Harvard University SAT & ACT Scores
Harvard University requires the SAT or ACT for fall 2027 applicants. Harvard's 2025–26 Common Data Set does not list a total SAT range, but its section ranges for the fall 2025 entering class were 720–770 in Reading and Writing and 730–790 in Math. The middle 50% ACT composite was 33–35, with a median of 35. Harvard University admitted 4.2% of 47,893 applicants.
Where does your score land?
Compared with Harvard University's enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class.
Is Harvard University test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
Harvard requires the SAT or ACT from first-year applicants; AP, IB, GCSE/A-level or national leaving exam results count only in exceptional cases when the SAT or ACT is not accessible.
Checked October 29, 2026 on Harvard University's admissions site . Policies can change each cycle.
Policy timeline
- Fall 2025 entryRequired policy begins
- Fall 2027 applicantsRequired
Harvard University returned to required testing for students entering in fall 2025, after several years of test-optional admissions, and the rule still applies for fall 2027. The SAT or ACT meets the requirement. In exceptional cases, when a student cannot get to or pay for the SAT or ACT, AP results, IB scores, GCSE or A-level results, or national leaving exam results can stand in. Students who have those other tests are still expected to send an SAT or ACT if cost and seat availability allow. For the ACT, Harvard University says it reviews your highest composite score. You may self-report scores; official scores are needed only if you enroll.
Harvard University SAT scores
Harvard University reports SAT section scores but no total range.
| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | 720 | 750 | 770 |
| Math | 730 | 770 | 790 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 79% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
Harvard's 2025–26 Common Data Set reports SAT section scores but leaves the total SAT score blank, so there is no official composite range to quote. For enrolled students in the fall 2025 entering class, the middle 50% was 720–770 in Reading and Writing and 730–790 in Math. 79% of enrolled students sent an SAT score.
Adding the low ends and the high ends of the section ranges gives a rough picture, but it is not the same as a real total-score percentile, because the students at the bottom of one section are not always the ones at the bottom of the other. Use each section range on its own. If both of your section scores sit inside or above these ranges, your SAT looks like that of most enrolled students who sent one.
Because every applicant now has to test, these ranges describe nearly the whole class rather than a self-selected group of high scorers.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Harvard University ACT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 33–35 on the ACT, with a median of 35.
ACT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 33 | 35 | 35 |
| English | 34 | — | 36 |
| Math | 31 | — | 35 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 27% of enrolled first-years sent an ACT score.
What your ACT means here
27% of enrolled students in the fall 2025 entering class sent an ACT score. Their middle 50% composite was 33–35, with a median of 35. By section, the middle 50% was 34–36 in English and 31–35 in Math.
A composite of 33 sits at the 25th percentile of enrolled ACT senders. Harvard University says it evaluates your highest ACT composite, so if you take the ACT more than once, your best composite is the one it reviews.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Harvard University acceptance rate
Extremely competitive: 4.2% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2025 entering class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants47,893
- Admitted2,003
- Acceptance rate4.2%
- Testing for fall 2027Required
Early application plans: Restrictive Early Action (single-choice) and Regular Decision.
Fall 2025 entering class. Source: Harvard University 2025–26 Common Data Set.
Harvard University offers Restrictive Early Action, a non-binding early round that limits where else you can apply early, and Regular Decision. It does not offer Early Decision.
What to aim for
A practical target for Harvard University is SAT section scores at or above the top of each range, 720–770 and 730–790, or an ACT composite of 35. Scores near the bottom of those ranges are still within the enrolled class, but they put more weight on the rest of your file.
Harvard University says it has no score cutoffs and does not admit by the numbers, and it reads scores in the context of your school and background. Scores sit next to your courses and grades, essays, recommendations, and activities. With an admit rate of 4.2%, most applicants are not admitted, so strong scores help you clear one bar but do not decide the outcome.
How Harvard University compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 3.8% | 1550 | 1520–1570 | 34–36 | Required |
| California Institute of Technology | 3.8% | — | — | 35–36 | Required |
| Harvard University | 4.2% | — | — | 33–35 | Required |
| University of Chicago | 4.5% | 1540 | 1500–1560 | 34–35 | Test-optional |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 4.6% | 1550 | 1520–1570 | 34–35 | Required |
| Yale University | 4.7% | 1540 | 1480–1560 | 33–35 | Required |
Frequently asked questions
Is Harvard University test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: Harvard requires the SAT or ACT from first-year applicants; AP, IB, GCSE/A-level or national leaving exam results count only in exceptional cases when the SAT or ACT is not accessible.
What is the average SAT score at Harvard University?
Harvard University reports SAT section scores rather than a total. For the fall 2025 entering class, enrolled first-years scored Reading and Writing 720–770 (median 750) and Math 730–790 (median 770).
What SAT score do you need for Harvard University?
Harvard University doesn't report a total SAT range. Section scores at or above 770 in Reading and Writing and 790 in Math put you in the top quarter of its enrolled first-years (fall 2025 entering class).
What ACT score do you need for Harvard University?
Harvard University's enrolled first-years had a middle-50% ACT composite of 33–35, with a median of 35 (fall 2025 entering class). A 35 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is Harvard University's acceptance rate?
Harvard University admitted 4.2% of first-year applicants for the fall 2025 entering class (2,003 of 47,893), which makes it extremely competitive.
How many Harvard University students submit test scores?
In the fall 2025 entering class, 79% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT score and 27% submitted an ACT score. Some students send both.
What are your chances at Harvard University?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.