Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Harvard University scored about 1510 to 1580 on the SAT, with an average of 1553. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1510 or lower and a quarter scored 1580 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Harvard at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1510 to 1580 | Average: 1553
Reading and Writing: 740 to 780 | Math: 770 to 800
ACT middle 50%: 34 to 36
Admission rate: 3.6%
Harvard SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 740 | 780 |
| Math | 770 | 800 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1510 | 1580 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does Harvard require the SAT?
Yes. Harvard says it “requires the SAT or ACT to meet its standardized testing requirement.” Harvard went test-optional in 2020, then in April 2024 announced that testing would be required again starting with the Class of 2029. The requirement applies to first-year and transfer applicants, from the US and abroad.
- Score cutoffs: none. Harvard says it does not admit “by the numbers.”
- Score Choice: allowed, so you choose which test dates to send.
- Self-reporting: you can self-report scores, and admitted students who enroll send official scores later.
- SAT code: 3434.
- Digital SAT: Harvard says the switch to the digital SAT does not change how it reviews scores.
- Rare exceptions: if you truly cannot get to a test, Harvard will consider AP, IB, A-Level or national exam results instead. TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo do not count.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Harvard’s 75th percentile is about 1580. Above the 75th percentile, your score helps your application. Inside the middle 50% (about 1510 to 1580), your score is typical of Harvard students, and the rest of your application decides. Below about 1510, your score is lower than three quarters of Harvard’s enrolled first-years.
Look at the sections too. Harvard students’ Math scores (770 to 800) sit higher than their Reading and Writing scores (740 to 780). A 770 in Math is the 25th percentile there, so at Harvard a single missed hard Math question can matter. If you are applying, aim for 780 or higher in both sections.
Where do you stand against Harvard’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 780 (Reading and Writing) and 800 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to Harvard’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for Harvard?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1510 to 1580.
What is the average SAT score at Harvard?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1553.
Does Harvard require the SAT?
Yes. Harvard requires the SAT or ACT again, starting with the Class of 2029, with no score cutoffs and Score Choice allowed.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Harvard University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Harvard College, Which standardized tests does Harvard require?.
- Harvard Gazette, Harvard announces return to required testing (April 2024).
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Harvard?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1510 to 1580.
What is the average SAT score at Harvard?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1553.
Does Harvard require the SAT?
Yes. Harvard requires the SAT or ACT again, starting with the Class of 2029, with no score cutoffs and Score Choice allowed.