Are SAT Subject Tests required to apply to Harvard?

UPDATE for the Class of 2025. Harvard no longer requires standardized tests. (copied from their website)

Harvard College will allow students to apply for admission to the Class of 2025 without requiring standardized test scores. We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has created insurmountable challenges in scheduling tests for all students, particularly those from modest economic backgrounds, and we believe this temporary change addresses these challenges.

Consistent with Harvard’s whole-person admissions process, standardized tests are only one factor among many. Accomplishments in and out of the classroom during the high school years – including community involvement, employment, and help given to students’ families are considered as part of our process. However, students who find themselves limited in the activities they can pursue due to the current coronavirus outbreak will not be disadvantaged as a result, nor will students who are only able to present pass/fail grades or other similar marks on their transcripts this spring.

Students who do not submit standardized testing this coming year will not be disadvantaged in the application process. Their applications will be considered on the basis of what they have presented, and they are encouraged to send whatever materials they believe would convey their accomplishments in secondary school and their promise for the future.

Hi @ainohasiucho, Harvard does recommend submitting 2 SAT subject tests, except in the case of financial hardship. This is from their website:

"While we recommend two SAT Subject Tests, you may apply without them if the cost of taking the tests represents a financial hardship or if you prefer to have your application considered without them."

They also mentioned this on the website:

"International students generally benefit from submitting Subject Tests and should take them if possible as they are unlikely to be admitted on the basis of SAT or ACT alone."

So while you technically don't need to send in any scores, unless you can't for financial reasons, I would consider doing since it should be a benefit to your application.

These links might be helpful too: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirements and https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/first-year-applicants.

The thing is, it would be helpful for reviewing ur application but otherwise, there are not obligatory requirements in having done 2 subject tests.

No not obligated but it would be more helpful to you if you did submit multiple test scores