Harvard and SAT scores – what's the deal?

Hey folks – I'm a junior hoping to apply to Harvard. I'm aware it's ultra-competitive, but I'm giving it a shot. Does anyone know the highest SAT score ever accepted at Harvard? I'm just trying to gauge where I stand. Cheers!

Hi there! It's crucial to understand that Harvard, like most selective universities, does not make admissions decisions based purely on SAT scores. The focus on neat cut-offs or highest scores can be a bit misleading. That said, Harvard is known for having very high standards for standardized test scores, among other factors.

For some context, during the 2024-2025 application cycle, Harvard decided to return to requiring SAT scores after a few years of going test-optional due to the pandemic. The middle 50% SAT score range reported by Harvard usually falls somewhere between a 1500 and 1580 out of 1600. This just suggests that 25% of students scored below 1500, 25% scored above 1580, and 50% of accepted students scored in that range.

However, please remember that a high SAT score alone does not guarantee admission to Harvard or any such competitive university. They are looking for students who have also demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and involvement in extracurricular activities. In Harvard's case, the admissions officers also place great emphasis on your essays and recommendation letters to understand your personality, values, and potential.

Although aiming for the highest SAT score possible can help you, the complete assessment of your application will play a more critical role in the decision. Try your best to attain a balanced and strong application overall. Good luck with your preparation!