How competitive are Harvard's admission statistics?

Hey guys, I've been doing some research lately, curious about the stats for getting into Harvard. I know it's one of the top ranking universities, so I expect it to be quite competitive. But, can anyone tell me more about their admit rates, average GPAs or test scores, and how many applicants they generally receive each year? I'm trying to figure out if I've got a shot or not.

Harvard University is indeed one of the most competitive institutions in the world. The acceptance rate fluctuates slightly year to year, but it's usually around 3-5%. This means that for every 100 applicants, only about 3 to 5 students get accepted.

The median GPA for incoming Harvard students is typically around 4.2, indicating that most accepted students have a very high GPA. It's important to remember, though, that Harvard uses a holistic review process, in which GPA is just one of many factors taken into consideration.

Regarding standardized test scores, for the 2024-2025 application cycle, Harvard has returned to requiring the SAT or ACT after having a test-optional policy due to Covid-19. Typically, admitted students score in the top 1-2% on these exams. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is typically around 1500 to 1580 (out of 1600).

In terms of the number of applicants, Harvard sees an increasing number of applications each year. For the class of 2027, they received around 57,000 applications – a record high for the university.

Remember, these figures represent a rough overview. Reviewing these stats is a good starting point but meeting them doesn't guarantee acceptance, as Harvard (like other highly selective universities) uses a holistic review process and considers many factors beyond test scores and GPA. Also, it's key to embrace what makes you unique and to communicate those strengths in your application, as admissions officers are looking for diversity in their student bodies.