What's the ideal SAT score for Harvard applicants?

Hello, I'm aiming to apply to Harvard and wanted to know how important the SAT is for their admissions process. What's considered a strong score for Harvard applicants, and how heavily do they weigh SAT scores in their decision-making process?

A strong SAT score for Harvard applicants is typically in the high 1400s to 1600 range. While the middle 50% of admitted students' SAT scores historically fell between 1460 and 1580, it's important to understand that test scores are just one part of Harvard's holistic admissions process. Even though it's beneficial to have a competitive SAT score, your score alone does not guarantee admission. Various factors such as your GPA, course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation all play an essential role in the decision-making process.

For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Harvard has returned to requiring standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) from all applicants, which means your SAT score will be considered in their evaluation if you submit one. However, Harvard's admissions committee evaluates each application in a holistic manner, so a lower SAT score can potentially be balanced out by other outstanding aspects of your application.

In summary, aiming for a SAT score in the high 1400s to 1600 range will help strengthen your application for Harvard. Nonetheless, it's crucial to dedicate time and effort to all aspects of your application, as admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of your academic and personal achievements.