What are Harvard's entrance requirements for undergraduate admissions?
I'm aiming to apply to Harvard next year, and I'm getting a bit overwhelmed by all the information out there. I know their acceptance rate is super low, but I want to get a clear picture of what the actual entrance requirements are.
Are there specific courses or tests I need to take, or is it more about grades and extracurriculars? Do you have to have taken a certain number of APs or honors classes, or is that not as important? I'm also wondering about the SAT/ACT since some schools are going test-optional. If anyone who has applied recently (or got in!) could share what credentials Harvard really looks for, that would be really helpful. I'm mainly a strong student with some leadership roles, so I'm not sure if that's enough.
Are there specific courses or tests I need to take, or is it more about grades and extracurriculars? Do you have to have taken a certain number of APs or honors classes, or is that not as important? I'm also wondering about the SAT/ACT since some schools are going test-optional. If anyone who has applied recently (or got in!) could share what credentials Harvard really looks for, that would be really helpful. I'm mainly a strong student with some leadership roles, so I'm not sure if that's enough.
6 months ago
•
128 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Harvard’s undergraduate admissions are highly competitive, but their standards are actually more flexible than many assume. There isn’t a strict list of required courses, but they strongly recommend that applicants show rigorous preparation in their high school coursework. Ideally, that means four years of English, four years of math, four years of science (with biology, chemistry, and physics), three to four years of a foreign language, and three to four years of history or social science.
In terms of course rigor, taking AP or honors classes if they’re available at your school helps show you are challenging yourself. However, Harvard understands not every school offers the same classes, and they review your transcript in the context of your school. If your school only offers a few APs or none at all, that won’t count against you. It’s more about showing you’re pushing yourself with what's available.
As for standardized tests, Harvard is currently test-optional through at least the 2026-2027 admissions cycle. This means you’re not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, but you can if you think they’ll strengthen your application. Many admitted students still submit strong scores (in the 1500+ SAT or 34+ ACT range), but it’s not mandatory and plenty of accepted applicants do not submit scores.
Grades are certainly important—successful applicants often have an unweighted GPA close to a 4.0—but Harvard takes a holistic approach. Leadership roles, meaningful extracurricular involvement, community engagement, and strong essays are also vital. They want to see that you’ve made an impact and shown intellectual curiosity. For example, a student who led an environmental club and started a school-wide composting program or someone who did research with a local professor could be just as compelling as a straight-A student.
Letters of recommendation from teachers (usually two) and a school counselor recommendation are also necessary. These should ideally address your academic ability and character.
To sum up: rigorous course load (AP/honors if possible), strong grades, thoughtful extracurriculars and leadership, optional but strong test scores if submitted, and compelling essays. There’s no single formula, but showing excellence, curiosity, and impact in your school and community puts you in a strong position.
If you’re already showing leadership and academic strength, you’re on the right track! Focus on what makes you unique, reflect that in your essays, and make sure your recommenders can speak about your specific strengths.
In terms of course rigor, taking AP or honors classes if they’re available at your school helps show you are challenging yourself. However, Harvard understands not every school offers the same classes, and they review your transcript in the context of your school. If your school only offers a few APs or none at all, that won’t count against you. It’s more about showing you’re pushing yourself with what's available.
As for standardized tests, Harvard is currently test-optional through at least the 2026-2027 admissions cycle. This means you’re not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, but you can if you think they’ll strengthen your application. Many admitted students still submit strong scores (in the 1500+ SAT or 34+ ACT range), but it’s not mandatory and plenty of accepted applicants do not submit scores.
Grades are certainly important—successful applicants often have an unweighted GPA close to a 4.0—but Harvard takes a holistic approach. Leadership roles, meaningful extracurricular involvement, community engagement, and strong essays are also vital. They want to see that you’ve made an impact and shown intellectual curiosity. For example, a student who led an environmental club and started a school-wide composting program or someone who did research with a local professor could be just as compelling as a straight-A student.
Letters of recommendation from teachers (usually two) and a school counselor recommendation are also necessary. These should ideally address your academic ability and character.
To sum up: rigorous course load (AP/honors if possible), strong grades, thoughtful extracurriculars and leadership, optional but strong test scores if submitted, and compelling essays. There’s no single formula, but showing excellence, curiosity, and impact in your school and community puts you in a strong position.
If you’re already showing leadership and academic strength, you’re on the right track! Focus on what makes you unique, reflect that in your essays, and make sure your recommenders can speak about your specific strengths.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years