What ACT score is needed for Harvard?

Hey folks, I'm really hoping to get into Harvard and I'm working on improving my ACT score. What ACT score should I aim for to have a good shot at getting accepted? Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

To be competitive for Harvard, you should aim for an ACT score that falls within the middle 50% range of recently admitted students. For Harvard, this range is generally around 34 to 35, with the 25th percentile being 34 and the 75th percentile being 35. However, it's important to remember that Harvard takes a holistic approach to admissions, and test scores are just one part of your application.

If you can score a 35 or higher, you'll have a strong ACT score for Harvard. However, since Harvard is one of the most selective schools in the country, your ACT score won't get you in on its own, no matter how strong it is. Admissions officers will also look at your overall academic profile, extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, and essays. Make sure you're focusing on maintaining strong grades, participating in activities that demonstrate your passion and commitment, and crafting compelling essays that showcase who you are.

If you want tips on how to strengthen your overall application to Harvard, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-harvard-university-essays/. After all, most applicants to Harvard have excellent academic credentials, so admissions officers often rely on other, more intangible qualities, like those showcased in the essays, when making their final decisions.

To summarize, while there's no exact "cutoff" ACT score at Harvard, at such a selective institution you likely need to be at least in the 33-34 range to present yourself as a competitive candidate. However, even students with perfect ACT scores are not guaranteed admission. So, it's essential to build a well-rounded application and not rely solely on your test scores. Good luck with your preparation and application process!