Getting into Harvard University is extremely difficult due to its highly competitive admissions process. For the Class of 2028, Harvard received 54,008 applications and admitted only 1,937 students, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of about 3.59%
. The regular decision acceptance rate is even lower, around 2.7%, while the early action acceptance rate is higher, about 8.7%
. Key points about Harvard admissions difficulty:
- Harvard admits roughly 3-4% of applicants overall, making it one of the most selective universities in the world
- The early action round offers a better chance, with acceptance rates around 7-9%, but still very competitive
- Applicants typically have stellar academic records, including average SAT scores between 1500-1580 and ACT scores of 34-36
- Beyond academics, successful applicants usually demonstrate exceptional extracurricular achievements and submit compelling personal applications
In summary, Harvard's acceptance rate hovers around 3%, reflecting its extreme selectivity. Getting admitted requires outstanding academic credentials, strong test scores, and a well-rounded application