Harvard Class Profile: What are the Stats?

Hey friends! So, I'm applying to Harvard and I'm curious about their class profile. What types of students usually get accepted? What are the average test scores, GPAs, and extracurriculars like? Thanks in advance!

Hello! In order to give you a better idea of the typical Harvard class profile, here's a breakdown of the general stats and the types of students who get accepted:

1. Test Scores: As of now, Harvard has a test-optional policy, so submitting standardized test scores is not required. However, before this policy was implemented, students who were accepted to Harvard typically scored above the 90th percentile on the SAT/ACT (around 1520+ on the SAT and 32+ on the ACT). That being said, remember that these are just the averages, and there are students who were accepted with lower scores as well.

2. GPA: The majority of admitted students at Harvard have excellent grades, usually ranking in the top 10% of their high school class. Harvard does not publish the average GPA of its admitted students, but most of them have achieved a near-perfect or perfect unweighted GPA (close to 4.0 or above on a 4.0 scale).

3. Extracurriculars: As a highly selective college, Harvard values quality over quantity when it comes to extracurricular involvement. Most successful applicants have a mix of 8-10 extracurricular activities, with a focus on deeply engaging in a few key areas. Ideally, students should demonstrate a "spike" in one or more areas, meaning that they have a developed specialty that showcases their talents and passions. These may include leadership positions, community involvement, research or independent projects, internships, or any other pursuits that show a high level of skill, innovation, or dedication. Many admitted students have Tier 1 or Tier 2 extracurriculars (as mentioned in the background above).

While these stats and characteristics provide a general idea of what you might see in a Harvard class profile, it's important to remember that admissions are holistic, and there is no set formula for acceptance. Many factors are considered in an application, like the context of your educational background, personal essays, and letters of recommendation, among others.

Ultimately, you should focus on showcasing your strengths, insights, and unique qualities throughout your application. Best of luck with your Harvard application!