If you’ve ever wondered, “What is the SAT score for Harvard?”—you’re not alone. With an acceptance rate under 4%, Harvard University is one of the most competitive colleges in the world. Your SAT score is just one part of the application, but it’s a powerful one.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- The SAT score range for admitted Harvard students
- What scores put you in the top 25%
- What “low” SAT scores Harvard has accepted
- What else Harvard looks for beyond test scores
Harvard SAT Score Range (2025 Data)
The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is typically:
- 1500 to 1580 (out of 1600)
That means:
- 25th percentile: 1500 (you scored higher than 25% of admitted students)
- 75th percentile: 1580 (you scored higher than 75% of admitted students)
To break it down further:
- Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EBRW): 740–780
- Math: 750–800
In other words, most Harvard students are scoring near the top of the SAT scoring scale.
What Is a “Good” SAT Score for Harvard?
To be competitive, it’s ideal to aim for a total SAT score of 1550 or higher. While there’s no official cutoff, this score will place you above the average and strengthen your application. Still, a 1500 can be competitive if other parts of your application are outstanding.
Here’s a quick SAT score breakdown:
ScoreCompetitiveness at Harvard1580–1600Excellent (Top 1%)1550–1570Strong (Top 5%)1500–1540CompetitiveBelow 1500Reach, unless you have a unique edge
Can You Get into Harvard with a 1500 or Lower?
Yes, but it’s rare—and context matters.
Harvard’s admissions are holistic. That means if you’re a talented athlete, have extraordinary extracurriculars, started a non-profit, or overcame significant life challenges, a lower SAT score won’t necessarily hold you back.
But make no mistake: most admitted students have top-tier scores. Only 25% of admitted students scored at or below 1500.
📌 Tip: If you’re scoring under 1500, focus on showcasing your unique strengths in your essays, recommendations, and activities.
Does Harvard Superscore the SAT?
Harvard does not officially superscore the SAT. However, the admissions team will consider your highest section scores across multiple test dates.
That means:
- If your best EBRW score is from one test and your best Math score is from another, submit both.
You can also take advantage of the College Board’s Score Choice to send only your best results.
Do You Have to Submit SAT Scores to Harvard?
As of 2025, Harvard requires SAT or ACT scores, unless a student faces a documented barrier to testing.
- Harvard accepts either SAT or ACT
- No preference is given to one test over the other
- You can self-report test scores initially, but must submit official scores upon admission
Other Things Harvard Looks For
SAT scores matter—but they are just one piece of a bigger puzzle.
Harvard also weighs:
- High school GPA and course rigor (most applicants have near-perfect grades)
- Letters of recommendation from teachers
- Extracurriculars and leadership
- Personal essays
- Context (e.g., family background, school resources, community impact)
Real Stats from Harvard’s Class of 2025
- Average SAT score: 1494
- Recruited athletes averaged 1397
- Legacy students averaged 1523
- Students from families earning over $500,000 averaged 1520
These stats show that even within Harvard, SAT scores vary slightly depending on background—but they’re always high.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the SAT score for Harvard? While there’s no cutoff, aiming for a 1550+ will give you a strong shot. But remember, test scores don’t tell the whole story. Harvard wants scholars, leaders, creators, and changemakers.
Work hard on your SAT prep—but don’t forget to build your story, too.
