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Harvard University admitted student profile
- Acceptance rate: 3.6%
- SAT (middle 50%): 1510-1580
- ACT (middle 50%): 34-36
Harvard University is one of the most selective schools in the country. Even applicants with perfect stats are more likely to be denied than admitted, so treat it as a reach no matter how strong your profile is.
What you need to get into Harvard University
Aim to land inside or above the middle 50% range. A SAT around 1580 or an ACT around 36 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students and makes Harvard University a stronger bet. Below 1510, you are below the typical admit and the rest of your application, essays, rigor, and activities, has to carry more of the decision.
Is Harvard University a reach, target, or safety for you?
Run your numbers through the calculator above and it will tell you. As a rule: if your stats sit above Harvard University's range and it is not highly selective, it is a safety. If you are in range, it is a target. If you are below range, or the school admits fewer than one in four applicants, it is a reach for almost everyone. A smart college list balances all three, so pair Harvard University with schools in each tier.
Want the full picture? See how to actually get into Harvard University, or run the all-school acceptance calculator to build a balanced list.
Frequently asked questions
What are the chances of getting into Harvard University?
Harvard University has a 3.6% acceptance rate, but that is an average across all applicants, not your personal odds. Your real chances depend on how your GPA and test scores compare to admitted students, plus your essays, rigor, and activities. Use the calculator above to estimate your odds from your own profile.
What SAT score do you need to get into Harvard University?
The middle 50% of admitted students at Harvard University scored 1510-1580 on the SAT. Scoring above 1580 puts you in the top quarter of admits; scoring below 1510 means you are below the typical admitted student and will need the rest of your application to carry more weight.
What ACT score do you need to get into Harvard University?
The middle 50% of admitted students at Harvard University scored 34-36 on the ACT. Above 36 is strong, below 34 is below the typical admit.
Is Harvard University a reach, target, or safety school?
It depends on your profile. If your stats are above Harvard University's admitted range and its acceptance rate is high, it is a safety. If you are in range, it is a target. If you are below range, or the school is highly selective, it is a reach. The calculator above tells you which, based on your numbers.