Harvard Returns to Standardized Testing for Class of 2029
Harvard University will require standardized test scores for admission starting next cycle, reversing a previous commitment to remain test-optional through the Class of 2030.
#3T20 Rank
Private UniversityHarvard University
📍 Cambridge, MA •Official Admissions Portal ↗
Acceptance Rate3.4%Class of 2029/30
SAT Score Range1500-158025th – 75th Percentile
ACT Score Range34-3625th – 75th Percentile
Regular DecisionJan 1Fall 2027 Entry
Early Decision / ActionNov 1Binding / Restrictive
Admissions Profile & Highlights
Harvard recently announced a return to standardized testing starting with the Class of 2029. High emphasis is placed on academic excellence, extracurricular leadership, and personal character.
Live Admissions News & Policy Updates
21 articlesHarvard withholds Early Action figures for second consecutive cycle; last verified rate 8.7%
Harvard has withheld its Restrictive Early Action figures for two consecutive cycles. The last verified Harvard early action acceptance rate is 8.7% for the Class of 2028, with 692 students admitted from 7,921 applications and an 83.1% deferral rate.
Harvard Withholds Early Action Data, Shifts to Single Annual Admissions Release
Harvard has withheld its Restrictive Early Action figures for two consecutive cycles, moving to a single annual admissions data release each fall. The last verified EA rate was 8.7% for the Class of 2028. Class of 2029 overall rate was 4.2%.
Harvard Withholds Early Action Figures for Two Consecutive Cycles; Last Verified REA Rate 8.7%
Harvard has withheld its Restrictive Early Action figures for two consecutive cycles. The last verified rate is 8.7% for the Class of 2028 (692 admitted from 7,921 applications, 83.1% deferral rate).
Harvard received 47,893 applications for the class that entered in Fall 2025. Three cycles earlier, for the class that entered in Fall 2022, it received 61,221. The gap between...
Harvard received 47,893 applications for the class that entered in Fall 2025. Three cycles earlier, for the class that entered in Fall 2022, it received 61,221. The gap between...
Harvard Moves to Single Annual Admissions Data Release Each Fall
Harvard is no longer releasing data after early and regular action cycles. The university will now provide a single annual admissions data release each fall for the most complete view of the newly enrolled class.
Harvard Class of 2030 acceptance rate dips to 3.2%
Harvard University's acceptance rate for the Class of 2030 has dipped to 3.2 percent, marking a notable decline from the 4.2 percent recorded for the Class of 2029. Harvard now shares annual admissions data in the October/November timeframe.
DOJ Opens Civil Rights Investigation Into Harvard’s $630 Million In China-Based Funding
The Justice Department opened a Title VI investigation into whether Harvard's China-funded financial aid programs discriminate against American students. The post DOJ Opens Civil Rights Investigation Into Harvard’s $630 Million In China-Based Funding appeared first on The College Investor.
Harvard Class of 2030 Acceptance Rate Drops to 3.2%, No Official Stats Released
Harvard's Class of 2030 acceptance rate dipped to 3.2%, down from 4.2% for Class of 2029. Harvard no longer publishes applicant totals at decision release, now shares data in October/November following federal reporting.
Harvard Shifts to Single Annual Admissions Data Release, No More EA/RA Cycle Stats
Harvard announced it will no longer release admissions data after each early action and regular action cycle. Instead, the university will provide a single, annual admissions data release each fall to offer the most complete view of the newly enrolled class and reduce confusion.
Harvard Acceptance Rate Drops to 3.2% for Class of 2030
Harvard University's acceptance rate for the Class of 2030 has dipped to 3.2 percent, marking a notable decline from the 4.2 percent recorded for the Class of 2029. Harvard remains one of the most selective universities in the world.
Williams runs a peculiar economy. A college of 2,100 undergraduates in a small Berkshires town competes annually for cross-admits against Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, sits at or near the...
Williams runs a peculiar economy. A college of 2,100 undergraduates in a small Berkshires town competes annually for cross-admits against Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, sits at or near the...
Harvard Moves to Single Annual Admissions Data Release, Stops Reporting EA/RA Cycles Separately
Harvard has shifted to releasing admissions data only once per year in the fall, rather than separately after Early Action and Regular Action rounds. The university says this provides 'the most complete view of the newly enrolled class' and reduces confusion.
Harvard Class of 2030 acceptance rate drops to 3.2%, continuing decade-long decline
Harvard University's acceptance rate for the Class of 2030 dipped to 3.2%, down from 4.2% for Class of 2029. Harvard now shares annual admissions data in October/November following mandatory reporting to the U.S. Department of Education, having stopped Ivy Day data releases.
Harvard Class of 2029 Accepted 2,003 of 47,893 Applicants at 4.2% Rate
Harvard's Class of 2029 admitted 2,003 students from 47,893 applicants for a 4.2% acceptance rate, with an 83.6% yield rate. Harvard has not released Ivy Day stats since the Class of 2029 cycle.
Harvard withholds Class of 2030 admissions statistics for second consecutive year
Harvard released Class of 2030 decisions on March 26, 2026 but did not publish applicant totals or an official acceptance rate, marking the second year Harvard chose not to release Ivy Day admissions statistics.
Harvard Acceptance Rate for 2026 Entry Cycle Approximately 3.2%
Harvard's acceptance rate for the 2026 entry cycle is approximately 3.2%. Harvard does not offer merit-based scholarships; all financial aid is need-based and the university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.
Harvard Admits Record-Low 3.65% for 2026 Cycle
Harvard admitted approximately 3.65% of applicants, the lowest acceptance rate in Harvard's history and one of the lowest among all U.S. colleges. Uses Common Application; most admitted students rank in top 5% of class with SAT 1480-1580.
Harvard University – 4.18%
Harvard University – 4.18%
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In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s dismantling of affirmative action programs, many wondered just what colleges would do to try to achieve racial diversity in their student bodies.