Harvard University

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Harvard University can be found in Cambridge, MA, a nonprofit private college which focuses on only a select few programs offered. The students enrolled at Harvard University number around thirty five thousand each year, and is one of the biggest universities in the state.

An ACT or SAT exam may be required before applying to this school. Scores between 1460 (25th percentile) - 1570 (75th percentile) on the SAT and in the range of 33 (25th percentile) - 35 (75th percentile) for the ACT exam is usually submitted among applicants accepted to this school. By applying sampled GPA data from over 150 schools, we are able to estimate that the Harvard University average GPA ranges from 4.00 to 4 for accepted students. Only 5% of applicants are accepted to this school due to the large number of applicants and the increase competition for enrollment. Based on historical acceptance rate data, the projected Harvard University acceptance rate 2021 is estimated to be 5%. You can get more information from the admissions office website at college.harvard.edu.

Overall Harvard University Acceptance Rate - Fall 2020

4.6%

The overall acceptance rate for Harvard University was reported as 4.6% in Fall 2020 with over 43,300 college applications submitted to Harvard University. Both in state and out of state applicants are included in these figures. We do not have data on transfer acceptance rates currently.

Accepted Applicants Profile

  • ACT Scores: 33 - 35
  • Average GPA: 4.00 - 4

How Hard Is It to Get into Harvard University?

Applicant Selectivity: High

The selectivity of applicants for undergraduate admissions to Harvard University is considered high, with many applicants scoring in the top percentiles on the SAT or ACT exam, as well as having an excellent high school GPA.

Historical Trend and Acceptance Rate 2025 Projection

The historical trend chart shows acceptance rates from the previous years, from which we have projected the acceptance rate for the 2025-2026 school year. The overall acceptance rate trend for Harvard University has been getting lower when compared to averages from previous years.

Acceptance Rate By Year

  • 2016-2017: 5.4%
  • 2017-2018: 5.2%
  • 2018-2019: 4.7%
  • 2019-2020: 4.6%
  • Projected Acceptance Rate 2025-2026: 4.5%

How Does Harvard University Compare?

4.6%
This School
56.7%
National Avg

The acceptance rate for Harvard University is more than 100% lower than the national average of all colleges which is around 56.7%.

Nearby Similar College Acceptance Rates

SchoolAcceptance Rate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology6.7%
Boston University18.9%
Tufts University15.0%
Northeastern University18.1%
Boston College27.2%

Admissions Rates & Enrollment Rates - Details

General Recommendations & Requirements for Admissions

  • High School GPA Scores are Recommended
  • High School Class Rankings are Recommended
  • School Records are Required
  • College Prep Classes are Recommended
  • Submit Recommendation Letters are Required
  • Standardized Test Scores (SAT,ACT,...) are Required

Number of Applicants, Percent Accepted, and Enrolled Students (Fall 2020)

TotalMaleFemale
Applicants43,33050.2%49.8%
Admitted2,00950.2%49.8%
Enrolled1,64950.5%49.5%

Average ACT/SAT Scores of Applicants to Harvard University (Fall 2020)

SAT® SectionScore Range
Critical Reading710 - 770
Math750 - 800
Total Score1460 - 1570
ACT®Score Range
English34 - 36
Math31 - 36
Composite Score33 - 35
To learn more about the data and calculations that power this site, please visit our data discussion page.

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School Details

Address

Massachusetts Hall
Cambridge, MA 02138

Phone

(617) 495-1000

Website

School Code

#002155

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