Harvard GPA and SAT Requirements
Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Admission Statistics
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University is a large four year private college offering both undergrad and graduate programs. In the most recent statistical year 40,248 prospective students applied, and 2,015 were granted admission. Of those admitted 1,407 enrolled in the school. 19,030 students are enrolled on a full time basi s, and 11,361 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2020/2021, excluding room and board, is $49,653 plus fees of $4,349. Harvard is ranked 1 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2022 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
| Topic | Women | Men | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 20,212 | 20,036 | 40,248 |
| Acc epted | 1,041 | 974 | 2,015 |
| Acceptance Rate | 5% | 5% | 5% |
| Enrolled | 733 | 674 | 1,407 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 70% | 69% | 70% |
Acceptance Rate 5%
How hard is it to get into Harvard and can I get accepted? The acceptance rate at Harvard is 5% ranking #1 in Massachusetts for lowest rate of acceptance. Last year, 2,015 out of 40,248 applicants were admitted making Harvard an extremely competitive school to get into with a very low chance of acceptance – even for applicants with the highest scores and grades.
The school has exceptionally high admission requirements for SAT and ACT scores, generally admitting students who score in the top 2 percent (SAT 1460/1580 ACT 33/35). Harvard University typically accepts and attracts “A” average high school students with an average GPA around 4.0. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class. Of those applicants who were admitted, 70% enrolled. With over half of admitted students enrolling, acceptance by Harvard University is a prized outcome for many students.
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Students considering Harvard are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for students to be admitted to Harvard University?
Harvard University typically prefers applicants to be in the top 2 percent of SAT test takers. The school consistently takes SAT composite scores down to 1460 on a 1600 scale, below which admission should be considered a reach. We estimate some students could be accepted with SAT’s as low as 1400. The estimated average SAT composite for admitted freshman is 1520 out of 1600. The school ranks #2 in Massachusetts for highest average SAT composite score. A competitive SAT score is critical as 69 percent of applicants submit SAT scores to the school.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2020 starting class
Harvard SAT Score Percentiles
SAT Range 1460-1580
- SAT Reading 25th
- SAT Math 25th 740
- SAT Composite 25th 1460
Applicants Submitting SAT 69%
- SAT Reading 75th 780
- SAT Math 75th 800
- SAT Composite 75th 1580
- Average SAT Score 1520
Harvard GPA Requirements & Average GPA
Avg. High School GPA 4.0
Typical High School Grades A
What GPA do you need to get into Harvard University?
Applicants require exceptionally good grades to get into Harvard. The average high school GPA of the admitted freshman class at Harvard University was 4.0 on the 4.0 scale indicating that primarily A students are accepted and ultimately attend. The school ranks #1 in Massachusetts for highest average GPA. Given the school’s very highly selective admissions, acceptance at Harvard extremely difficult and unlikely even with a 4.0 GPA. The school should be considered a reach even if you have a 4.0 GPA.
| High School GPA | Freshmen Within Range | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | 75.76% | Reach |
| 3.75 to 3.99 | 18.02% | Reach |
| 3.50 to 3.74 | 4.0% | Reach |
| 3.25 to 3.49 | 1.79% | Low |
| 3.00 to 3.24 | 0.32% | Low |
