Table of Content

• Harvard Admissions Statistics
• Average SAT Score for Harvard University
• Average SAT: 1520
• Average GPA: 4.0
• Admissions Rate: 3.2%
• Final Admissions Verdict for Harvard University

Section	Average	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
Math	770	760	800
Reading + Writing	750	730	780
Composite	1520	1460	1580

Why is the SAT Score Important for Harvard Admissions?

1. Standardized Benchmark: The SAT provides a standardized measure to compare applicants from diverse educational backgrounds.
2. Academic Preparedness: High SAT scores indicate a student’s readiness for the rigorous academic environment at Harvard.
3. Holistic Review: While SAT scores are critical, Harvard also considers GPA, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.

Tips for Achieving a Competitive SAT Score for Harvard

1. Start Early: Begin your SAT preparation early to give yourself ample time to study and improve.
2. Practice Regularly: Use official SAT practice tests and resources to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types.
3. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and target your weak areas in Math and Reading + Writing to make the most significant score improvements.
4. Consider Test Prep Courses: Enroll in SAT prep courses or work with a tutor if you need additional guidance and structure in your study plan.
5. Retake the Test if Necessary: Don’t hesitate to retake the SAT if your score doesn’t meet Harvard’s expectations. Many students improve their scores on a second or third attempt.

Average GPA: 4.0

The average GPA at Harvard is 4.0, making it extremely competitive for GPAs.

With a GPA of 4.0, Harvard expects you to be at the top of your class. This means nearly straight A’s in all your classes. Additionally, you should take plenty of AP or IB courses to demonstrate your ability to excel in challenging academic environments.

If you’re a junior or senior, your GPA is difficult to change. If your GPA is at or below Harvard’s average of 4.0, you’ll need a higher SAT score to compensate and prove your readiness for college-level academics.

Admissions Rate: 3.2%

The acceptance rate at Harvard is 3.2%, meaning only 3 out of 100 applicants are admitted. This highlights the school’s selective nature.

Harvard Acceptance Rate:

• Highly Selective: Scores are crucial for passing the initial round of admissions filters. Beyond academics, you’ll need to impress with your extracurricular achievements, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.

Final Admissions Verdict for Harvard University

Given Harvard University’s extremely selective nature, achieving a high SAT score and GPA is essential for a strong chance of admission. If you don’t meet their SAT and GPA benchmarks, your application will likely be rejected without much consideration.

To increase your chances, aim for the 75th percentile with a 1580 SAT score and a 4.0 GPA or higher to stand out among other applicants.

However, meeting these criteria is only part of the challenge. Beyond your academic scores, you will need to showcase impressive accomplishments and extracurricular activities. If you apply with an SAT score of 1520 or below, your chances of getting in are unfortunately quite slim.

Harvard SAT Scores and GPA- FAQs

What SAT score does Harvard require?

Harvard University’s SAT scores for admitted students range from 1480 – 1580, with an average score of 1530.

Is 1400 SAT enough for Harvard?

While a 1400 makes you eligible to apply to places such as Harvard, Yale, and the University of Pennsylvania, it won’t make you a competitive candidate.

Will a 1500 SAT get me into Harvard?

In other words, a 1460 places you below average, while a 1580 will move you up to above average. There’s no absolute SAT requirement at Harvard, but they really want to see at least a 1460 to have a chance at being considered.

Is 1100 a good SAT score?

An 1100 SAT score is about average, as the national median score hovers around 1050-1060. However, whether it’s “good” or “bad” really depends on the colleges you’re targeting.