What SAT score should I aim for to get into Harvard?

I'm a high school junior looking to apply to Harvard next year. I'd like to know, what SAT score should I realistically aim for in order to be competitive for Harvard admissions? Thanks!

Unfortunately, in recent years Harvard has not publicly released SAT data for their accepted students. Per 2021 data, however, the average SAT score of an accepted student at Harvard was 1520.

However, keep in mind that having an SAT score around 1520 does not guarantee admission, as Harvard evaluates applicants using a holistic approach, by considering factors beyond just test scores. Your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community involvement, recommendation letters, and essays are all crucial components of your application as well.

Aim for an SAT score around 1520, but also focus on developing a strong overall application, including excelling in challenging courses, demonstrating leadership and commitment in extracurriculars, and writing a compelling personal essay. High test scores can bolster your application, but a well-rounded application with a strong spike—a highly developed specialty that sets you apart from even other highly qualified students—will give you the best chance at being admitted to a top institution like Harvard. At such a selective institution, unfortunately even a perfect 1600 won't get you in on its own.

If you're looking for ways to polish up the other key elements of your application to Harvard, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-harvard-university-essays/. After all, most students who apply to Harvard have excellent academic credentials, so the more subjective qualities described in the essays are often just the thing admissions officers rely on when making their final decisions.

Finally, for a thorough breakdown of what it takes to get into Harvard, in each component of your application, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/what-does-it-really-take-to-get-into-harvard/

Good luck with your SAT preparation and college application process as a whole!