What SAT scores does Harvard require?

Hi there, I've been dreaming about getting into Harvard since I was a kid (cliché, I know) but I'm a bit fuzzy on what SAT scores they're looking for. Is there a certain score range that I should be aiming for? Ik it's not everything but it's part of the puzzle, right? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Your question is right on the mark - scores are indeed part of the admissions puzzle at Harvard. While there are many factors that go into a Harvard application, test scores are certainly one of them. However, they're not the be-all and end-all.

Harvard is one of the few universities that reverted to requiring standardized tests as of the 2024-2025 application cycle. In terms of SAT scores, the middle 50% of accepted students typically score between 1490 and 1580. This means 25% of admitted students score below 1490 and 25% score above 1580.

A key thing to remember is that meeting or exceeding these scores does not guarantee acceptance. Harvard’s admission process is holistic, which means they also highly value other parts of your application such as your GPA, rigor of high school coursework, extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. So while a high SAT score can strengthen your application, it's also crucial to focus on other aspects of your profile.

Additionally, consider the academic index that Harvard uses - a measure of a student's academic strength based on grades, test scores, and class rank. While Harvard does not publicize their specific academic index values, a higher SAT score can contribute to an overall stronger academic index, potentially improving your chances of making it past the first review of your application.

Remember to prepare and try your best but also put time and energy into other aspects of your application. This multifaceted approach will give you the best shot at admission. Good luck on your journey!