Read our guide to learn how to get into Harvard College, including admissions requirements, expert strategies, and more.
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The acceptance rate at Harvard College is 3.65%. In the Class of 2028, Harvard College received 54,008 applications, and only 1,970 were accepted. That means your odds of getting into Harvard College are less than 4 in 100.
Please note: The data for the Class of 2029 is estimated based on recent trends, which have remained between 3.24% and 3.64% over the past four years.
Here’s a breakdown of Harvard College's acceptance rates from the past four admissions cycles:
| Year | Number of Applicants | Number of Accepted Students | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | TBD | TBD | 3.63% (estimated) |
| 2024 | 54,008 | 1,970 | 3.65% |
| 2023 | 56,937 | 1,965 | 3.45% |
| 2022 | 61,221 | 1,984 | 3.24% |
The Early Action (EA) acceptance rate at Harvard College is 8.74%. In the Class of 2028, Harvard College admitted 692 out of 7,921 early applicants. Harvard’s EA acceptance rate is nearly double the overall acceptance rate.
It’s very difficult to get into Harvard College. Harvard only admitted around 1 in 27.5 applicants during the 2024-2025 application cycle. Harvard's rejection rate is over 96%.
The demand for seats at Harvard is high, and the admissions process remains competitive, evidenced by its relatively unchanging acceptance rate over the past four years.
Take our interactive quiz below to find out if you will get into Harvard.
Here are the GPA and SAT/ACT requirements to get into Harvard College. We analyzed Harvard’s 2024-2025 Common Data Set (CDS), a standardized collection of data that colleges and universities voluntarily submit each year to provide consistent, comparable information about their institutions.
Harvard’s average GPA is 4.21. Although Harvard does not list an official GPA cutoff, applicants with a GPA higher than 4.21 are likely considered more competitive.
According to the 2024-2025 CDS, approximately 73% of students who reported their GPA had a GPA higher than 4.0. Submitting a GPA of 4.22 or higher places you in the top 25% of Harvard applicants, which can significantly strengthen your application.
Harvard’s average SAT score is 1550. For context, the national average SAT score is approximately 1050, meaning admitted Harvard applicants score 500 points higher than the average U.S. test-taker.
A 1550 SAT score places students in the top 1% of all test-takers nationally, according to College Board data. That means Harvard’s incoming class is composed almost entirely of students who outperform 99% of test-takers across the country
In the previous admissions cycle, Harvard was test-optional, meaning SAT scores were not required for admission. However, 54% of applicants still submitted their SAT scores, suggesting that a strong score can improve your application and help you stand out in a competitive pool.
Harvard’s average ACT score is 35. In comparison, the national average ACT score is just 19.4, meaning admitted Harvard students are scoring nearly 16 points higher than the typical U.S. test-taker.An ACT score of 35 places students in the top 1% of all ACT test-takers nationwide. In other words, Harvard’s admitted students outperform 99% of their peers across the country.
Harvard College is looking for applicants that demonstrate community involvement, leadership, distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character.
Here’s a table to help you understand what each key trait means to Harvard College and how you can demonstrate it in your application.
| Trait | What Harvard College Is Actually Looking For | How to Show It In Your Application |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | Students with consistently high achievement in challenging coursework and intellectual curiosity | Submit strong transcripts, test scores, and highlight academic awards or research projects |
| Intellectual Vitality | Students with a genuine passion for learning, exploring new ideas, and critical thinking | Share stories of academic exploration, independent study, or unique projects |
| Leadership & Extracurriculars | Students with deep commitment and leadership in a few meaningful activities | Detailed leadership roles, initiatives, and sustained involvement in clubs, sports, or arts |
| Personal Qualities & Character | Students with resilience, integrity, empathy, and social responsibility | Use essays and recommendations to reveal your character and how you handle challenges |
| Special Talent | Students with exceptional achievement or a unique perspective in a specific area | Highlight major awards, specialized skills, or experiences that set you apart |
| Impact & Initiative | Students with evidence of making a difference in their community or beyond | Describe projects, advocacy, or service that demonstrate initiative and impact |
| Compelling Essays & Recommendations | Students with an authentic voice, values, and strong support from mentors | Write honest, reflective essays and secure recommendations that speak to your strengths |
| Fit With Harvard’s Community | Students who show alignment with Harvard’s values and potential to contribute to campus life | Show your curiosity, leadership, and desire to engage with a diverse community |
Harvard’s admissions process is highly competitive, and there’s no single formula for acceptance. However, applicants who excel academically, pursue their passions with depth, and demonstrate strong character and leadership are most likely to stand out.
| Academic | Very Important | Important | Considered | Not Considered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigor of Secondary School Record | X | |||
| Class Rank | X | |||
| Academic GPA | X | |||
| Standardized Test Scores | X | |||
| Application Essay | X | |||
| Recommendation(s) | X |
Harvard College seeks students who consistently achieve at a high academic level, with most admitted applicants ranking in the top 10% of their graduating class. In the Class of 2028, more than 94% of admitted students were in that top decile, and only 1% of applicants chose not to report a GPA.
