How to Get into Harvey Mudd: Admission Requirements and Tips

Curious about how to get into Harvey Mudd College? Known for its cutting-edge STEM programs, collaborative culture, and commitment to tackling real-world challenges, Harvey Mudd is a top choice for many ambitious students.

But let’s be real: getting accepted isn’t easy. With an acceptance rate of just 12.7% for the Class of 2028, it’s one of the most competitive colleges out there.

Don’t let that intimidate you, though. You’re here to learn how to stand out, and we’re here to guide you. In this blog, we’ll break everything down about how to get into Harvey Mudd to help you craft an application that demands attention. Let’s jump right in.

• How Hard Is It to Get into Harvey Mudd?
• Harvey Mudd Requirements
• Harvey Mudd GPA Requirements
• Harvey Mudd SAT Scores
• Harvey Mudd ACT Scores
• How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Harvey Mudd
• Harvey Mudd Application Deadlines
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Hard Is It to Get into Harvey Mudd?

Earning a spot at Harvey Mudd College is no easy task. For the Class of 2028, Harvey Mudd reviewed 5,094 applications and offered admission to just 645 students. With an acceptance rate of 12.7%, it’s clear that Harvey Mudd is among the most selective institutions in the nation.

If you’re curious about how Harvey Mudd’s acceptance rates have shifted over recent years, here’s a quick breakdown:

See the trend? While rates fluctuate slightly, Harvey Mudd remains highly competitive. But don’t let that intimidate you. With a well-rounded application and thoughtful preparation, you’ll have a solid shot—especially if you understand how to get into Harvey Mudd.

Harvey Mudd Requirements

Applying to Harvey Mudd College involves a clear set of steps. They use the Common Application, and here’s what you’ll need to provide:

• High school transcript. Harvey Mudd values academic rigor. They expect students to take challenging courses, including AP, IB, or honors classes. Recommended coursework includes four years of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and a Foreign Language.
• Letters of recommendation. Three letters are required: one from a math or science teacher, one from a humanities, social sciences, or arts teacher, and one from the counselor. These letters should reflect your academic abilities and contributions in the classroom.
• Essays. Harvey Mudd requires a personal statement as part of the Common Application and additional short-answer prompts to highlight your unique perspective and experiences.
• Extracurricular activities. The admissions team looks for students who make an impact. Focus on activities you’re passionate about and showcase your leadership and contributions outside the classroom.
• Standardized test scores (optional). Harvey Mudd is test-optional for students applying through Fall 2026. Submitting strong SAT or ACT scores is entirely up to you.
• Mid-year and final reports. Senior year academic updates are mandatory, so make sure to maintain strong grades throughout.

Beyond academics, they care about your extracurricular activities, talents, and the qualities that make you who you are. If you want to further strengthen your application, consider participating in a Harvey Mudd interview. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the school. You can request one via Harvey Mudd’s interview page.

Are you a creative problem solver? A leader in your community? These “important” factors help tell your story. Other factors like class rank, test scores, first-generation status, geographical location, state residency, volunteer work, and work experience are also considered. While they’re not the stars of the show, they can still add depth to your application and help paint a fuller picture of who you are.

And here’s the refreshing part: Harvey Mudd doesn’t focus on things you can’t control. Religious affiliation and your level of demonstrated interest in the school? Totally not a factor. What really matters is what you bring to the table: your drive, creativity, and ability to make an impact in the world—which are key when thinking about how to get into Harvey Mudd.

High school coursework recommendations

Think of your high school transcript as the foundation of your Harvey Mudd application. The college emphasizes a rigorous and balanced academic load. Here’s what they recommend:

• 4 units of English
• 4 units of Mathematics
• 4 units of Science (including at least 2 lab-based units)
• 2 units of Foreign Language
• 2 units of Social Studies (which may include History)
• 2 units of Academic Electives

In total, students should ideally complete at least 20 academic units.

