Harvard-Bound: SAT Score Requirements?

Hey there, Harvard hopeful here! What sort of SAT scores are they looking for? I really want to give myself the best shot. If anyone has any insight, that would be really helpful!

Hi! Kudos on aiming for Harvard, it's definitely a commendable goal! As for SAT scores, starting from the 2024-2025 application cycle, Harvard University will require all applicants to submit an SAT score.

Harvard’s student profile suggests that they are looking for very high scores. A recent class had a middle 50% SAT score range of 1500–1580. This statistic means that 25% scored below 1500, 25% scored above 1580, and half scored in between.

Therefore, if you fall within the range of 1500–1580, you meet the 'academic cutoff' and your overall application will be assessed holistically. This isn't saying that students on the lower end of that range or below that range aren't accepted, but high scores definitely make the admissions process less of an uphill battle. If you're below 1500, you'll need notable strengths in other areas to compensate.

Just remember that the SAT is only one part of your application. Harvard takes a holistic approach to admissions, by looking at numerous factors in addition to your SAT score such as your GPA, recommendation letters, extracurricular involvement, essays, etc. At such a selective institution, no single credential will get you in on its own.

If you want to know how your application as a whole stacks up at Harvard, I'd check out CollegeVine's free chancing engine, which accounts for all quantifiable elements of your application, including not just test scores but also GPA, course rigor, and extracurriculars to give you personalized odds of acceptance at Harvard and hundreds of other colleges: https://www.collegevine.com/admissions-calculator

This tool will also give you suggestions on how to improve your chances, whether by raising your SAT score slightly or some other step, like earning a leadership position in one of your extracurriculars.

Or, if you want tips on how to strengthen the more intangible aspects of your application, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle Harvard's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-harvard-university-essays/. Especially at highly selective schools like Harvard, the essays are a great opportunity to showcase what you have to offer beyond the numbers.

Of course, it's also great to consider some test prep to boost your score as much as possible if you haven't taken the SAT yet or if you are unsatisfied with your score. While SAT scores aren't everything, an excellent one is definitely a good starting point! Good luck!