Is my ACT score good enough for Harvard?

Hey guys, I've been stressing out about my ACT score recently. I scored a 29 and I'm trying to aim for Harvard. Is this good enough? I'm also engaged in a number of extracurriculars and my GPA is pretty solid. Would appreciate any feedback.

While your engagement in extracurricular activities and a strong GPA are very important, a 29 on the ACT is typically below the threshold commonly seen for admitted students at Harvard. Please note that for the 2024-2025 application cycle, Harvard is not test-optional and will require all applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score.

Looking at past admitted classes, the middle 50% ACT score range for students admitted to Harvard usually falls between 34 and 36. This means that 25% of admitted students scored a 34 or below, and another 25% scored a perfect 36. So a 29, while not impossible, would be considered low for Harvard.

However, admissions are multifaceted. While enhancing your test score could significantly improve your chances, Harvard also values things like intellectual curiosity, character, and leadership - basically your extracurricular activities and your essays. So a lower ACT score does not mean an automatic rejection.

But I'd recommend either re-taking the ACT or taking the SAT if that's an option for you, with the aim of improving your score. Then, continue to cultivate your involvement and leadership in those extracurriculars and make sure to write compelling, well-crafted essays. Remember, test scores are just one part of the application. Good luck!