Harvard admission stats?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior starting my college search and Harvard's definitely on my list. But I'm not sure what kind of GPA, test scores and achievements they usually require. Anyone have info about Harvard's admission statistics?

Sure, I can share some insights about Harvard's admission statistics and what typically makes an application competitive. Note that Harvard, like other selective schools, uses a holistic review process when evaluating applications, which means they consider every part of your application—not just your GPA and test scores.

In terms of GPA, most admitted students at Harvard have outstanding academic records and near-perfect, if not perfect, GPAs. The precise average GPA isn't publicly reported, but it's commonly understood to be upwards of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale.

Harvard has gone back and forth with their testing policy in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but starting with the 2024-2025 application cycle, they have returned to requiring the SAT or ACT for all applicants. The SAT middle 50% range for the most recent class was 1500-1580 and for the ACT, it was 34-36. That said, achieving scores in or above these ranges doesn't guarantee admission.

As for achievements or extracurriculars, Harvard values students who display exceptional involvement and leadership in a few areas. This could be represented through the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars, with most successful Harvard applicants having several activities in Tiers 1-2. However, it's not simply about checking off boxes — the admissions committee is looking for signs of genuine passion, impact, and potential for growth.

Additionally, writing compelling essays and receiving strong letters of recommendation are other key aspects to consider. Harvard wants to get to know you as a person beyond your numbers and achievements, so they heavily weigh these subjective components of your application.

Remember, while stats are important, they are just part of the story. Each application is reviewed in its complete context, taking into account factors like your background, experiences, and the high school you attended.