Common Data Set 2025-2026[1] · Average GPA reported as 4.22 (likely weighted despite the CDS 4.0-scale instruction). SAT composite percentiles left blank in the CDS; only section scores reported. Waitlist offered/accepted not reported. Restrictive early action 11/1 → 12/16.
Test scores (enrolled first-years)
SAT or ACT required; AP/IB/A-level etc. accepted only when SAT/ACT are not accessible.
| Test | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT reading & writing | 720 | 750 | 770 |
| SAT math | 730 | 770 | 790 |
| ACT composite | 33 | 35 | 35 |
| ACT math | 31 | 34 | 35 |
| ACT English | 34 | 35 | 36 |
Submitted SAT: 79% · Submitted ACT: 27% of enrolled first-years
High-school GPA
*The CDS does not publish GPA percentiles; estimated from the C11 band distribution. 99% of enrolled students reported a GPA.
Deadlines (2026-27 cycle)
- Decision: mid-December
English proficiency (international applicants)
Not required[4]
Not required for first-year applicants; scores may be submitted. English tests cannot satisfy the SAT/ACT requirement.
TOEFL iBT moved to a 1–6 scale on Jan 21, 2026; schools list both scales.
Application requirements
- Platform
- Common App
- Application fee
- Fee waiver available
- Essays
- 5 required short answers, 150 words each
- Recommendations
- 2 teacher + counselor
- Interview
- —
- Portfolio
- —
- Midyear report
- Required
Optional supplementary materials (music, art, academic work) may be reviewed by faculty.
2026-27 cycle[2]
Cost & aid (2026-2027)
- Tuition
- $62,226
- Required fees
- $6,216
- Housing & food
- $23,192
Housing $14,250 + food $8,942. Transportation $0–5,000 extra.; CDS G1 cost fields left blank by Harvard; see financial aid site. H6: need-based aid available to nonresidents.
Source[5]
Subject tiers & how majors are admitted
What the admissions office weighs (CDS C7, 2025-2026)
- Rigor of HS record
- Academic GPA
- Test scores
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Extracurriculars
- Talent / ability
- Character
- First generation
- Alumni relation
- Geography
- Volunteer work
- Work experience
- Class rank
- State residency
- Religious affiliation
- Demonstrated interest
Sources
- [1]Harvard University Common Data Set 2025-2026accessed Oct 20, 2026
- [2]Harvard College — Application Requirementsaccessed Oct 20, 2026
- [3]Harvard College — First-Year Applicantsaccessed Oct 20, 2026
- [4]Harvard College — International Applicantsaccessed Oct 20, 2026
- [5]Harvard College — How Aid Works (cost of attendance)accessed Oct 20, 2026
- [6]Score-reporting codes (college.harvard.edu)accessed Oct 20, 2026