However, class rank itself isn’t a decisive metric. Over 71% of students did not submit a rank, and Harvard explicitly marks class rank as “Not Considered” in its CDS. This reflects Harvard’s flexible interpretation of academic excellence.
Rather than fixating on class rank, Harvard evaluates achievement in context. The admissions committee looks for students who pursue the most rigorous courses available to them, whether that’s AP or IB courses, and who demonstrate upward academic growth and intellectual curiosity over time.
William R. Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, recently highlighted what matters most to being accepted into the Harvard community.
“Our community is strongest when we bring together students from different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. And our community excels when those with varied perspectives come together—inside and outside of the classroom—around a common challenge by seeing it through another’s perspective.”
Fitzsimmons highlights that what matters to admissions officers is not just where you stand in your class, but how you challenge yourself within your school’s environment.
| Non-Academic | Very Important | Important | Considered | Not Considered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interview | X | |||
| Extracurricular Abilities | X | |||
| Talent/ability | X | |||
| Character/personal qualities | X | |||
| First generation | X | |||
| Alumni/ae relation | X | |||
| Geographical residence | X | |||
| State residency | X | |||
| Religious affiliation/commitment | X | |||
| Volunteer work | X | |||
| Work experience | X | |||
| Level of applicant’s interest | X |
Harvard College’s approach to non-academic admissions factors means that high achievement is necessary but not sufficient. Harvard’s CDS suggests that the ideal Harvard applicants have originality, creativity, and evidence of impact or leadership.
Your Harvard application should present a cohesive, authentic narrative that demonstrates intellectual vitality, resilience, and a capacity to contribute to the campus community in many ways. Focus on the depth and directionality of your pursuits and illustrate your personal growth and initiative.
Since Harvard College admissions officers read thousands of applications a year, your application needs to stand out with a clear sense of purpose or a compelling story.
Harvard aims to build a class that is not only academically elite but also diverse in perspective, talent, and background, with each student bringing something irreplaceable to the table.
This is evidenced by Harvard College’s First Year Applicants page, which states:
“While academic accomplishment is important, the Admissions Committee considers many other factors—strong personal qualities, special talents or excellences of all kinds, perspectives formed by unusual personal circumstances, and the ability to take advantage of available resources and opportunities.”
For applicants, the implication is clear: rather than trying to be everything to everyone, it is far more strategic to highlight what sets you apart, how you have made the most of your circumstances, and how you can add to Harvard’s community.
An ideal Harvard applicant demonstrates traits like:
To stand out, applicants should highlight not just what they’ve done but also who they are beyond admissions statistics. Applicants must demonstrate initiative, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose beyond the classroom.
In a recent webinar with Quad Education, Jennifer White, a Quad consultant and former admissions officer at Harvard, provided advice on how to stand out:
“If you can stretch yourself and challenge yourself, you’re going to have a really compelling narrative to share when you’re writing your college applications.”
White highlights that the ideal Harvard applicant shouldn’t just be academically prepared; they should show evidence of challenging themselves and expanding their knowledge. For example, if your high school didn’t offer AB/IB courses, demonstrating that you took external AB/IB courses proves that you’re willing to challenge yourself.
Additionally, White mentions:
“The days of being a well-rounded student—those are over. Admissions officers are looking to build a well-rounded class full of pointy, angular students.”
White delivers a critical reality check for Harvard applicants: being good at everything isn’t enough anymore. Don’t stuff 10 decent extracurriculars in your application. Only include experiences that set you apart from thousands of applicants, such as if you built a mobile app that helps nonverbal kids communicate.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Application | Required |
| Electronic Application | Required |
| Essay | Required |
| Letters of Recommendation | Required (2) |
| High School Transcript | Required |
| Midyear School Report | Required |
| Interview | Optional |
| Application Fee (2025) | $85 |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Available |
| Test | Requirement | Scores Due |
|---|---|---|
| SAT or ACT | Required | EA by November 1; Regular by January 1 |
| Subject | Required Units |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| Math | 4 |
| Science | 4 |
| Foreign Language | 4 |
| Social Studies | 3 |
| History | 2 |
| Academic Electives | 0 |
| Computer Science | 0 |
| Visual/Performing Arts | 0 |
| Total | 21 |
| Admission Type | Offered? | Deadline | Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Admission | Yes | January 1 | Late March |
| Early Decision | No | — | — |
| Early Action | Yes | November 1 | Mid-December |
The application for Harvard’s 2024-2025 admissions cycle is now over. However, the 2025-2026 application will open on August 1, 2025. Start optimizing your application now to get a head start on your submission.