If your high school offers advanced courses such as AP, IB, or honors, take advantage of these opportunities. Harvey Mudd appreciates students who challenge themselves academically. Demonstrating strong performance in rigorous courses is key to showing your preparedness for the college’s demanding curriculum.

Harvey Mudd GPA Requirements

Harvey Mudd doesn’t officially set a minimum GPA, but let’s be real. You’ll need top-tier grades to compete. Strong academics are a big part of how to get into Harvey Mudd.

Harvey Mudd average GPA

Harvey Mudd doesn’t publish official GPA data, but considering how competitive admissions are, aiming for a GPA of 4.17 or higher is a solid target.

Wondering how class rank plays into admissions? Here’s what Harvey Mudd’s Common Data Set for 2024-2025 tells us:

• 92% of admitted students ranked in the top 10% of their high school graduating class.
• 100% were in the top quarter.
• 100% were in the top half.

What does that tell you? Nearly every Harvey Mudd student was a top performer in high school. But if your school doesn’t rank students, don’t stress too much. Harvey Mudd looks at applications holistically, which means other factors like essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations can help set you apart.

To stay competitive, aim for a 4.17+ GPA while challenging yourself with AP, IB, or honors courses. It’s a tough standard, no doubt, but don’t panic if you’re not quite there. Harvey Mudd isn’t just looking for students who can ace tests; they want innovators, problem-solvers, and passionate learners who bring something special to the table.

Bottom line? Aim high with your GPA, but don’t forget that numbers aren’t everything. Harvey Mudd wants to see the thinker, the doer, and the changemaker in you. So work hard, challenge yourself, and make sure your application tells the full story of what makes you unique.

Harvey Mudd SAT Scores

Harvey Mudd doesn’t have a strict SAT requirement, but if you choose to submit scores, they need to be impressive. With Harvey Mudd’s test-optional policy, sending in scores is completely up to you.

That said, high numbers can strengthen your application and show the admissions team that you’re ready to handle the rigorous academics at one of the top STEM colleges in the country.

Harvey Mudd’s average SAT scores

According to Harvey Mudd’s latest Common Data Set, here are the typical SAT scores for admitted students:

Here’s a deeper look at the section scores:

A whopping 98% of admitted students scored between 1400 and 1600 on the SAT composite. In the Math section, 98% of students scored between 700 and 800, while in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, 94% hit that same range.

To stay competitive, aim for a composite score of 1560 or higher, with strong performances in both Math and EBRW. Scores in this range signal to Harvey Mudd that you’re ready for the academic challenge—and they’re an important piece of how to get into Harvey Mudd.

But don’t stress too much if your scores fall a little short. Harvey Mudd evaluates applications holistically, meaning they’ll look at your coursework, essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations as well.

If you have the time and resources to retake the SAT and boost your scores, go for it—especially in Math and EBRW. While submitting scores isn’t required, strong results can add that extra layer of competitiveness to your application.

Does Harvey Mudd require SAT?

Nope! Harvey Mudd is test-optional through Fall 2026, meaning you don’t have to submit SAT scores if you don’t want to.

However, if your scores are strong, they can still work in your favor by demonstrating academic readiness, especially for a math-heavy school like Harvey Mudd. If you decide not to submit scores, your application will be evaluated based on other factors like coursework, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars.

Harvey Mudd ACT Scores

Harvey Mudd doesn’t have a strict ACT score cutoff, but if you’re submitting scores, they need to be strong. The ACT is your chance to show Harvey Mudd that you can handle its rigorous academics.

Harvey Mudd’s average ACT

According to Harvey Mudd’s latest Common Data Set, here’s how admitted students performed on the ACT:

For individual sections, here’s what you should aim for:

And check this out:

• 100% of admitted students scored between 30 and 36 on the ACT composite.
• 100% of students in the ACT Math, Reading, and Science sections hit scores between 30 and 36.
• 97% of students scored between 30 and 36 in ACT English.

To stay competitive, aim for a composite score of 35 or higher, with strong performances in Math and Science. Scores in this range will show Harvey Mudd that you’re ready to tackle their demanding STEM curriculum.

