or ACT score to rectify it. It can assist you in being able to compete successfully with candidates with more GPAs than yours.
Harvard Admissions – SAT, ACT, GPA, and Class Rank
According to the most current official data available (Class in 2024), The mid-50 per cent SAT range for first-year students admitted was 710-770 for the EBRW section and 750-800 for the math section.
On the ACT, the field was 33-35. Ninety-three per cent of them had been able to rank among the top 10 per cent of their high school graduation class, and the median GPA of 4.18. Nearly 93% of successful applicants had an unweighted GPA of 3.75 or more.
The school was testing-optional for the selection of the class of 2026. Harvard remains test-optional for applicants to the Class of 2027and, Class of 2028, and Class of 2029 candidates.
Harvard University Requirements
The following questions are: how difficult is it to gain admission admitted to Harvard University, what are the Harvard University admission requirements for Indian students, what GPA is required to be able to enter Harvard and what marks are required for admission to Harvard and so on.
Let’s dissect the score requirements in addition to Harvard University admission requirements for international students into these parts:
- GPA requirements
- Standardised Test Score requirements – SATor or ACT as well as GRE or GMAT
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores – IELTS/ TOEFL
Let’s continue to find out more information about Harvard University requirements in detail:
GPA Requirements
An overall good academic standing is among the primary factors that keep you running for Harvard. Be aware that the amount of competition is very intense for Harvard. Therefore, being among the top students in your class can increase your chances of success.
Many schools, like Harvard, require a minimum GPA. While it’s not particularly impressive, it’s the minimum requirement for admission, and without it, your application will be rejected.
The average GPA for admitted students at Harvard is approximately 4.18
If your GPA isn’t great, it doesn’t mean you’ll not be able to get into Harvard. If your GPA isn’t great, ensure that the other components in your applications are impressive.
A good SAT or ACT score may also assist in gaining attention and offset your lower GPA. The goal is to be competitive against more successful GPA candidates.
Standardised Test Score Requirements
Alongside a great GPA having an excellent score in the standardised score is equally important.
SAT Requirements
Many schools in Harvard offer their own SAT requirements. Your score on the SAT is high enough to determine your average scores of others; thus, getting a higher score will give you an edge.
The 25th to 75th percentile (the middle 50% of the students accepted) Of Harvard admitted students scored SATs of 1460-1580.
Certain schools within Harvard might permit SAT scores from multiple tests called superscoring. This means that you can take the SAT multiple times and only submit the tests which give you the best Superscore.
Thus, the readers will use the highest scores from one test and add them to the top score from the other section, regardless of the date you took the test.
ACT Requirements
Like SAT, Harvard also comes in the upper end of the ACT specifications.
The 25th-75th percentile of Harvard admitted students were ACT Composite scores of 33-35.
The Harvard schools Harvard let students choose the scores from the ACT they would like to send. So, you can only send the one with the highest score if you’ve completed several tests.
In addition, Harvard also requires you to pass the SAT Essay and ACT Writing portion. Thus, doing exceptionally well in these areas is vital also.
GRE Score Requirements
Like undergrad admissions, entry into graduate schools at Harvard is highly competitive. Therefore, if you’re seeking GRE results to gain access to Harvard, You should be aware that many graduate schools don’t have the GRE cut-off for their programs.
A look at the scores averaged by students accepted to Harvard could indicate the criteria.
Average GRE scores of the majority of admitted students at Harvard will vary between:
- Verbal: 155 – 166
- Quant: 155 – 170 for Quant
- Analytical Writing: 4.5-5.0
Some programs might require scores that exceed 160, i.e. 90% or more.
It is crucial to remember that scores’ requirements vary according to the program. Quant expectations are more significant for sciences and math-related programs like computer science, and Verbal expectations are higher in writing and reading-related programs like English Literature.
GMAT Score Requirements
The process of gaining admission for admission to Harvard Business School is quite competitive, as are other streams. A high GMAT result is required to gain access to the management programs at the school.
Harvard publishes the GMAT score for admitted students according to the class median, not average. The GMAT median score for Harvard Business school is 730.
IELTS/ TOEFL Score Requirements
International students must also submit their scores from English proficiency tests to Harvard. The scores can differ between different programs. Therefore, it is essential to confirm the exact school and program.