To improve your chances of getting into Harvard College, start with Quad Education’s expert Harvard University admissions consulting services. Our former admissions officers know what Harvard is looking for and can help you build a successful application.
Here is a video from Quad Education with expert tips on how to get into Harvard College.
Here are even more expert tips and insights to improve your chances of getting into Harvard College.
Participate in meaningful, faculty-mentored research, especially through structured programs like the Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) or equivalent university-based labs. This demonstrates leadership, community involvement, and commitment to extracurriculars that Harvard looks for.
Rather than listing generic research experience, produce a paper, a presentation, or a contribution to an ongoing study. Even if it’s local or small in scope, the measurable impact and continuity over time matter more than prestige.
Students interested in STEM, data science, or social impact should emphasize how research shaped their academic identity, not just their resume.
Each Harvard College supplemental essay evaluates your character, intellectual curiosity, and community outlook. Don’t treat them as isolated pieces. Instead, write them to tell your full story, where each essay reinforces and deepens your primary academic or personal narrative. For example:
Harvard College allows updates to your application post-submission, which can play a significant role if you pursue additional work after your application. If you publish new work, win a competition, complete a capstone project, or take on new academic responsibilities, these updates can reinforce momentum and sustained excellence.
Focus on senior-year academic growth, especially if it adds value or expands your stated academic talent.
Harvard College admissions officers can easily spot “constructed” achievements. Instead of one-off projects or short-lived startups, highlight work that shows consistency, local impact, and scale over time.
This work could be tutoring low-income students for two years, building an educational platform and iterating on feedback, or organizing a civic project tied to your town’s needs. The more your actions respond to a real problem, the more authentic (and impressive) they’ll seem.
Select teachers who understand the nuances of your learning style and can reference specific academic moments. Ask for letters that include precise, memorable anecdotes, ideally ones that tie into your intended major or academic goals.
When requesting your letters, avoid looking for generic praise like “top student” or “hard worker”; instead, aim for statements like “Their analysis of social stratification in my AP Government class was doctoral in tone.”
Even though Harvard College was test-optional, over 54% of admitted students submitted their SAT scores. Harvard recently announced that SAT and ACT scores are required in the 2025-2026 application cycle and beyond.
This shift away from a test-optional policy means that you must aim for at least a 1550 SAT score and at least a 35 ACT score to stand out. Additionally, graduating in the top 10% of your high school class can signify academic readiness.
Testing offers an objective signal of academic readiness, especially useful if you come from an underrepresented background or an under-resourced school. Pair this with AP scores or college coursework for even more bonus points.
Yes, Harvard College accepts transfer credit. Students may submit comparable coursework completed before their transfer admission, while also allowing them to take advantage of Harvard’s course offerings.
Students can transfer up to 16 semester-long courses (or two years of undergraduate academic work). Courses eligible for credit include any comparable to Harvard’s curriculum and earned a grade of “C” or better.
No, visiting Harvard College does not directly improve your admissions odds, as Harvard does not track demonstrated interest. However, a campus visit can help you write more compelling supplemental essays by allowing you to reference specific programs, student experiences, or academic resources.
Yes, your social media history can affect your college admission chances at Harvard. While admissions officers don’t routinely check applicants’ profiles, flagged content, such as discriminatory remarks, academic dishonesty, or illegal activity, can lead to rescinded offers or rejections.
No, Harvard College does not accept credits for college coursework completed before matriculation, including credits earned through dual enrollment programs. Harvard prefers students to engage fully in their curriculum once they enroll, rather than relying on credits earned elsewhere.
Yes, Harvard College admission officers review high school grades as part of the application process. Your transcript, which includes grades from completed coursework, is a key component in the admissions process.
Additionally, Harvard requests a mid-year school report to assess your performance in senior-year coursework halfway through the school year. This helps them evaluate your academic abilities and performance throughout high school.
Applying to Harvard College can be daunting, but an experienced Harvard admissions counselor can help you increase your chances of acceptance. Our former Harvard admissions officers can help you pinpoint community involvement, leadership, and distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character that Harvard looks for in applicants.
Now that you know more about Harvard’s culture, admissions requirements, and acceptance rates, book a free consultation with a member of our team. We’ll match you with a former admissions officer who can help you build a winning application.
