What SAT scores do successful applicants to Harvard usually have?

Hello, folks! I was wondering, what kind of SAT scores does Harvard usually admit? I want to figure out where I stand. Thanks in advance for the help!

Applicants to Harvard generally have very high SAT scores. While there is variability among the admitted students, many successful applicants tend to score in the 1500 - 1580 range. This score range represents the general middle 50% of recently admitted students, meaning 25% of admitted students scored below this range and 25% scored above.

However, keep in mind that while SAT scores are crucial, they are but one part of the whole application. Harvard like many top-tier colleges employs a holistic admissions process, evaluating not only your academics but also factors like your extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Having a high SAT score certainly helps, but it doesn't guarantee admission. Moreover, having a score that falls slightly below the range doesn't mean your chances of getting accepted are slim. It simply means you'll need to show strength in other areas of your application.

Your SAT score is a significant piece of your Academic Index—an internal metric used by Harvard and other selective schools to gauge a combination of your grades, test scores, and class rank (if available). To get your application fully considered, you'll need a score that hits the minimum threshold for the Academic Index. Even though schools don’t publish this minimum value, you can gauge where you need to fall by looking at the SAT scores of their accepted students.

Finally, I’d like to remind you that SAT scores are again a required part of the application for the 2024-2025 application cycle at Harvard. So even with strong credentials in other areas, you'll want to ensure your SAT performance is competitive with their standards. Good luck!