No published SAT cutoff
Harvard does not publish the 1500–1580 middle-50% range as a minimum or guarantee. It describes enrolled students who submitted scores, not an automatic admission threshold.
College SAT requirements
Harvard University
Does Harvard Require the SAT?
Yes, for most first-year applicants. Harvard requires the SAT or ACT, with limited alternative testing in exceptional access circumstances.
Source-backed guidance · Last checked September 2, 2026
Middle 50%
1500–1580
Harvard SAT composite
Median score
1540
Among enrolled score submitters
Data source
Official
Latest published institutional data
Minimum SAT
None published
The reported range is not a cutoff
Yes — Harvard requires testing
Harvard requires the SAT or ACT, with limited alternative testing in exceptional access circumstances. The official policy linked on this page is the source of truth for applicant type, entry term, deadlines, and any exception.
Official score context
Harvard SAT score range
The latest official institutional score source linked below reports a 1500–1580 middle-50% SAT composite range, with a midpoint of 1540, among enrolled score submitters.
Harvard middle 50%
Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores
150025th percentile
1540Median
158075th percentile
Cohort dates and reporting definitions can differ by institution; open the official source for its precise reporting year. The range describes enrolled students who submitted scores; it is not a minimum or admission guarantee.
Personal score check
Should you submit your SAT score?
Because testing is required, use the published 1500–1580 range for context and submit the strongest valid score you can produce.
Enter your SAT score
Use a valid total score from 400 to 1600 in 10-point increments.
Within the range
1540 is the published midpoint
This score sits near the middle of Harvard’s published SAT range for enrolled score submitters. It is context, not an admissions prediction.
Open the 1540 SAT score guideApplication details
What Harvard’s SAT policy means in practice
Confirm multi-date scoring
The cited policy does not state a simple universal SAT superscore rule. Confirm the current multi-date scoring instructions before deciding which sittings to send.
Check self-report and verification rules
Harvard’s SAT code is 3434. Use the official policy for whether scores may be self-reported at application time and when an official testing-agency report is required.
Entry-term policy matters
With limited alternatives when SAT or ACT access is genuinely unavailable. Testing rules can change by cycle, so confirm the entry term shown on the official page before submitting.
Quick answers
Harvard SAT requirements FAQ
Does Harvard require the SAT?
Harvard requires the SAT or ACT, with limited alternative testing in exceptional access circumstances. Always match the policy to your applicant type and intended entry term.
What SAT score do you need for Harvard?
Harvard does not publish one score that guarantees admission. Its published middle-50% SAT range is 1500–1580 among enrolled students who submitted scores.
What is the average SAT score at Harvard?
The official score context used here has a midpoint of 1540. This page calls it a midpoint or median-style benchmark rather than claiming that every institutional source reports a mathematical average.
Does Harvard superscore the SAT?
The cited policy does not state a simple universal SAT superscore rule. Confirm the current multi-date scoring instructions before deciding which sittings to send.
Can I self-report SAT scores to Harvard?
Use Harvard’s current testing page for the application-stage reporting rule and official-score verification deadline. The SAT reporting code listed by the institution is 3434.
Should I submit a 1540 SAT score to Harvard?
A 1540 is near the midpoint of the published 1500–1580 range. Since testing is required, treat the range as context and submit your strongest valid result.
Verification
Official Harvard sources
Admissions policies can change. These links are the source of truth and were checked on September 2, 2026.
Harvard First-Year Application Requirements Official testing requirement and score-reporting guidance
Harvard First-Year Application Requirements Official application review and testing context
Harvard Common Data Set Official institutional SAT score data or data archive
Harvard Common Data Set Official institutional data source
University names and marks are used only to identify the institutions discussed. Test1600 is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Harvard University.