If you’ve ever dreamed of attending Harvard University, you’re not alone! This year, Harvard has once again showcased its exceptional selectivity with an acceptance rate of just 3.6% for the Class of 2028. With 54,008 enthusiastic applicants competing for only 1,937 spots, the competition is intense, but that only adds to the excitement!
The Numbers Behind the Admissions Process
Let’s take a closer look at the numbers:
Total Applications: 54,008
Total Admitted: 1,937
Overall Acceptance Rate: 3.6%
Early Action Acceptance Rate: 8.7% (692 students)
Regular Decision Acceptance Rate: 2.7% (1,245 students)
While these statistics may seem daunting, they highlight the exceptional strength of the students who apply and are ultimately accepted. Whether you excel in academics, sports, or the arts, there might just be a place for you in Harvard’s class next year.
Celebrating Acceptance
Imagine the moment when you receive your acceptance letter—your heart races as you refresh your application portal. For many newly admitted students, that moment is unforgettable.
Interviewed by the Harvard Crimson about his acceptance Henry D. Pahlow from Wisconsin shared his experience: “It was the most nervous I’ve ever been,” he said. When he saw that acceptance letter, he and his family celebrated with pure joy! Similarly, accepted student Mason J. Holmes from Massachusetts had a similar reaction: “I don’t think I even read the letter; all I saw was the confetti!” These moments are what dreams are made of!
A Commitment to Diversity
As a university, Harvard has always been dedicated to building a vibrant and diverse community. The Class of 2028 reflects this commitment:
53.1% identify as women
20.5% are first-generation college students
20.7% qualify for Pell Grants
15.4% are international students from 94 countries
This rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds means you’ll be learning alongside some of the brightest minds from around the globe.
The Impact of Recent Changes
This year’s admissions cycle was influenced by a significant Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in June of 2023, which has reshaped how colleges consider race in their admissions processes. As a result, Harvard’s diversity numbers have dropped this year from 16 percent to 11.
Not surprisingly, the number of Northerners opting out of Harvard is on the rise. Many students are choosing to put all their eggs in the Early Decision baskets at Southern colleges like Duke, Rice, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, and UNC-Chapel Hill.
Nevertheless. Harvard still received an impressive number of applications. Some students may feel uncertain about applying to Harvard this year as a result.
Tips for Future Applicants
Feeling motivated? Here are some tips to help you stand out in your application:
- Stay on top of the deadlines for Harvard applications. Harvard offers 2 deadlines: Single-Choice Early Action and Regular Decision. If you apply Single-Choice Early Action to Harvard, you will also be able to apply to public universities Early Action concurrently. See Harvard’s deadline offerings below.
| Final Deadline | 01/01/2025 |
| 1st Early Decision Deadline | Not Offered |
| 2nd Early Decision Deadline | Not Offered |
| 1st Early Action Deadline | Restrictive Early Action – 11/01/2024 |
| 2nd Early Action Deadline | No |
- Achieve a High Test Score on SAT or ACT.
TEST SCORES: FALL 2023 (ENROLLED FIRST-TIME STUDENTS)
| STUDENTS SUBMITTING SCORES | NUMBER | PERCENT |
| SAT | 862 | 52% |
| ACT | 356 | 22% |
| TEST SCORES | 25TH PERCENTILE* | 50TH PERCENTILE** (MEDIAN) | 75TH PERCENTILE*** |
| NOTES:* 25% of students scored at or below** 50% of students scored above and 50% scored below (i.e., midpoint of the test score distribution)*** 25% of students scored above | |||
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 740 | 760 | 780 |
| SAT Math | 760 | 790 | 800 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 35 | 36 |
| ACT English | 35 | 35 | 36 |
| ACT Math | 33 | 35 | 36 |
- Focus on Both Academics & Extracurriculars: you want to consider ways you can achieve not just as a student but also in your passion for your extracurricular activities.
- Be Authentic: Share your true self in your essays and interviews. A university like Harvard will want to know more about what makes you tick!
- Get Involved: Whether it’s sports, music, volunteering, or starting a club, show how passionate you are about your interests.
- Seek Recommendations: Find mentors who know you well and can speak to your strengths and will write glowingly about you.
- Stay Effervescent and Intellectually Engaged: A university like Harvard truly values applicants who are eager to learn and grow—showcase your vim, vigor, and love for learning and life!
This table clearly shows which components are considered and which are not in Harvard’s application process. See Application Component Weightage:
| Class Rank | Not Considered |
| Test Scores | Considered |
| Essay | Considered |
| Recommendations | Considered |
| Interview | Considered |
| Activities | Considered |
| Qualities | Considered |
| Talent | Considered |
| Alumni | Considered |
| State Residence | Not Considered |
| Religion | Not Considered |
| Minority Status | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Demonstrated Interest | Not Considered |
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Admitted students? Congratulations! You’ll likely be invited to attend Visitas in April, mere two weeks after Ivy Day acceptances roll out! Block some time out on your calendar in advance! At Visitas, prospective students meet fellow admits and are able to explore campus life firsthand. It’s an incredibly exciting two day to make connections and get an inside feeling for what becoming a Harvard student means.
And for those still pursuing their dreams—continue pushing ahead! Every application is a step closer to your goals. Remember, getting into Harvard is tough, but it’s not impossible! If you’re a top student with stellar extracurricular achievements, maybe Harvard is just the perfect school for you! Whether you’re shooting for Harvard or another top-tier school, stay focused on your passions and let your voice shine through in your applications! Adventure awaits!