But don’t stress if your scores aren’t quite perfect. Harvey Mudd evaluates applications holistically, meaning your essays, activities, and recommendations all play a big role in the admissions process—which is worth keeping in mind as you think about how to get into Harvey Mudd.

Does Harvey Mudd prefer the ACT or SAT?

Not at all! Harvey Mudd doesn’t favor one test over the other. Whether you’re an ACT expert or an SAT superstar, both are viewed equally by admissions.

Among first-year applicants, 52% submitted SAT scores, while only 16% submitted ACT scores. This means both tests are commonly accepted, though most students lean toward submitting SAT scores.

Also, Harvey Mudd superscores both the ACT and SAT! That means they’ll take your best section scores from multiple test dates to give you the highest possible composite. So, if you’ve taken the test more than once, this could work in your favor. No pressure, but a strong superscored result might just give your application that extra boost.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Harvey Mudd

Getting into Harvey Mudd isn’t easy. It’s one of the most selective STEM colleges in the country and attracts some of the brightest problem-solvers out there. But don’t worry! With a strong application and the right strategy, you can stand out. Here’s how to get into Harvey Mudd:

1. Keep your GPA in top shape.

There’s no getting around it: Harvey Mudd values academic excellence. 92% of admitted students ranked in the top 10% of their high school class, so if you want to stay competitive, aim for a 4.17 or higher GPA. 

Your transcript should reflect intellectual curiosity and a commitment to challenging coursework, especially in STEM subjects. AP, IB, and honors courses will show admissions that you’re prepared for Harvey Mudd’s rigorous academics.

That said, perfection isn’t the only thing that matters. Harvey Mudd also values resilience, growth, and a genuine love for learning. If you struggled in a subject but showed improvement, that can work in your favor. An upward grade trend demonstrates perseverance and adaptability—two traits that go a long way in a STEM-focused environment.

Stuck on a subject? Don’t hesitate to seek help. Whether it’s through working with a tutor, joining study groups, or putting in extra practice, consistent effort shows Harvey Mudd that you’re ready to tackle tough academic challenges.

2. Submit strong SAT/ACT scores (if you choose to).

Harvey Mudd is test-optional through Fall 2026, which means you get to decide whether to include SAT or ACT scores in your application. If your scores are strong, submitting them can give your application an extra boost.

Admitted students typically score between 1510–1560 on the SAT or 34–36 on the ACT. In fact, 98% of admitted students scored between 1400 and 1600 on the SAT, and 100% landed between 30 and 36 on the ACT Composite. If you’re aiming to stand out, hitting the upper range of these scores can strengthen your application.

Not quite there? No worries. Test scores are just one part of the puzzle. If you plan to take the SAT or ACT again, focus on practice tests, improving your weaker sections, and making use of available resources like a private tutor or study guides.

And remember, Harvey Mudd superscores both the SAT and ACT, meaning they’ll take your best section scores from multiple test dates to maximize your final result.

If standardized tests aren’t your strong suit, don’t sweat it. Harvey Mudd looks at applications holistically, so focus on highlighting your strengths in other areas—whether it’s your coursework, extracurriculars, or essays. A well-rounded application can still put you in a great position. A well-rounded application can still put you in a great position if you understand how to get into Harvey Mudd.

3. Write essays that showcase your problem-solving mindset.

Your essays are a prime opportunity to show Harvey Mudd why you belong there. Admissions officers want to see how you think, what excites you, and how you tackle challenges. This is where your unique voice and perspective can shine, so make it count!

Harvey Mudd’s supplemental essays for the 2024–2025 application cycle require students to respond to specific prompts designed to highlight their problem-solving skills, creativity, and curiosity. These essays give you the space to showcase how you think about the world, what excites you intellectually, and how you’d contribute to Harvey Mudd’s community.