The majority of schools at Harvard accept TOEFL as well as IELTS scores that are between 80 and 7.5 and 7.5, respectively.
Harvard University Application Process
You may apply to Harvard by using any of the following channels:
- Coalition Application
- Common Application
- Universal College Application
These portals are available to apply for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. There is Harvard cost for applying is USD 75.
Start the process of applying to Harvard at the earliest possible time. This will allow ample time to work on the process.
Once you’ve selected the appropriate portal, make sure to fill out this information: Harvard University admission requirements for international students:
- Standardised Test Scores
- English Language proficiency proof
- Official transcripts of academics
- Essays
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation of at minimum 3
- Resume – whenever required
The Harvard application should be submitted before the submission of the supporting materials. You must include all Harvard supplements or questions with your application.
This will assist the admissions committee in evaluating your application more thoroughly.
What Does Harvard Look for in an Application?
Harvard declares, “We provide careful, personal focus to every applicant. We strive to find students who are the best teachers of each other and their instructors…
The admissions procedure permits us to take an attentive and careful consideration to every applicant in an individual .”
So, if you’re looking for ways to get admission into Harvard University, you must focus on creating an impressive profile that is diverse, with the emphasis placed on extracurricular activities as well as volunteer work. The shape should focus on four factors:
- Potential and GrowthThe admissions officers would like to determine if you’ve been working hard to reach your potential.
- Activity and InterestsThey want to know about your love for learning, passion, ability, leadership skills and commitment.
- Personal character college wants in your choices, willingness to try new ideas, and individual traits like self-confidence, maturity, and care for others.
- Community Engagement: Harvard seeks students who can handle the various aspect of their college experience, be a part of the Harvard community, and contribute in and contribute to the Harvard society, as well as be successful under stress.
Application Fee
Then, you’ll have to pay $75 for the application fee to complete your application using these online applications. The prices can be waived if you can prove the financial hardship.
Application Deadlines
When putting together all the necessary materials, keep your eye on the deadlines you’ll need to meet! Everything you submit to Harvard has to be submitted by the deadline:
* November 1 for Single-Choice Early Action
* January 1 for Regular Decision
Early Action results are made public in mid-December. Regular decision applicants are notified on the internet by April. Admissions students must decide on May 1 whether they’ll attend.
Admissions Trends & Notes
- Applications increased by 7% for the class of 2026.
- A typical SAT for an athlete who was recruited was 1397. The average for non-athletes was 1501.
- Legacy students scored higher on the standard SAT (1523) than those who did not (1491).
- 20.5 per cent of 2026’s population were Pell Grant eligible.
- 20.3 per cent of those accepted to the 2022-23 class of freshmen are first-generation students.
- The students admitted come from the entire fifty States within the U.S. and 98 countries.
- The average acceptance rate for decision rounds was about 2.3 per cent.
How Harvard Rates Applicants
As a jeweller sorting through a plethora of diamonds, trying to determine one that is the “most perfect” of the group, Harvard admissions officers need the ability to categorize different grades of perfection.
They assign the 1-4 rating (or 1-6 according to specific sources), and 1 is the highest rating in four categories: 1)) academic, 2)) extracurricular activities, 3) athletics and four) personal. Pluses and minuses may be added to the numeric rating to make it more distinct.
This gives us a good insight into how Harvard can sort through the crowds of overqualified applicants.
To estimate your chances of getting into the program, evaluate your performance in these four areas, and keep in mind our previous remarks on Renaissance women and men.
You will unlikely earn either a 1 or 2 in athletics just for participating in an entire season in JV Volleyball at high school. Someone in that category is currently being sought-after by the head coach of one of the 42 Harvard Division I sports teams.
Likewise, for extracurriculars–Harvard will not be impressed that you filled the ten spaces on the Common App Activity List; they are looking for genuine excellence in one or more activities. Perhaps, for instance, you took home a prestigious international math contest or are among the most competent cells across the United States.
Maybe you’ve published your original research paper or founded an organization to help others that have made an enormous impact.
Who Actually Gets Into Harvard?
Let’s take a look at the demographics of the Class of 2025.
