The acceptance rate at Harvard University keeps getting more selective looking at the last admission statistics. Harvard University is open for admission and recently accepted students from different states across the United States and beyond.
For centuries Harvard has graduated the smartest minds from different backgrounds. It’s an institution that has retained its reputation for years and looks more promising to continue for years to come.
It’s news Harvard University receives thousands of applications during admission. Prospective students apply from various states across the U.S., alongside international students seeking to join the community on campus.
Based on the admit rate for the last few years, getting into Harvard is difficult and it’s becoming more selective. We will be looking at what applicants are expected to present during admission and the recent admit rate at Harvard.
About Harvard University
According to Wikipedia, Harvard University is a private research institute located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard is one of the Ivy League Schools in the New England region of the United States.
Harvard University was established in 1636 and calls itself “the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States”. Harvard Cambridge campus sits on 209 acres, with the other two main campuses located in the Boston area.
Harvard currently has 14 schools comprising an undergraduate school, 12 professional and graduate schools, and the Harvard Radcliffe Institute.
The university’s alumni include U.S. presidents, Noble Prize winners, Academy Award winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, Olympic Medalists, and billionaires.
Harvard University Acceptance Rate
Harvard University is one of the Ivy elites and getting into an Ivy School is very competitive. By all standards, Harvard University lives up to the expectations of providing nothing but the best education.
Now, regarding Harvard’s high prestige, it would be out of line if the university admission process were less competitive.
For the class of 2026, Harvard University announced it received a total of 61,221 applications. It only admitted 1,984 students from its recent application pool.
The 1,984 newly admitted students were only 3.24% of the overall applications received. Based on the recent admission statistics revealed by Harvard University, the acceptance rate is 3.24%, the most selective among the Ivy Elites.
Also Read: How to Get Into Harvard Medical School | Acceptance Rate
Harvard University Acceptance Rate by Major
Harvard University’s selectivity also applies to some of its popular majors. The hardest majors to get into Harvard are in the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
Here is a holistic statistics of Harvard University’s acceptance rate by major.
| Majors | Acceptance Rate |
| Biological Sciences | 18.3% |
| Computer Science | 8.1% |
| Engineering | 10% |
| Humanities | 15.3% |
| Math | 6.0% |
| Physical Sciences | 7.6% |
| Social Sciences | 28.1% |
| Undecided | 6.3% |
However, since Harvard is extremely competitive to get into, what could be the requirements for GPA, SAT, and ACT?
GPA Requirements at Harvard University
Every university has its GPA requirements considering its acceptance rate and admission process.
According to Prepscholar.com, Harvard University requires an average GPA of 4.0.
The GPA requirements at Harvard demand that you be at the top of your class in high school.
SAT Requirement
- SAT Range: 1460-1580.
- SAT Reading: 720-780
- SAT Math: 740-800
- Students Submitting SAT: 72%
ACT requirement
- ACT Range: 33-35
- ACT English: 35-36
- ACT Math: 31-35
- ACT Writing: 8-10
- Students Submitting ACT: 45%
Why Study At Harvard University?
Harvard University is a renowned institution with a long-lasting reputation for providing the best in education and research.
Students enrolled at Harvard gain access to courses, and research facilities where they receive insights to nurture a career in their respective majors.
At Harvard University, you will receive the best experiences and be mentored by professionals in your area of specialization.
The Harvard community embraces you with an atmosphere of serenity and rich heritage. The residential system at Harvard provides an opportunity for interaction between students and faculty members.
You can also decide to join over 450 student organizations or get engaged with over 42 university sports available.
Also Read: Free Online Courses at Harvard University with Certificate
Application Requirements at Harvard University
Here are the application requirements for first-year and transfer applicants.
Application Requirements for First-Year Students
Harvard University accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application. The university admission committee accepts both forms of application and it is highly recommended that you submit your materials on time for better application consideration.
If you are submitting your application via the Common Application, you must submit your application first, in order for your materials to be sent to a college.
The application fee at Harvard is $75 and you can pay the fee online through the websites of Common Application or Coalition Application.
School Report & Recommendations from Teachers
The school report and recommendations from teachers include
Mid-year school report
Transcripts omit some of the senior-year course grades and for this reason, Harvard requires your mid-year school report to evaluate your chances of admission.
Your mid-year school report must be completed by the counsellors or other officials at your school.
Teachers Evaluation
Have two teachers from different subjects fill and complete the Teachers Evaluation forms.
Final School Report and Transcripts
Harvard requires all freshmen who want to enrol to send a final school report and transcripts once they receive their final grades. The final school report and transcripts must be sent by the counsellor or officials at your school.
Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT)
The application process at Harvard does not require an SAT, but you can submit it if there is a need for it. If you decide to submit your standardized tests, it is highly recommended that you choose only one mathematics test rather than two.
