Harvard Acceptance Rates - Any Clue?

Hey all. I've been day-dreaming about Harvard a lot lately. Does anyone know what their acceptance rate is? Like, realistically, what're the odds? And is it harder for international students?

Harvard University is indeed a dream school for many. As per data, Harvard consistently has one of the lowest acceptance rates of all schools—for the class admitted in 2024, it stood at just 3.45%. This reflects the highly competitive nature of Harvard admissions.

Keep in mind that international students, who make up approximately 12% of the student body, generally face even stiffer competition. This is largely because the U.S. government requires colleges and universities to report every year the amount of need-based financial aid they provide to international students. Therefore, while Harvard is one of the few schools in the U.S. that is need-blind for international applicants (meaning it doesn't consider an applicant’s ability to pay when making admissions decisions), it still needs to balance its international student financial aid budget.

In terms of your odds of getting into Harvard, the acceptance rate only tells part of the story. It's equally important to consider the qualifications and profiles of successful applicants. For instance, the middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is roughly 1500-1580, and a strong involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly at a deep or competitive level, also plays a crucial role.

Finally, as an international student, truly demonstrating an understanding of and fit with Harvard’s culture could be a key differentiator for your application. Such understanding is often displayed through your essays and potential interviews. Therefore, ensure that you do your due diligence about the university.

Good luck with your application process! Planning ahead and preparing thoroughly will increase your chances of making your dream come true.