Harvey Mudd supplemental essay prompts:

• Harvey Mudd College seeks to educate engineers, scientists, and mathematicians who are not only experts in their fields but also well-versed in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. The college’s mission emphasizes leadership with an understanding of the societal impact of scientific work.
  “Scientific research is a human endeavor. The choices of topics that we research are based on our biases, our beliefs, and what we bring: our cultures and our families. The kinds of problems that people put their talents to solving depends on their values.” – Dr. Clifton Poodry
  HMC’s collaborative community is guided by our mission statement. Through an intentional interdisciplinary curriculum, our students seek to build a skillset adaptable to society’s needs. How has your own background influenced the types of problems you want to solve, the people you want to work with, and the impact you hope your work can have? (500 words or less)
• Many students choose HMC because they don’t want to give up their interests in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts – or HSA as we call it at HMC. Briefly describe what you’d like to learn about in your dream HSA class. (100 words or less)

How to nail your essay:

• Show who you are. Harvey Mudd isn’t just looking for strong students. They want to know what excites you, what challenges you’ve faced, and what problems you want to solve. Make sure your essays give them a glimpse of the real you.
• Be specific. Instead of writing broadly about your interests, dig into the details. What specific problems or fields intrigue you? Why? What personal experiences connect you to them?
• Demonstrate your curiosity. Harvey Mudd values students who love to learn. Use these essays to show your intellectual curiosity and the way you approach complex ideas.
• Make every word count. With one essay capped at 500 words and the other at 100, you need to be clear and concise. Focus on meaningful insights, not just listing accomplishments.

Take your time to brainstorm, draft, and refine your essay. This is your chance to stand out, so don’t hold back. Let your passion, curiosity, and unique approach to problem-solving take center stage, and you’ll craft an essay that’s not just compelling but unforgettable.

Want to know more about tackling each prompt? Check out our go-to guide on Harvey Mudd’s supplemental essays!

4. Make an impact with your extracurriculars.

Harvey Mudd wants dedicated problem-solvers, innovators, and collaborators: students who take initiative and make a difference. It’s not about how many clubs or projects you’ve joined; it’s about your level of commitment and the impact you’ve had. Both of these matter when thinking about how to get into Harvey Mudd.

For example, if you’re passionate about sustainability, you might talk about a STEM-based environmental project you worked on or an engineering competition where you tackled real-world issues. Maybe you built a robot for a competition, led a coding initiative for underrepresented students, or started a community tutoring program.

Community service also matters. Did you volunteer at a local science museum, mentor younger students in STEM, or help organize outreach programs for underprivileged communities? These kinds of experiences show that more than just an academic powerhouse, you’re someone who uses knowledge to create meaningful change.

Harvey Mudd wants to see what drives you, how you’ve made an impact, and how you’ll bring that same energy to their campus. Show them you’re not just someone with big ideas—you’re someone who puts them into action.

5. Get stellar recommendation letters.

A strong recommendation letter can take your application to the next level. Harvey Mudd requires:

• One letter from a math or science teacher
• One letter from a humanities, social sciences, or arts teacher
• One counselor recommendation (if available)

This requirement is intentional. It reflects Harvey Mudd’s commitment to STEM students with a well-rounded education. They want to see how you think and work across disciplines, not just in math and science but in the humanities as well.

To get great recommendations, start early. Be engaged in class, ask thoughtful questions, and take initiative in group projects. Pick teachers who know you well—someone who can highlight your strengths, resilience, and curiosity.

If you’re asking for a recommendation, give your teachers plenty of time (at least a month) and provide a brag sheet with key achievements, interests, and goals. Once the letter is in, thank them! A small gesture of appreciation goes a long way.

Harvey Mudd also allows one additional letter of recommendation from a mentor, research supervisor, or employer if it adds something unique to your application. But only include one if it truly brings a new perspective to your candidacy.

6. Consider applying Early Decision (ED).

If Harvey Mudd is your absolute dream school, applying Early Decision might give you an advantage. For the Fall 2024 class, Harvey Mudd received 656 ED applications and admitted 106 students, resulting in an ED acceptance rate of 16.2%.

