SAT and ACT Scores For Harvard University

Harvard University stands as the most selective university in the United States. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), Harvard received over 54,000 applications and offered admission to only about 1,970 students—an acceptance rate near 3.6%. That means fewer than 4 in 100 applicants earn a spot, underscoring Harvard's exceptionally high standards and intense competition year after year.

Harvard's Single-Choice Early Action program is non-binding, allowing students to signal Harvard as their top choice without commitment. This gives applicants flexibility while still demonstrating strong interest. Accepted students have until May 1 to decide, providing time to compare financial aid packages and other offers.

Testing policy has evolved. Harvard was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2024–25 admissions cycle (for fall 2025 entry), Harvard now requires SAT or ACT scores again. Even before this change, nearly all successful applicants who reported scores were at the very top of the national scale, reflecting Harvard's rigorous academic profile.

SAT Scores

  Recommended Score: 1580

When families are curious about Harvard SAT or Harvard average SAT scores, they find that admitted students' middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1500–1580. This elite band mirrors Harvard's high academic expectations and means admitted students typically score near the top of the national distribution.

For section detail: the SAT Reading and Writing component (formerly called Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) for Harvard's admitted students falls around 740–780 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills Harvard expects across all majors.

On the Math portion, Harvard's middle-50% range is about 770–800. This upper-tier performance signals comfort with advanced algebra, data analysis, and precalculus—skills that Harvard seeks in both STEM and quantitatively rigorous social science applicants.

If you're wondering about a Harvard average SAT, aim for the mid-1500s. Harvard evaluates applications holistically, so scores below 1500 don't automatically disqualify you. But in such a competitive pool, you'll need compensating strengths (like outstanding coursework, unique talents, or leadership impact) to remain viable.

Policy note: Harvard superscores the SAT. They consider your highest Reading and Writing and Math section scores from all test dates. In practice, this means a weak section can be improved with a retake, boosting how your Harvard SAT scores are evaluated.

ACT Scores

  Recommended Score: 36

Looking at Harvard's ACT range, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 34–36. This implies most admitted students are scoring at or near the top percentile nationally. In other words, Harvard ACT results cluster in the mid-30s, reflecting the school's competitive applicant pool.

By section, admitted students tend to excel in English (ACT Reading and Writing). The middle 50% for ACT English is approximately 35–36, meaning the average admitted student often scores a 35 or above on this section. These scores demonstrate the strong critical reading and communication skills Harvard expects.

ACT Math scores at Harvard are similarly high: the middle 50% falls around 32–36. While there's a bit more spread than English, competitive applicants still show very strong quantitative fluency. Many engineering or economics hopefuls, for example, hit scores in the mid-30s on ACT Math.

Harvard superscores the ACT just as it does the SAT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates. The optional writing section is not required, but applicants may submit it if it strengthens their profile. Using superscoring, you can focus on improving any weaker sections in additional attempts.

If you're estimating a Harvard average ACT, plan around 35–36. Given Harvard's low admit rate, even moving from a 34 to 35 can enhance your profile. Pair high test scores with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars to maximize your chances.

Admission Numbers

Overall Rating: Extremely Competitive

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

Here's the reality: Harvard's admit rate is only about 3.6%, with over 54,000 applications for about 1,970 spots (around 1,647 students actually enroll). That's why understanding the Harvard average SAT and Harvard average ACT benchmarks matters—they align with the profile of those admitted. If your scores fall near or above Harvard's 75th percentile (around a 1580 SAT or 36 ACT), you're in stronger territory.

That said, Harvard emphasizes holistic review. Admissions officers weigh coursework rigor, grades, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities. In a pool full of near-perfect transcripts, however, top-tier SAT/ACT scores help confirm to Harvard that you're ready for the academic rigor. In short, scores aren't everything, but they remain a key part of the competitive signal.

Strategy snapshot: If Harvard is your clear first choice, applying Early Action could improve your odds by signaling commitment. Take advantage of superscoring by retaking tests to shore up any weak section. Also balance test prep with maintaining strong senior-year classes and crafting compelling essays. Meet Harvard's testing bar (target near the top of the Harvard SAT and ACT ranges) and then win the admissions read with the rest of your profile.