Harvard Acceptance Rate: Class of 2029 Admissions Statistics

Harvard University has announced that it will not release admissions statistics for the Class of 2029 until Fall 2025. However, for the Class of 2028, the acceptance rate was an exceptionally low 3.6%. Based on historical trends, it’s likely that the numbers for the Class of 2029 will be similar or possibly even lower.

But don’t panic! In this blog, we’re breaking down what Harvard’s acceptance rate actually means, how it’s shifted over the years, and what you can do to boost your odds of getting in. Whether you’re going for Early Action, Regular Decision, or even trying to transfer in, understanding Harvard’s admission stats can help you craft a more strategic plan.

• What Is Harvard’s Acceptance Rate?
• Harvard Acceptance Rate Trends
• Harvard Regular Decision Acceptance Rate
• Harvard Early Action Acceptance Rate
• How to Get Accepted into Harvard
• Harvard Transfer Acceptance Rate
• Harvard Waitlist Acceptance Rate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Harvard’s Acceptance Rate?

In March 2024, Harvard dropped the Class of 2028’s acceptance rate stats: out of 54,008 hopefuls, only 1,937 got admitted. Meaning, the acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was a mere 3.6%. This razor-thin rate shows just how tough it is to get into Harvard these days, as the school keeps up its reputation for top-tier academic standards.

You can review the latest Harvard admissions statistics for more details on accepted applicants. Here’s a closer look at how things broke down for the Class of 2028:

If you applied Regular Decision, your odds were even slimmer: just 2.7% of 46,087 applicants got in. The Early Action crowd fared a bit better, with an 8.7% acceptance rate out of 7,921 applications. But real talk—even those “better” odds are still pretty cutthroat.

Harvard yield rate

Another big metric Harvard tracks is its yield rate. Basically, it’s how many of the students they accept actually decide to enroll. For the Class of 2028, that number was over 84%. Translation: even with tons of other elite schools wooing them, most admitted students chose Harvard.

This high yield rate also shows they’ve got a knack for attracting students who are genuinely excited to join their community. It’s one more way Harvard keeps its admissions process ultra-selective while ensuring every incoming class is packed with driven, committed students.

Harvard Acceptance Rate Trends

Harvard’s acceptance rate has been on a steady nosedive over the past decade, and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. Just a few years ago, it was above 5%. Now? For the Class of 2028, it’s down to a mere 3.6%.

Let’s look at the numbers:

The takeaway? It’s getting harder and harder to snag that acceptance letter. The pool of applicants has exploded, especially during the pandemic when Harvard went test-optional. For the Class of 2026, applications hit a high of over 61,000, partly driven by students hoping that ditching SAT/ACT scores would boost their chances.

But it’s not just the number of applications causing the drop in acceptance rates. Harvard has kept its class size small and selective, even as more and more students try their luck. They’re still focused on finding those well-rounded applicants—not just the ones with perfect grades and test scores, but those with standout extracurriculars, leadership, and unique stories.

The message is clear: with acceptance rates getting tighter each year, strong academics won’t be enough. To cut through the noise, you’ve got to bring something extra to the table.

Harvard’s acceptance rate vs other Ivy League schools

To understand Harvard’s acceptance rate in context, it helps to compare it with those of other Ivy League schools. Here’s how Harvard stacks up against its peers:

As you can see, Harvard is the toughest among the Ivies, which says a lot considering the league’s reputation for selectivity. Yale and Columbia aren’t far behind, but Cornell and UPenn look a bit more forgiving by comparison. That said, every Ivy on this list is fiercely competitive—you’re up against the best of the best.

Even with such a low acceptance rate, Harvard still pulls the highest yield rates across the Ivy League. More admitted students choose Harvard over other Ivies, even if they’ve been accepted to multiple top-tier schools. Indeed, Harvard is a dream school that’s hard to get into and even harder to turn down.

Harvard Regular Decision Acceptance Rate

For the Class of 2028, the Regular Decision (RD) acceptance rate at Harvard was 2.7%. Out of 46,087 applicants, only 1,245 made the cut. Compare that with Harvard’s overall acceptance rate of 3.6%, and you’ll see how much steeper the odds are for those going the RD route.

If you’re wondering why RD is tougher, it’s because Harvard’s Restrictive Early Action (REA) program snaps up a big chunk of its incoming class. With an REA rate of 8.7%, early birds definitely catch more worms, leaving fewer spots open for RD hopefuls.

And the trend is not looking easier anytime soon. Just check the numbers:

For context, back in 2019, the RD acceptance rate was still above 3%. Fast forward to 2026, and it dipped to a mere 2.3%. What’s driving this downward trend? More applications year after year, paired with Harvard’s commitment to keeping its class size small and selective.

So, what does this mean if you’re eyeing a spot through RD? Sure, you’ll need top grades, but you’ll also need strong essays, standout extracurriculars, and glowing recommendation letters to really make your case.