Geographically the class of 2025 consisted of students from:
- International: 15.6%
- Mid-Atlantic States: 20.7%
- Southern States: 18.3%
- Pacific States: 13.2%
- Central States: 1.8%
- Midwestern States: 9.9%
- New England States: 16.6%
- Mountain States: 3.4%
It is incredibly competitive for those coming from states that offer an endless supply of applicants (the whole Northeast and those from the West Coast).
If you’re from a state with fewer people, like Wyoming and North Dakota, your location will increase your chances of admission. This is because of something known as geographical diversity.
When it comes to ethnicity, The break-up of the class that took place in 2025 could be described in the following order:
- Asian: 25.9%
- Hispanic: 12.5%
- African American: 15.9%
- Native American: 1.1%
Incredibly, one study found there was a 43% chance that students of white accepted into Harvard within the last year were legacy (their parents attended Harvard) or athletes who were recruited and students of professors.
Or teens whose family members have donated substantial amounts of money to the school. The alleged discrimination against students from Harvard was brought to the United States Supreme Court. However, Harvard won.
The primary subjects of those who were admitted into”2025’s Class” included:
- Humanities: 15.3%
- Social Sciences: 28.1%
- Biology: 18.3%
- Physical Sciences: 7.6%
- Engineering: 10.3%
- Computer Science: 8.1%
- Math: 6.0%
- Undecided: 6.3%
Most People Who Get Accepted Choose to Attend
The percentage of students accepted who choose to enrol, multiplied by the total number of students accepted, is 85 per cent.
This is an astronomical number and can be used to clarify why acceptance rates are meagre. In comparison, the top schools like Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, Vanderbilt, Rice, Emory, and Georgetown all have yields close to (or less than) 50%.
Tips for Applying to Harvard
If you’re planning on joining the more than 61,000 Harvard applicants for the next admissions cycle, it is essential to be aware of these things:
- Harvard has scheduled alum interviews with the best applicants. Over 15,000 alums across the globe act as interviewers. To get advice on the kinds of questions, you must be prepared to answer or ask, visit our blog- Tips for College Interviews.
- Harvard doesn’t consider ” demonstrated interest”; thus, you will not be judged based on whether or not you went on an appearance on campus, contacted an admissions representative, etc.
- Be sure to devote enough time, effort and energy to the supplementary essay and brief answers to Harvard requests. In the 2021-22 cycle, they were:
- Briefly describe the activities you participate in outside school or your work experiences. (50-150 words)
- Your intellectual activities may go beyond the requirements for academics at your school. Please use the following space to include any additional intellectual pursuits which you haven’t mentioned or described on your applications elsewhere. This could consist of, however, not restricted to, supervision or self-directed work that is not completed in the course of school or training online courses that are not offered through your institution, summer academic or research opportunities that are not mentioned elsewhere. (150 words)
- You might want to add an essay if you think the application forms don’t give you enough opportunity to communicate crucial information about you or your achievements. You can write about any topic you like or select one of the following themes:
Topic Choices
Unusual situations that you have encountered in life
– Living or travelling adventures in foreign countries
What do you like the future roommate at college to be aware of about you
A thought-provoking experience (course or book, project discussion, paper, poetry or research topic in mathematics, engineering or other fields in inquiry) means the most to you.
What are you hoping to use to benefit from your education at college?
A list of books that you have read over the past 12 months
Harvard College Honor code declares that we “hold honesty as the foundation of our community.” When you think about joining this community committed to honesty, take a moment to reflect on a time in your life when you or someone you witnessed faced a decision on whether to behave in a manner that was honest and truthful.
The purpose of Harvard College is to educate our students to become citizens and citizen-leaders in society. What could you do to improve your fellow students’ lives to help advance this goal?
Each year, a large number of students accepted to Harvard postpone their admission for a single year or opt to take a break in college. If you were to decide that you would like to go with one or the other, What would you prefer to do?
The University of Cambridge Harvard has long acknowledged the importance of a diverse student body. We encourage the opportunity to write about distinct elements of your past and personal growth or ideas you have for your Harvard colleagues.
4.) For international students, What is the specific plan you have in mind, if any, to use the training you’re hoping to get? (0-50 words).
Academic Life at Harvard University
The ratio of students to faculty at Harvard University is 7:1, and the university has 70.6 per cent of its classes with less than 20 pupils.
