If you are thinking about applying to Harvard you probably want to know what SAT score you need to get into Harvard. You might also wonder what GPA you need for Harvard to consider your application. These are questions that a lot of people ask when they think about applying to Harvard. The Ivy League is really competitive these days.
Harvard only accepts a number of students so it is a good idea to understand what Harvard SAT scores and GPA they expect from students. This will help you set goals that you can actually achieve. Harvard SAT scores and GPA expectations are important to know if you want to apply to Harvard.
In this guide you will learn about the Harvard SAT score range. The guide will also tell you about the GPA for students who get into Harvard. You will find out how percentiles work. If Harvard will require test scores in 2026. The guide will help you see how your grades and other school work fit into your application to Harvard.
If Harvard is the school you really want to go to this guide will help you figure out how you are doing and what you can do to get better starting now.
Harvard Acceptance Rate (2026)
Harvard is really famous for not accepting a lot of students.. When you see the actual numbers it is still pretty shocking.
- The Class of 2027 had an acceptance rate of 3.42%
- The Class of 2028 was not much different it was 3.36%
These numbers are really low. It is almost hard to believe Harvard acceptance rates are this low. For every 100 students who apply to Harvard about three students will actually get into Harvard. Harvard has a tough time getting in that is, for sure.
The Harvard acceptance rate is really tough because Harvard gets applications from some of the students, in the world. A lot of the people who apply to Harvard have grades, really high test scores and they do a lot of cool things outside of school.
So it is important to know what Harvard SAT scores and GPA are. If your numbers are good you will get past the step and then they will actually read your essays and look at what other people say about you at Harvard.
The acceptance rate is not supposed to scare you. It is actually there to help you get ready and know what to expect. This way you can prepare for the acceptance rate, with a mind rather than just guessing what will happen with the acceptance rate.
Harvard GPA Requirements
So you want to know what grade point average you need to get into Harvard.
- The Harvard University typically looks for students who have a good academic record.
- To get into Harvard you usually need to have a high grade point average, which is close to four point zero.
- People who want to go to Harvard should have a grade point average that's around four point zero.
- Harvard is very competitive so you need to have an academic record, which includes a high grade point average.
- You should have a grade point average that's very close to four point zero if you want to go to Harvard University.
So a lot of students want to know what kind of grades they need to get into Harvard. They are looking for a number but the truth is Harvard does not have a minimum GPA that they will accept.
However if you look at the students who actually get into Harvard you can see that there are some things that they all have in common. Harvard students generally have good grades and Harvard is very selective, about who they accept.
When people ask about the GPA needed for Harvard they are really asking about what it takes to be a Harvard student.
Typical GPA and Class Rank of Harvard Students
Harvard students usually say they get scores like:
- Unweighted GPA: around 3.90 to 4.00
- Weighted GPA: around 4.18
- Class rank: typically within the top 5%, often the top 1%
Harvard really wants to see that you are working hard in your classes. They want you to take the classes you can, like AP or IB or honors classes if your school has them.
If your school does not have a lot of classes Harvard will look at your grades and think about what you had to work with. They want to see that you are trying your best with the classes that you have.
Harvard looks at your transcript. They think about what your school has to offer.
If your Grade Point Average is a little below average that does not mean you cannot get into Harvard. Students with Grade Point Averages do get into Harvard when they show they have done something really special or have a very interesting personal story..
Knowing the Harvard average Grade Point Average helps you understand what the Harvard Grade Point Average is and what you are up, against when you apply to Harvard.
Harvard SAT Scores Overview
The average SAT score at Harvard is really high. Harvard students usually score well on the SAT.
To get into Harvard you need a SAT score. Harvard is a school to get into so the average SAT score for Harvard students is very high. The SAT score is important, for Harvard. Now we need to look at the SAT numbers because the SAT numbers are often easier to target and we can improve the SAT numbers.
Now let’s look at SAT numbers, because these are often easier to target and improve.