Harvard Regular Decision deadline and notification date

Harvard’s RD deadline is January 1, and they usually release decisions in late March. After that, you’ve got until May 1, which is College Decision Day, to send in your confirmation.

Harvard Early Action Acceptance Rate

For the Class of 2028, Harvard’s Restrictive Early Action (REA) acceptance rate landed at 8.7%. Out of 7,921 students who applied through REA, around 688 secured a spot.

When you stack that up against the Regular Decision (RD) acceptance rate of 2.7% and the overall rate of 3.6%, it’s clear: applying early gives you a leg up. Harvard likes to lock in a chunk of its freshman class early on, focusing on students who show they’re serious about coming to Cambridge.

REA at Harvard is non-binding. So, even if you get admitted, you’re not locked into going. Still, it’s usually the route for students who’ve got Harvard as their dream school, which doesn’t hurt when admissions officers are sizing up your commitment.

Let’s break Harvard’s REA acceptance rate down with some numbers:

Opting for REA at Harvard can be a smart move if you’re confident in your application. Over the past decade, REA acceptance rates have consistently been higher than those for RD—sometimes by a lot. For the Class of 2028, for example, that difference was pretty stark: 8.7% for REA versus 2.7% for RD. That means you’re nearly three times as likely to get in.

Clearly, Harvard’s more inclined to admit students who show up early and strong. But keep in mind, the REA crowd tends to come with top-notch academics, impressive extracurriculars, and killer essays—so you’ve got to bring your A-game.

If you apply through REA, you’ll know months ahead of the RD folks whether you’re in, which can seriously cut down on stress and let you plan your next steps. Don’t rush it just to meet the early deadline, though. You’ve got to be sure your application is the best it can be. If you’re not quite there yet, it might make more sense to take the extra time and aim for RD.

Harvard Early Action deadline and notification date

Harvard REA’s deadline is November 1, and they typically send out notifications by mid-December. If you’re accepted, you still have until May 1 to confirm your spot.

How to Get Accepted into Harvard

So, you’ve set your sights on Harvard? First things first—you need to get that application in through either the Common or Coalition Application.

But don’t think it’s just about getting your forms in on time. Harvard takes a good, long look at your whole application, assessing you from every angle. Sure, grades and test scores play a big part, but the admissions committee also wants to see essays that are thoughtful, extracurriculars that show passion, and recommendation letters that actually say something about who you are.

Let’s dig into a few key areas that could boost your chances of beating the Harvard acceptance rate:

Target GPA

While Harvard doesn’t outright say, “Here’s the GPA you need,” let’s be real: you’re up against some pretty fierce competition.

According to their Common Data Set for 2023-2024, the average GPA for admitted students is a hefty 4.2 on a weighted scale. Harvard’s average GPA means that most successful applicants are not only killing it in their regular classes but are also stacking up advanced courses like AP or IB classes to push their GPAs higher.

Aiming for that 4.2 or above will put you on level ground with the typical Harvard admit. Your grades really need to show you’ve been a top performer throughout high school. Now, if your GPA’s a bit on the lower side, you’ll need to find other ways to impress the admissions committee.

Target standardized test scores

The story’s similar with test scores—Harvard doesn’t publish a hard cutoff, but you’re going to need impressive numbers to stand out. Harvard’s latest SAT range is pretty tight: a 1500 gets you in the 25th percentile (bottom 25%), 1550 lands you right in the 50th (middle 50%), and a 1580 puts you in the 75th (top 25%). If you’re gunning for a spot, a score of 1580 or higher is ideal.

For the ACT, you’re looking at a sweet spot between 34 and 36. But, if you really want to shine, aim for that perfect 36—it places you in the top tier of applicants.

Heads up: starting with the Class of 2029, Harvard’s bringing back the requirement for standardized test scores. So if you’re applying then, better start prepping. High test scores won’t seal the deal on their own, but they’ll definitely give you an edge, especially if the rest of your application is just as solid.

Other requirements

Beyond your GPA and test scores, Harvard wants to see the whole you. That’s why the other parts of your application—extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters—matter just as much (if not more).

• When it comes to extracurriculars, Harvard’s looking for activities that show real passion, commitment, and impact. Quality over quantity. It’s more impressive if you’ve been deeply involved in a few meaningful projects—like leading an organization, starting a community initiative, or even gaining some national recognition in your field.
• Now, let’s talk essays. This is where you can truly shine. For the 2024-25 application cycle, you’ll need to write one personal statement (through the Common App or Coalition App) and then tackle five supplemental essay prompts, each limited to 150 words. Think of these essays as your chance to let Harvard in on who you really are. Authenticity is key here.
• And then there are those all-important recommendation letters. Harvard wants three: two from teachers who know you well and one from your school counselor. Strong letters can really give you an edge, so it’s worth investing time in building solid relationships with your recommenders. Ideally, pick teachers who can vouch for your intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and overall vibe in the classroom.