The College Board at Harvard does not offer Subject Tests, as they are not part of the requirements for application.
Application Deadline at Harvard University
| Application Type | Deadline |
| Regular Decision | 1st January |
| Early Decision | 1st November |
| Financial Aid Application | 1st February |
Application Requirements for International Students
Although the acceptance rate at Harvard University is extremely selective, it is not a discouragement for many international students.
The application process at Harvard is the same for both domestic and international students. Harvard University has no preferential treatment for any applicant.
Standardized Tests
If you decide to submit standardized tests, Harvard University accepts all standardized test scores (SAT or ACT).
English Language Proficiency
Harvard University requires adequate knowledge of English to enhance your chances of admission. However, the university does not require an English proficiency exam such as IETLS, PTE, etc. You can submit scores if you choose to.
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 80 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE | 75 |
International Interviews
Harvard may not be able to interview all applicants and this does not affect your chances of admission.
For more information about things to expect after your application, visit the official website of Harvard.
Translated Materials
If you are submitting the translated version of your academic report (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) You should not translate them by yourself nor would you need to hire a professional translator.
Harvard University accepts translated letters by any qualified English teacher and the name of the translator should be included in all translations.
Also Read: 5 Universities in Cambridge Massachusetts MA
Application Process for International Students at Harvard
For a successful application as an international student, here are the steps to follow sequentially.
- Step 1: Visit the Common Application or Coalition Application portal
- Step 2: Create an account in either the Common Application or Coalition Application
- Step 3: Submit your supporting materials
- Step 4: Submit English proficiency scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) These English proficiency test scores are optional anywhere.
Who Gets Into Harvard?
The Harvard community is diverse and it accommodates a large number of individuals interacting and sharing ideas from different backgrounds.
Out of the thousand applications received at Harvard, those accepted are from the New England region and other parts of the United States and beyond.
Harvard University Tuition
Attending any of the Ivy League schools is quite expensive as tuition and expenses could be above $70,000.
| Harvard College Tuition Rates | Academic Year 2023-24 |
| Tuition | $54,269 |
| Health Services | $1,408 |
| Housing Rate | $12,424 |
| Student Services | $3,399 |
| Student Activities Fee | $200 |
| Food Rate | $7,950 |
| Total | $79,450 |
Harvard University Rankings
Harvard University is a recognized and reputable institution of higher learning in the United States. Currently, Harvard occupies notable positions in world rankings.
According to U.S News & World Report, Harvard University is ranked #3 in National Universities, #1 in Best Value Schools, and #30 in Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
The private Ivy League research university is also ranked at #4 on QS World University Rankings. And #4 on world university rankings according to Times Higher Education.
Is Harvard University a Good School?
Harvard University is one of the best institutions in the world to attend. The University consists of an undergraduate school, 12 professional schools, and the Harvard Radcliffe Institute offering over 3,000 courses.
Harvard has global admiration because of its standard of providing the best education through state-of-the-art learning and research facilities.
The Harvard community is an atmosphere of serenity filled with a rich heritage and wonderful experiences.
Also Read: What Are The 12 Ivy League Schools and Their Ranking?
Is It Hard to Get Into Harvard University?
As one of the Ivy League Institutes, Harvard is extremely competitive. The acceptance rate at Harvard University is 3.24% which is highly selective.
The required GPA is 4.18 on average, and this simply explains how difficult getting into Harvard can be.
If you want to attend Harvard University, you must be top of your class in high school with a GPA of 4.2 or above to increase your chances of competing with thousands of applicants.
Harvard University Contact Address
- School Address: Harvard University, Massachusetts Hall Cambridge, MA 0213
- Phone: +1 617-495-1000
Visit the official website of Harvard University for more on academics, research, and upcoming events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Harvard University and its acceptance rate.
Do normal students get into Harvard?
Harvard University is very selective in its admission process. To get into Harvard, you will need a GPA above the required average of 4.18.
What is the minimum average to get into Harvard?
The required GPA at Harvard is 4.18 the minimum average. To stand a chance of competing with other applicants, you will need a GPA above 4.18.
However, if your GPA is lower than the required average at Harvard, you will need higher Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT) scores to compensate for your low GPA.
Conclusion
Harvard University is a household name in global academics. A fancy school with prestige and excellence.
The acceptance rate at Harvard University is extremely competitive and only the best students from high school or any other learning institute are admitted into the institution.
For a better opportunity of getting into Harvard, your best chances are with a GPA above 4.1 and higher standardized test (SAT/ACT) scores.
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References
- U.S News & World Report: Harvard University
- TopUniversities: Harvard University
- Times Higher Education: Harvard University
- Collegeharvard.edu: Admission Statistics