Harvard SAT Score Percentiles
|
Percentile |
SAT Score |
|
25th percentile |
1460 |
|
50th percentile |
1520 |
|
75th percentile |
1580 |
These numbers tell you a lot about the Harvard average SAT score. The Harvard average SAT score is around 1520, to 1530 which is really high.
- If you get a 1460 on the SAT you might still have a chance to get into Harvard if the other parts of your Harvard application are good..
- If you get a higher SAT score that gives you more room to make mistakes with the other parts of your Harvard application.
- If you get a score near 1580 this is a good thing. It means you are one of the applicants.
- You do not need to get a score of 1600 but you should try to get a score in the high 1500s.
Harvard SAT Score Range
When we talk about Harvard SAT scores we are talking about the scores of students who want to go to Harvard University.
The Harvard SAT score range is pretty high.
- The fifty percent of students who get into Harvard University usually score between 1470 and 1600 on the SAT.
- The Harvard SAT score range can give you an idea of how hard it's to get into Harvard University.
- People who get into Harvard University usually have very high Harvard SAT scores.
- When people search for the Harvard SAT score range they usually want to know the highest scores that get people into Harvard.
- The Harvard SAT score range is usually something, like this: 1460 to 1580
SAT Score Targets to Aim For
- 1500 to 1520 keeps you competitive
- 1530 to 1550 is even stronger
- 1560 to 1580 places you in the top tier
Do not obsess over perfection. What matters is showing Harvard that you are ready for fast-paced coursework at Harvard.
Harvard SAT and ACT Requirements (2026)
Many students are confused about Harvard University being test-optional in 2026 so let us clear up the details, about Harvard University. Harvard has not required test scores for a while now. They do not plan to start requiring them until at 2025 and maybe even 2026..
Harvard still wants students to send in their test scores if they think the scores will make their application to Harvard better.
Even in test-optional cycles:
- Having SAT or ACT scores is really important for your academic profile.
- Test scores can make up for a grade point average that's a little lower than you would like.
- Test scores show that students are ready, for college.
Harvard takes both the SAT and the ACT scores. They do not like one, than the other.
Harvard SAT Superscore Policy
The Harvard SAT Superscore Policy is when Harvard looks at the score you got on each section of the SAT.
Harvard takes:
- Your highest Math score
- Your highest Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score from different test dates.
If you can retest and do better on one part your superscore will go up a lot. Many students see their scores go up by 20 to 60 points because of superscoring.
Tips to Boost Your Harvard Application
Here are some things you can do to make your application stand out:
- Be very clear about what you're trying to say in your application
- Make sure your application is easy to read and understand
- Add some personality to your application to make it more interesting
- check your application, for any mistakes before you send it in
Choose activities that show depth. Harvard wants to see leadership, growth, and real impact.
You should really spend time working on your essays for Harvard. Harvard wants to see your personality, your values and your voice, in those essays. It is really important to build relationships with your teachers so you can get recommendation letters from them that're genuine and have a lot of details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harvard SAT Scores and GPA
Harvard does not say what score guarantees you will get in. You can not be sure of getting in no matter what score you get. Getting a 1600 on the test does not mean you will be admitted. A score between 1560 and 1580 places you in the strongest category. A high SAT score can help make up for a lower GPA, but it is not a magic solution. Sometimes, yes. But your essays, activities, and recommendations must be exceptional.
Does Harvard superscore the SAT?
Harvard uses the section scores that you get on any test date. They take your highest scores across all test dates.
Is Harvard test-optional for 2026?
Most likely yes, but students should double-check Harvard’s official admissions website for the latest policy.
Final Thoughts
To get into Harvard you need to know what kind of SAT scores and grades they are looking for.
- This helps you make a plan that's realistic.
- The school is very hard to get into with about 3 percent of people getting in.
- So you need to have grades and a good story, about yourself that is true and sincere.
If you want to get ready for something and you need help you should work with a team like Park Tutoring. Park Tutoring helps students get better SAT scores and write essays like the ones you need to get into Harvard.
The road to Harvard is not an easy path, but with the right plan, steady effort, and strong guidance, you can give yourself the best possible chance.