Harvard ACT Requirements?

Hi everyone! I'm pretty sure Harvard is my dream school, but I'm worried that my ACT score won't be competitive. What's the typical ACT score range for accepted students at Harvard? Also, how important is the ACT score compared to other factors in the application process? Thanks in advance!

Hi! I understand that standardized test scores can be a source of concern for many applicants. Harvard is indeed a very competitive school, and it's a great idea to be aware of the typical range of scores for accepted students. Historically, the middle 50% ACT range for accepted students at Harvard has been around 34-36. This means that 25% of accepted students score below a 34, while another 25% scored a 36, and the remaining 50% scored a 34 or a 35.

It is worth noting that Harvard currently has a test-optional policy in place. However, at such a selective institution, you generally want to demonstrate your strengths in as many ways as possible. For more guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, including at highly selective institutions, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/.

As for the importance of the ACT score in the application process, it's just one aspect among many that Harvard considers. Admissions officers at selective institutions like Harvard evaluate applications holistically, looking at factors such as your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Your ACT score can help demonstrate your academic aptitude, but it's not the sole factor determining admission. That being said, you'll want to be within or very close to the middle 50% range at Harvard to be a competitive applicant, given how selective the school is.

A strong application will showcase not only your academic capabilities but also your character, interests, and potential for growth, through your standardized test scores, academic achievements, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. If you're looking for more tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance at Harvard, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essay prompts: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-harvard-university-essays/. Even if your ACT score is slightly lower than the middle 50% range, being exceptionally strong in other areas, like your essays, can partially compensate for that.

Best of luck with your application to Harvard!