UNIVERSITY · CDS 2023-2024
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 7,062 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Ivy+Liberal Arts + Research
Accept
3.4%
Yield
83.7%
Test
Required
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1500–1580
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
740–780
SAT Math (mid 50%)
760–800
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
33–35
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTEHarvard does not report average GPA of admitted students, but given the highly selective nature of admissions, it is expected that successful applicants have a high GPA.
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| REA | Nov 1 | — | Restrictive Early Action: Nov 1, notification by mid-December |
| RD | Jan 1 | — | Regular Decision: Jan 1, notification by end of March. |
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$56,550
Total COA
$86,366
Avg need-based aid
$73,497
Avg merit award
None
Net price after avg need aid
$12,869
Harvard meets 100% of demonstrated need on average.
ImportantHarvard does not award non-need merit scholarships. All institutional aid is need-based. Use this honestly with families: a strong applicant here gets in, but the price is set by the FAFSA/CSS, not by stats.
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
Harvard's AP Policy
Harvard does not grant academic credit for AP exams. A score of 5 on certain AP exams may fulfill basic academic requirements or allow for placement in advanced courses.
Min score
3
Credit cap
0 credits
Mode
Placement only
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordConsidered
- Class rankConsidered
- Academic GPAConsidered
- Standardized test scoresConsidered
- Application essayConsidered
- Recommendation(s)Considered
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
Harvard University is dedicated to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally.
Distilled Themes
Pursuit of truth and knowledgebenefit to societyglobal engagementleadership development
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01Harvard values academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
- 02They seek students who will contribute to their vibrant community and become leaders in their chosen fields.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01A strong application should signal exceptional academic achievement, a passion for learning, and a track record of leadership and service.
- 02It should also highlight unique talents and perspectives that will enrich the Harvard community.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- Generic essays that could be submitted to any top university
- a lack of demonstrated interest in Harvard's specific programs and opportunities
- an application that focuses solely on academic achievements without showcasing personal qualities and extracurricular involvement
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
EconomicsGovernmentComputer ScienceApplied MathematicsHistorySocial SciencesBiological and Biomedical SciencesEngineeringPsychology
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Restrictive Early Action
Non-binding, restrictive
Decision release is mid-December.
Nov 1, 2025
→ Dec 15, 2025
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Decision release is by the end of March.
Jan 1, 2026
→ Mar 31, 2026
Early Decision I
Not offered
—
Early Decision II
Not offered
—
Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2024-2025)
Not trackedWeight: Not Considered
Harvard does not track demonstrated interest; official policy states all applicants are evaluated identically regardless of contact.
Save the energy
Do not spend effort on interest signals — focus on essays and academics instead.
Provenance