Hey everyone, I'm just starting my college application journey. Harvard is one of the schools I'm really interested in but I'm not entirely sure what their SAT expectations are. I know the whole 'holistic admissions' spiel, but I'd still like to aim for a good benchmark. Does anyone have any insights?
As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, Harvard University requires all applicants to submit either SAT or ACT scores. While they don't explicitly publish a minimum required SAT score, information from previous admissions cycles indicates that most accepted students score highly, typically in the top percentiles. According to their most recent class profile, the middle 50% scores range for admitted students was roughly 1460-1580 (out of 1600).
Keep in mind, though, while a strong SAT score is important, it's not the sole factor that determines admission. Academic performance (grades and strength of curriculum), extracurricular achievements, essay quality, and letters of recommendation are all crucial components of your application. A great SAT score could strengthen an already strong application, but it doesn't guarantee any outcomes.
It can also be helpful to prepare for the SAT to the best of your ability, and if you're not satisfied with your scores, consider retaking it. Many students will find their scores improving the second or even third time they take the test. Remember to balance this with the other parts of your application - a well-rounded application is key!
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