Official NCES IPEDS & Common Data Set Admissions Statistics (2025-2026 Cycle)
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Ivy League Private research university Cambridge, MA

Harvard University Acceptance Rate

Comprehensive admissions statistics, middle 50% SAT/ACT test score percentiles, GPA requirements, deadlines, and cost of attendance according to official NCES IPEDS and Common Data Set reports.

Official Acceptance Rate
3.4%

3 admitted per 100 applicants

Total Applicants
56,937
Undergraduate pool
Total Admitted
1,942
Offers extended
Enrolled Freshmen
1,640
Yield: 84.4%
Middle 50% SAT
1490-1580
25th-75th Percentile
Middle 50% ACT
34-36
Composite score
Average High School GPA
3.98
Unweighted 4.0 scale

Calculate Your Chances of Admission to Harvard University

Simulate how your personal high school GPA and standardized test scores compare against Harvard's accepted cohort.

College Admissions Chances Calculator

Evaluate admission odds based on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores against official IPEDS benchmarks

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3.85
Composite SAT Score 1480
Harvard University
Institutional Acceptance Rate: 3.4%
Reach School
Estimated Admission Likelihood
6% - 10% (~2.4x baseline rate)
Reach (<35%) Target (35%-70%) Safety (>70%)
Academic Profile vs Middle 50% Benchmarks:
Your GPA vs School Avg
3.85 vs 3.98 Below Avg
Your SAT vs Mid-50%
1480 vs 1490-1580 Near 25th %
Strategic Recommendations for this College:

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Harvard Standardized Test Score Distributions

Breakdown of the 25th percentile (bottom quarter) vs 75th percentile (top quarter) of matriculated students.

SAT Middle 50% Distribution

1600 Scale
Composite Total Range 1490 – 1580
Reading & Writing (EBRW) 740 – 790
Math Section 760 – 800
Current Testing Policy Test-Optional through 2026

ACT & GPA Academic Benchmarks

36 Scale / 4.0 GPA
ACT Composite 25th Percentile 34
ACT Composite 75th Percentile 36
Average High School Unweighted GPA 3.98 / 4.00
Estimated Class Rank Top 10% of high school graduating class

Application Deadlines & Admissions Plans

Regular Decision (RD) Deadline January 1
Early Application Deadline November 1
Early Admissions Plan Type Restricted Early Action
Application Fee $85 (Fee waivers accepted)

Tuition & Estimated Cost of Attendance

In-State Tuition & Fees $59,076 / year
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees $59,076 / year
Institutional Type Private research university
Official Admissions Portal Visit Harvard

Harvard University Admissions FAQ

Frequently asked questions regarding admission requirements, GPA, and test percentiles for Harvard.

What is the acceptance rate for Harvard University?

The official undergraduate acceptance rate for Harvard University (Harvard) is approximately 3.4%. For every 100 applicants, around 3 students are admitted, according to latest NCES IPEDS and Common Data Set reports.

What GPA do you need to get into Harvard?

Admitted students to Harvard typically have an average unweighted high school GPA of around 3.98 on a 4.0 scale. Most successful applicants take rigorous AP, IB, or Honors courses and rank in the top quartile of their graduating class.

What are the middle 50% SAT and ACT scores for Harvard?

The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1490 to 1580. For the ACT, the middle 50% composite score is 34 to 36. Scoring in the upper 75th percentile significantly increases your admissions chances.

What is the application deadline for Harvard University?

The regular decision application deadline for Harvard University is January 1. Early applicants typically submit their materials by November 1 under the Restricted Early Action admissions plan.

Is Harvard test-optional in 2025-2026?

Harvard University's testing policy status: Test-Optional through 2026. Please verify program-specific requirements on the official admissions portal before submitting.