The most sought-after majors offered at Harvard University include Social Sciences, General Biology/Biological Sciences, General Mathematics, General Computer and Information Sciences, General; History, General; Physical Sciences, General Psychology, General; Engineering, General and Foreign Languages and Literatures General. The typical retention rate of first-year students as a measure of satisfaction with the school is 92%.
Class Sizes
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 7:1 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 86% |
Student Life at Harvard University
Harvard University has a total undergraduate student population totalling 7,153 (fall 2021) and gender-based distribution of 50 50% female students and 50 female students.
In sports, Harvard University is part of the NCAA I.
Student Gender Distribution
| Collegiate athletic association | 21,648
(fall 2021) |
| Full-time degree-seeking students | NCAA I |
Harvard University Campus
Harvard University offers several student services. These include nonremedial tutoring, women’s centre placement service, health insurance, and health services.
Harvard University also offers campus security and safety services such as 24/7 foot and vehicle patrols as well as late-night transportation/escort service 24 hours emergency phone lines and walkways that are lit, students’ patrols, and restricted access to dormitories (key security card, key and so on.).
Alcohol is allowed for students who are legal at Harvard University.
| Students who have cars on campus | N/A |
| Health insurance offered | yes |
Harvard University courses
Harvard University has 12 schools that confer degrees in all. They offer a variety of undergraduate and professional, and graduate schools along with continuing education and summer school. A few of the highly rated Harvard University courses are in the streams of
- Management
- Law
- Science
- Design
- Medicine, and
- Arts
Check out Harvard’s official site or go to the following page for a comprehensive understanding of the various colleges and the courses they offer, along with those of Harvard.
Popular Schools at Harvard University
Knowing about the Harvard acceptance rate isn’t enough to help you make your dream of attending Harvard a reality. Harvard is the home of several colleges that offer diverse disciplines.
To be a potential student, it is essential to understand the details of the organization and institutions of the university. The following are the leading colleges of Harvard University.
- Department of Economics
- School of Astronomy
- Graduate School of Design
- Faculty of Arts and Science
- School of Dental Medicine
- Harvard Law School
- Harvard Business School
- Harvard Medical School
- Harvard Divinity School
What If You Get Rejected from Harvard?
With the acceptance rate being just 4 to 5 per cent, getting into Harvard isn’t an easy task. We recommend that you always consider applying to other US institutions with a higher acceptance rate if you’re rejected at Harvard. Additionally, you could use Harvard by taking the option of a gap year!
Should I Apply to Harvard?
If you’re a scholar and have an excellent academic record, there’s no harm in filling out a Harvard application.
However, just like other top-ranked colleges in 2022 and 23– even the brightest and most talented teens should have a reliable backup strategy.
Harvard University Contact Information
Whom should I contact in case of any doubts?
Address: Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Website: www.harvard.edu/
Contact No: (617) 495-1000
Accommodation queries: (617) 496-7827
Harvard University Acceptance Rate FAQ
Does Harvard accept poor students?
Through their extensive Financial Aid program, Harvard offers full scholarships to students whose families make less than $75,000 per year.
Financial aid applications do not have any effect on your application for admission.
Does Harvard accept three-year degrees?
Typically, only four-year degree degrees are recognized by Harvard’s graduate programs, and three-year degrees are assessed individually.
It is possible to take additional courses via Harvard Extension School. Harvard Extension School, or If you’ve completed courses at another institution, include this certificate in your admissions assessment.
What is the average salary of a Harvard graduate?
The median salary for the average Harvard student is around $81,500, as per The New York Times. Men earn higher, with an average of $96,000.
Females make $71,200. The earnings range is thought to be higher than average, and the amount will vary based on your work and employer.
Why is Harvard so famous?
Harvard is among the most well-known and respected institutions around the globe. It’s famous for a range of factors, including its research capabilities, alumni network as well as its reputation for its excellence.
It’s also renowned for its vast library, in addition to its athletic program.
Is 1500 SAT good for Harvard?
The 25th percentile of the New SAT score of 1460, and the 75th percentile SAT score of 1580. That’s right, 1460 is below the average, whereas 1580 can move you upwards to an above average.
There are no definitive SAT requirements at Harvard; however, they do need at least 1460 for the chance of having a shot at being considered.