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into each of these sections, check out our guide that breaks down every requirement step-by-step. It’ll help you craft an application that can give you the best shot at cracking that elusive Harvard acceptance rate.

Harvard Transfer Acceptance Rate

Let’s get one thing straight: transferring into Harvard is even tougher than getting in as a freshman. According to Harvard’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024, the transfer acceptance rate is only 0.8%. Out of nearly 1,900 hopefuls, only 15 managed to snag a spot—and just 14 of them actually enrolled.

Why is it so hard to transfer to Harvard? It’s partly because Harvard’s incoming classes are already packed. The vast majority of seats are taken up by incoming freshmen, leaving only a handful of spots for transfer students.

Harvard transfer requirements

Unlike freshman admissions, which balance academics with extracurriculars and potential, the transfer process is more focused. Harvard wants to see that your academic journey so far aligns with what they offer. You’ll need to show not just top-tier grades, but a clear reason why making the switch to Harvard makes sense for you.

Harvard’s also on the lookout for transfer students who bring something fresh to the table—new perspectives or experiences that can enrich their campus community. The bar’s set even higher because, let’s face it, most transfer applicants are already doing great at other top schools.

If you’re hoping to break through that Harvard acceptance rate, you’ll need to prove you’re exceptional. That means showing stellar academics, a compelling reason for wanting to transfer, and clear evidence that you can handle the intensity of Harvard’s academic environment.

Harvard Waitlist Acceptance Rate

Harvard’s waitlist acceptance rate can change wildly from year to year. Some years, they don’t take anyone off the waitlist at all. Other years, they might admit up to 200 waitlisted students. But considering that the overall Harvard acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was just 3.6%, getting in off the waitlist is even more of a long shot.

Being waitlisted at Harvard basically means the admissions team liked your application, but they just didn’t have room to offer you a spot at the time. So, they put you on hold. You were definitely a strong contender, but since their class was almost full, you ended up on the waitlist.

What to do if you’re waitlisted

If you find yourself on the waitlist, here’s what you can do to nudge your chances (however slim) in the right direction:

1. First, write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Let Harvard know they’re still your top choice and fill them in on any cool things you’ve done since you first applied—awards, new projects, whatever. This shows them you’re still committed and excited to attend.
2. Consider sending in some extra materials. Think updated transcripts, improved test scores, or even another recommendation letter. But only if these new additions really boost your profile.
3. Finally, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Sure, it’s okay to keep hoping, but be realistic too. Make sure you’ve got a spot locked down at another school where you’ve been accepted. The waitlist game is unpredictable, so having a solid backup plan is just smart.

In the end, being on Harvard’s waitlist is a tricky spot. Staying proactive can help, but you’ve also got to keep your options open and your expectations in check.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Harvard’s latest overall acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, the Harvard acceptance rate hit a low 3.6%. Out of 54,008 applicants, only 1,937 made the cut.

2. What is Harvard’s Restrictive Early Action acceptance rate?

During the REA round for the Class of 2028, Harvard accepted 692 students from a pool of 7,921. That comes out to an acceptance rate of about 8.7%.

3. What is Harvard’s Regular Decision acceptance rate?

In the RD cycle for the Class of 2028, Harvard accepted just 1,245 applicants out of 46,087. That translates to a slim 2.7% acceptance rate.

4. What is Harvard’s transfer acceptance rate?

For the 2023-2024 academic year, the Harvard acceptance rate for transfers was an even tougher 0.8%. Out of 1,892 hopefuls, only 15 were accepted.

5. What is Harvard’s waitlist acceptance rate?

Harvard’s waitlist acceptance rate is a bit of a mystery since they don’t consistently release those numbers. Some years, no one gets in from the waitlist; other years, as many as 200 students might get the nod. It’s completely unpredictable and ultra-competitive.

Takeaways

To really get a grip on the Harvard acceptance rate and boost your chances, here are five key things you should know:

• Harvard’s latest overall acceptance rate is just 3.6%. It’s one of the toughest schools to get into.
• Harvard’s acceptance rate is the lowest among the Ivies. To put that into perspective, Cornell’s rate sits at around 8.4%, nearly double Harvard’s.
• Harvard’s latest Restrictive Early Action acceptance rate is 8.7%. Compare that to the Regular Decision rate of only 2.7%, and you can see why going the early route might be worth it.
• If you want to be seriously competitive, you’re looking at a GPA of 4.2 or higher. For test scores, aim for at least a 1580 on the SAT and a perfect 36 on the ACT. But don’t stop there: nailing your essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters is just as important.
• With such a low acceptance rate, it might be worth getting some expert help. Working with a college admissions consultant could give your Harvard application that extra edge you need to stand out.