Does Harvard require the SAT for the 2024 admissions cycle?

For students applying to Harvard for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle (Class of 2030), the university announced in spring 2024 that it will return to requiring standardized testing. This means that the SAT or ACT is mandatory again for first-year and transfer applicants, starting with the application cycle opening in fall 2024. This is a change from the test-optional policy Harvard had in place during the pandemic and for several recent admission cycles.

So, as a current junior planning to apply in the upcoming season, you'll need to include either an SAT or ACT score with your Harvard application. Harvard’s official admissions website directly addresses this updated requirement, explaining that strong standardized test scores provide important information in the context of a student’s academic preparation and potential for success.

If you feel that testing is not your strength, it might be helpful to focus your prep on the section that gives you the best chance at a competitive score. Take a few practice SATs or ACTs to gauge where you stand, then consider booking time with a tutor or using online test prep resources tailored to your specific needs. Sometimes, students are surprised by how much they can improve with targeted practice.

If you happen to have a strong test score, definitely submit it—not just to Harvard but also to other schools that may remain test-optional or test-flexible. Even if some colleges don’t require standardized tests, a high score can bolster your application, especially at selective schools where the applicant pool is strong across many measures.

Here’s the official Harvard admissions page where you can find the policy and any updates: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/application-requirements. Always double-check there for the latest, since colleges can sometimes adjust requirements unexpectedly. Good luck with your applications and planning!