While that’s slightly higher than the overall acceptance rate of 12.7%, keep in mind that ED is binding. If you’re accepted, you’re committing to enroll. That means you should only apply ED if you’re absolutely sure Harvey Mudd is the perfect fit for you academically, socially, and financially.

Applying ED isn’t just a strategic move—it’s a statement. You’re telling Harvey Mudd, “This is where I belong.” If that resonates with you, ED might be the right choice.

Harvey Mudd Application Deadlines

Timing is a big part of how to get into Harvey Mudd. Got your planner ready? Staying on top of these deadlines is key to making your Harvey Mudd dreams a reality. Here’s the rundown of dates you absolutely cannot miss:

Once you get that acceptance (manifest it!), don’t leave Harvey Mudd hanging. Regular Decision admits have until May 1 to confirm their spot, while Early Decision admits are, well, already committed.

Stay ahead of the game, set reminders, and picture yourself thriving at Harvey Mudd. Those deadlines will be here before you know it!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get into Harvey Mudd with low test scores?

If your SAT or ACT scores aren’t hitting Harvey Mudd’s middle 50% range (SAT 1510–1560 or ACT 34–36), don’t stress. Harvey Mudd is test-optional, so you’re not required to submit scores. If you think your scores won’t strengthen your application, focus on other aspects: your GPA, essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters can still make a huge impact.

2. What are Harvey Mudd’s GPA requirements for admission?

Harvey Mudd doesn’t set an official minimum GPA, but most admitted students have exceptional academic records. While GPA data isn’t published, aiming for at least a 4.17 or higher is advisable. Taking advanced courses like AP, IB, or honors is key to showing you can handle Harvey Mudd’s rigorous academics. If your GPA isn’t where you’d like it to be, balance it out with standout essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters.

3. Does applying Early Decision improve my chances of getting into Harvey Mudd?

Applying ED shows Harvey Mudd that it’s your top choice, and it can give you a leg up. For the Fall 2024 class, Harvey Mudd received 656 ED applications and admitted 106 students, resulting in an ED acceptance rate of about 16.2%. This is higher than the overall acceptance rate of 12.7%. But keep in mind, ED is binding, so if you’re admitted, you’re committing to enroll.

4. Is Harvey Mudd test-optional?

Yes, Harvey Mudd is test-optional, meaning you don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores unless you want to. If your scores are strong, sending them can give your application an edge. But if they’re not, focus on the parts of your application that shine. Harvey Mudd evaluates applicants holistically, taking into account academics, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations.

5. How much does it cost to attend Harvey Mudd?

For the 2024–2025 academic year, Harvey Mudd’s tuition is $68,262. When factoring in additional costs like housing, meals, books, and personal expenses, the total cost of attendance is estimated to be around $93,131. While the numbers might seem high, Harvey Mudd provides need-based financial aid and merit scholarships to help make their world-class education accessible to students from all backgrounds.

Takeaways

Trying to figure out how to get into Harvey Mudd? Here’s a quick recap of the most important things to know:

• With an acceptance rate of 12.7%, Harvey Mudd is incredibly selective. To make your application stand out, it needs to wield a compelling narrative. Strong academics, meaningful essays, and impactful extracurriculars are essential.
• Aim for a GPA of 4.17 or higher and take rigorous courses like AP, IB, or honors to demonstrate you’re prepared for Harvey Mudd’s academic rigor.
• Test scores are optional, but if you’re submitting them, aim for strong results: SAT 1510–1560 or ACT 34–36. Harvey Mudd superscores, so send your best sections to maximize your score!
• Make your essays and extracurriculars shine. What gets you excited? What challenges have you overcome? Harvey Mudd values students who are not just intellectually curious but also passionate about solving real-world problems. Show how you’re already making an impact.
• Still unsure about how to get into Harvey Mudd? Working with a college admissions consultant could totally change the game. Let AdmissionSight help you strategize, refine your application, and present your strongest case to Harvey Mudd.