Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, enjoys worldwide name recognition and a spot at the top of nearly every college ranking. It’s no surprise then, that every year Harvard attracts tens of thousands of highly-qualified applicants from across the globe. In the recent admissions cycle (class of 2028), 54,008 prospective students submitted application packages to Harvard and 1,937 students received acceptance letters. Although this Harvard acceptance rate (3.59%) is the school’s highest in four years, it’s still among the lowest in the country, highlighting the importance of submitting a standout application when applying to Harvard.
Interpreting the 3.59% Harvard Acceptance Rate & What it takes to get in
For Fall 2024, the detailed admission statistics released by Harvard University cement its reputation as an exclusive institution. Of the 54,008 students who applied, only 1,937 received Early Action or Regular Decision admission, representing an overall acceptance rate of 3.59%. This is the highest overall Harvard acceptance rate in four years and comes on the heels of a 5.14% decrease in applications received as compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, Harvard maintains exceptionally rigorous admissions criteria when compared to other top schools in the country.
A Closer Look at Harvard’s Acceptance Figures
Total Applicants: 54,008
Admitted Students: 1,937
Acceptance Rate: 3.59%
After a few years of steadily decreasing acceptance rates, Harvard recorded its highest rate in four years at 3.59% admitted. That said, Harvard also received fewer applications when compared to last year (54,008 in 2024 compared to 56,937 in 2023), which will be an interesting trend to keep an eye on for the 2025 and 2026 admissions cycles. Prospective students can choose to apply to Harvard during Early Action or Regular Decision cycles. Harvard’s global reputation for excellence means prospective students need to demonstrate top academic performance alongside extracurriculars and personal characteristics that help them stand out from the crowd.
Harvard’s Acceptance Trends and Detailed Insights
Harvard’s acceptance rate in 2024 (Class of 2028) was 3.59%, which is its highest rate in four years. Previous admission year acceptance rates include 3.41% (Class of 2027), 3.19% (Class of 2026), and 3.43% (Class of 2025). This increase in the acceptance rate appeared alongside a decrease in the total number of applications Harvard received. It’s interesting to note that Early Action applicants for the Class of 2028 saw a higher acceptance rate than the overall Harvard acceptance rate. Of the 7,921 Early Action applications received, Harvard sent 692 offer letters, representing a relatively higher acceptance rate of 8.74%
State vs. Out-of-State Acceptance Dynamics
Harvard attracts applicants from across the globe. Although more Massachusetts students receive admission to Harvard than from any other single state, their low numbers (254 students) demonstrate no significant advantage to state applicants vs. out-of-state applicants in Harvard’s geographic breakdown of admitted students.
Academic Profiles and Admissions Policies
Harvard’s enrolled students set the standard for academic excellence. While Harvard doesn’t maintain an explicit minimum GPA requirement for admissions, the average unweighted GPA of admitted students falls between 3.9 and 4.0. For the classes of 2027-2030, applicants will once again be required to include standardized test scores in their application package.
Admissions Trends & Noteworthy Statistics
Harvard recorded a 5.14% decrease in the number of applications it received in 2024 as compared to 2023. That said, 2024 marked the fourth year in a row the university received over 50,000 applications. 15.5% of the admitted Class of 2028 identify as first-generation college students.
Geographic and Demographic Breakdown
Harvard’s Class of 2027 hail from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 94 countries. In the first admissions cycle following the Supreme Court ruling affirmative action unconstitutional, the University has not yet released data on the racial demographics of the Class of 2028.
Harvard’s National and International Appeal
The incredible geographic diversity of Harvard’s Class of 2027 is a testament to this historic institution’s worldwide reputation for excellence. More than 15% of the admitted Class of 2028 students hail from foreign countries. Nationally, the mid-Atlantic states comprise the largest portion of the class at 20.01%.
Strategizing for Harvard Admissions
Empowerly recognizes the intense competition and unique challenges of complexities of gaining admission to Harvard. Our tailored guidance and strategic planning can demystify the process, enhancing your application’s strength and aligning your achievements with Harvard’s demanding admissions criteria.
Exploring Harvard’s Prestigious Legacy and Rigorous Admissions
Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest higher education institution in the nation. It is also a member of the storied Ivy League, a collection of eight private research universities in the Northeastern region of the United States. This midsize private university boasts an outsized endowment, valued at more than $50 billion. The select group of students who gain admission to Harvard also gain access to unmatched resources, facilities, and opportunities.
Navigating the Application Journey at Harvard
Studying at Harvard is the college dream of many thousands of ambitious students worldwide. With one of the lowest admissions rates in the country, applicants have no room for error in their mission to get that coveted acceptance letter. In addition to keeping track of the deadlines for Early Action, Regular Decision, or Transfer admission, students also need to present exceptional academic records, compelling reasons for wanting to join Harvard, and high-value letters of recommendation. Starting early and staying on track is key.
Decoding Harvard’s Admissions Criteria for Prospective Students
According to Harvard’s own website for prospective students, there is no one formula for composing a successful application package. The top criteria Harvard considers include community involvement, leadership and distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character. They also rely on teachers, counselors, and alumni to share information about an applicant’s strength of character, ability to overcome adversity, and other personal qualities. Top academic performance in high school is also taken into consideration, forming the base of any successful Harvard application.
