Updated February 11, 2025
Harvard College – Acceptance Rate and Statistics
What is attending Harvard University like?
As the oldest university in America, Harvard’s garnered a bit of a reputation over the years. Counted amongst its alumni are the most U.S. presidents (eight), 188 living billionaires, 48 Pulitzer Prize winners, and seven Fields Medal recipients. Harvard is renowned for its incredible education, as well as the drive and discipline of its students.
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston, Harvard has a classic New England college campus, encompassed by plenty of green space. Undergraduates all attend Harvard College, a four-year liberal arts program with around 6,600 students at a given time. Harvard also has undergraduate residential Houses, which allow students to live and learn alongside their classmates. Houses have social functions, formal dances, music and arts resources, sports leagues, and more.
Harvard is also surrounded by many other universities in Boston, including its neighbor the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which Harvard students can opt to take classes at.
Harvard College 2023-2024 Admissions Data
Harvard College Admissions Statistics
As an Ivy League university, Harvard’s acceptance rate is a competitive 3.6%. However, you can apply Early Action and find out early if Harvard is an option for you.
Unlike many other Ivy League schools, Harvard has a non-binding early application option. If you get in, you are not required to attend Harvard. However, you are not allowed to apply early to any other schools. All other considerations are outlined on Harvard’s website.
2023-2024 Harvard College (Class of 2028) Acceptance Rate
| Admission Cycle | Number of applicants | Number admitted | Acceptance rate |
| Early Action | 7,921 | 692 | 8.7% |
| Regular Decision | 46,087 | 1,245 | 2.7% |
| All Applicants | 54,008 | 1,937 | 3.6% |
Harvard College Acceptance Rate History
| Year | Number of applicants | Number admitted | Acceptance rate |
| 2023-2024 (Class of 2028) | 54,008 | 1,937 | 3.6% |
| 2022-2023 (Class of 2027) | 61,221 | 1,984 | 3.2% |
| 2021-2022 (Class of 2026) | 57,786 | 2,318 | 4.0% |
| 2020-2021 (Class of 2025) | 40,248 | 2,015 | 5.0% |
| 2019-2020 (Class of 2024) | 43,330 | 2,009 | 4.6% |
Harvard Class of 2027 Middle 50% score range of admitted students (25th and 75th percentiles)*
| SAT Math | 760-800 |
| SAT ERW | 740-780 |
| ACT Math | 33-36 |
| ACT Reading | 34-36 |
| ACT English | 35-36 |
| ACT Science | 33-36 |
| ACT Composite | 34-36 |
*What does this mean? The middle 50% score range refers to students from the 25th to the 75th percentile of admitted students. So if 100 students were admitted and we ranked their SAT scores from lowest to highest, we’d be looking at 50 students’ stats (from student 25 through student 75).
What is Harvard looking for?
According to Harvard’s admissions site, there’s no particular formula for getting into Harvard, but the committee considers the following:
- Academic accomplishment in high school
- Community involvement
- Leadership and distinction in extracurricular activities
- Personal qualities and character
- Ability to overcome adversity
You can demonstrate these qualities through your essays, academic profile, teacher recommendations, and activities. You may also have the opportunity to interview with Harvard alumni.
Other colleges you may be interested in:
| College Name | Number of applicants (Class of 2028) | Number admitted (Class of 2028) | Acceptance rate (Class of 2028) |
| Columbia University | 60,248 | 2,319 | 3.9% |
| MIT | 28,232 | 1,275 | 4.5% |
| Yale University | 57,465 | 2,146 | 3.7% |
PrepMaven can help you in the admissions process
Wondering how to get into Harvard University? PrepMaven can help you along the way. Whether you’re looking to boost your test scores, write a killer personal statement, or improve your GPA, we can be a helpful resource. With tutors who are graduates of top universities, valedictorians, National Merit Finalists, and National AP Scholars, we’re here to help you no matter what step you’re at in the admissions process.
Give us a call at 609-945-2264 or fill out our website form to learn how our flexible packages can work for you.
Alexis
Alexis is a tutor, writer, and producer. She graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. As a tutor, she loves to help students explore their unique stories and share their personal journeys through impactful essay writing.
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