Harvard RD acceptance rates?

Hi there! Can someone provide some information on the acceptance rate for regular decision applicants at Harvard? Just trying to get a sense of how competitive the process is. Thanks so much!

Hello! The acceptance rate for Harvard's regular decision (RD) applicants tends to be much lower than the overall acceptance rate. While the overall acceptance rate for Harvard varies from year to year, it generally hovers around 4-5%. However, the RD acceptance rate is typically lower, often around 2-3%, as the early action (EA) acceptance rate is comparatively higher.

The reason behind this is that the EA applicant pool, which consists of students who apply by an earlier deadline, often contains particularly strong and motivated applicants. Additionally, applying early can give a slight boost to students' chances of admission, as colleges prioritize filling their classes with committed students.

Despite the RD acceptance rate being lower, it's important to remember that Harvard, like other highly selective colleges, evaluates applicants holistically. This means that various aspects of your application, such as your GPA, test scores (if you choose to submit them), essays, extracurriculars, leadership experience, and recommendations, all play a role in determining your admission chances.

In short, while the RD acceptance rate at Harvard can be daunting, it still depends on the strength of your overall application, and you should continue to focus on presenting your best self and showcasing your unique story in your application materials. Good luck!