Sat Score Range for Harvard?

Hey all, I'm currently a junior and Harvard is one of my reach schools. I just got my SAT score back and I'm not totally sure how well I stack up. Could any of you give me an idea of the usual SAT score range for Harvard? I'd really appreciate it, this whole college process is kind of overwhelming.

Sure, I'd be happy to help with that!

To be considered a strong candidate for Harvard, a high SAT score certainly helps given the competitiveness of the applicant pool. While there isn't one hard threshold to aim for because admission decisions also rely on other factors like your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, etc., it generally helps to have a high SAT score to stand out.

Based on most recent published data, the middle 50% SAT score range for admitted Harvard students was around 1500-1580. This means 25% of accepted students scored below 1500, 25% scored above 1580, and 50% of accepted students scored between this range.

Keep in mind that these numbers are just one aspect of Harvard's holistic admissions process. Important as it is to meet Harvard's academic standards, equally crucial are your involvement in extracurriculars and the unique, personal insights you offer in your essays. Being a well-rounded candidate is as important as demonstrating academic prowess.

In terms of preparing for the SAT or improving your score, there are various resources out there you can use, including Khan Academy, practice tests from College Board, and various prep books. Remember, taking the test multiple times can often lead to score improvement, so don't be disheartened if your score isn't where you want it to be yet.

Ultimately, it's about showcasing your ability to thrive at Harvard, and a high SAT score is just one way to demonstrate this. Best of luck with your SAT prep and the rest of your college application journey!