Harvey Mudd College SAT & ACT scores.
Harvey Mudd College is among the most selective universities in the United States. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), Harvey Mudd received roughly 4,000 applications and offered admission to only about 400 students—an acceptance rate near 10%. That means just around 10 in 100 applicants earn a spot, underscoring Harvey Mudd's exceptionally high standards and intense competition year after year.
About 40% of applicants submit an SAT score and 20% an ACT score.
Harvey Mudd's Early Decision plan is binding. It admits a significant portion of each class (around half of enrolled students often come through ED). Applying Early Decision signals that Harvey Mudd is your top choice and usually boosts admission chances. However, because ED is binding, students should only use it if Harvey Mudd is absolutely their first choice.
Testing policy has evolved. Harvey Mudd was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025–26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), Harvey Mudd will require SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions). In other words, applicants next year must submit test results. Even before this change, nearly all successful applicants who reported scores were at the very top of the national scale, reflecting Harvey Mudd's rigorous academic profile.
SAT scores
For Harvey Mudd's average SAT scores, admitted students' middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1480–1560. This elite band mirrors Harvey Mudd'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 Harvey Mudd's admitted students falls around 710–760 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills Harvey Mudd expects across all majors.
On the Math portion, Harvey Mudd's middle-50% range is about 770–800. This upper-tier performance signals comfort with advanced algebra, data analysis, and precalculus—skills that Harvey Mudd seeks in both STEM and quantitatively rigorous social science applicants.
If you're wondering about a Harvey Mudd average SAT, aim for the mid-1500s. Harvey Mudd evaluates applications holistically, so scores below 1480 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: Harvey Mudd 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 Harvey Mudd SAT scores are evaluated.
ACT scores
Looking at Harvey Mudd'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, Harvey Mudd 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 34–36, meaning the average admitted student often scores a 34 or above on this section. These scores demonstrate the strong critical reading and communication skills Harvey Mudd expects.
ACT Math scores at Harvey Mudd are similarly high: the middle 50% falls around 33–35. 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.
Harvey Mudd 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 Harvey Mudd average ACT, plan around 35–36. Given Harvey Mudd's low admit rate, even moving from a 34 to 36 can enhance your profile. Pair high test scores with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars to maximize your chances.
Admission numbers
Here's the reality: Harvey Mudd's admit rate is only about 10%, with roughly 4,000 applications for about 400 spots (around 200 students actually enroll). That's why understanding the Harvey Mudd average SAT and Harvey Mudd average ACT benchmarks matters—they align with the profile of those admitted. If your scores fall near or above Harvey Mudd's 75th percentile (around a 1560 SAT or 36 ACT), you're in stronger territory.
That said, Harvey Mudd 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 Harvey Mudd 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 Harvey Mudd is your clear first choice, applying Early Decision 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 Harvey Mudd's testing bar (target near the top of the Harvey Mudd SAT and ACT ranges) and then win the admissions read with the rest of your profile.
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