Harvard SAT & ACT Requirements

Harvard SAT & ACT Requirements: Should You Submit Scores in 2025?

As you plan your application to Harvard, one question looms large: “Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores in 2025?” The answer isn’t quite yes or no. It depends on a few factors. In this post, we’ll walk you through Harvard’s current policy, what that means for you, what scores are competitive, and how PathIvy can guide you through the decision.

1. What is Harvard’s current test-score policy?

For several application cycles during and after the pandemic, Harvard adopted a test-optional policy for SAT / ACT. CBS News+1

However, as of April 2024, Harvard reinstated the requirement for SAT or ACT scores for applicants starting with the class of 2029 (i.e. applications in fall 2024 / early-2025). Higher Ed Dive+2The Washington Post+2

That means students applying in the 2025 cycle should check carefully whether scores are required or optional, depending on their application timing and whether there are exceptional circumstances.

Harvard’s official application requirements page states that SAT or ACT scores are required, though in “exceptional cases” where the student cannot access testing, alternatives may be accepted (IB / AP / A-Levels / national leaving exams). Harvard College+1

At the same time, Harvard notes that while it “requires” SAT / ACT for the standardized testing requirement, they don’t set a fixed “minimum cutoff” score. Harvard College

2. Should you submit SAT / ACT in 2025?

Here are some scenarios to help you decide:

Also note that although Harvard doesn’t publish fixed cut-offs, admitted students tend to have very strong scores: e.g., ACT composite in the range 31–36; SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math near top percentiles. Harvard College+1

3. What test scores are considered competitive?

Even without a formal cutoff, here’s how to interpret your score in context:

• For the SAT, look at the middle-50% or high-percentile scores of recent admits. While official updated numbers vary, you’ll want to aim high to remain competitive.

• For the ACT, Harvard’s FAQ notes that admitted students often score 31–36. Harvard College

• Keep in mind that admissions is holistic: your test scores are considered alongside your GPA, curriculum rigor, extracurricular impact, essays, recommendations, etc.

In some cases, a strong score helps differentiate you in a competitive pool; in others, it’s supplemental to an already strong academic record.

4. Risks & Benefits of Submitting (or Not Submitting) Test Scores

Benefits of submitting good scores:

• Provides an objective measurement of academic ability (especially useful to compare across different school systems)

• Can help compensate or strengthen areas where coursework or grades are less standardized

• Demonstrates your readiness for rigorous academic work

Risks or challenges:

• If your score is mediocre relative to your peers, it may not add value

• Preparing for SAT / ACT takes time, it could distract from other parts of your application (essays, projects, extracurriculars)

• If the test is required and you don’t submit, your application might be at a disadvantage

5. Strategic Tips: How to Decide What’s Best For You

Here’s how to approach your decision strategically:

1. Check the application timeline / cycle

   • Are you applying Early Action or Regular Decision? Confirm deadlines and policy for your year.

   • Ensure you know whether your target Harvard admission cycle expects scores.

2. Evaluate your existing academic profile

   • GPA, rigor of coursework (AP / IB / advanced classes)

   • Standardized test practice scores or mocks (SAT / ACT) – how do you compare against known ranges?

3. Estimate effort & resources

   • Time left to prepare / retake a test

   • Cost and access to test centers or prep resources

4. Have backup plans

   • Improve other parts of your application: essays, research / extracurricular depth

   • If scores are weak or unavailable, focus on strengths elsewhere

5. Consult mentors or experts

   • Getting external guidance (e.g. from PathIvy) can help you weigh your specific situation — whether to take the test / prepare for it or focus elsewhere

6. How PathIvy Can Help You Navigate This Decision

At PathIvy, we work 1:1 with students to develop personalised college-admission strategy that includes standardized test decisions. Here’s how we help:

• Test strategy consulting - We review your profile (grades, school curriculum, extracurriculars) and advise you whether submitting SAT/ACT will benefit you (not just generically).

• Target-score benchmarking - Based on recent admitted student data and your academic goals, we help set realistic target scores (e.g. SAT / ACT) for Harvard and similar universities.

• Preparation plan - If you decide to take/retake tests, we help you schedule, plan prep & resources, mock tests, review sessions.

• Backup planning - If you choose not to submit scores (or if your scores aren’t strong), we help you strengthen essays, extracurriculars, research or advanced coursework to compensate.

• Holistic decision-making - We guide you on trade-offs: e.g. whether the time spent on test prep is better used elsewhere in your application / profile building.

Many students at PathIvy have successfully navigated changing test-score policies and gained admission to Harvard / Ivy / top U.S. schools with strategies customized to their strengths.

FAQs

Q1. Does Harvard have a minimum SAT or ACT score requirement?

No. Harvard does not publish a fixed cutoff. Harvard College Test scores are one factor among many in admissions.

Q2. If my SAT / ACT score is below average, should I submit it?

Q3. Can I apply without SAT / ACT scores in 2025?

That depends on your application cycle and eligibility under “exceptional circumstances.” But since Harvard has reinstated test-score requirements for many applicants, skipping them can be risky unless you have a strong justification.

Q4. What alternatives does Harvard accept if I can’t take SAT / ACT?

Harvard allows alternative exam results in “exceptional cases” — such as AP exams, IB exams (actual or predicted), A-Levels / GCSE results, or national leaving exams. Harvard College+1

Q5. What SAT / ACT score should I aim for?

There’s no minimum, but admitted students often score in the top percentiles (e.g. ACT 31–36). Aim for a score that places you among the higher percentiles relative to recent Harvard admits.

Q6. How can PathIvy help me decide whether to submit my scores?

PathIvy mentors guide you through a test-submission decision process: evaluating your profile, suggesting target scores, building prep plans, or helping strengthen non-test parts of your application.

Final Thoughts

In the shifting landscape of college admissions, the rules around standardized testing can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate them alone. At PathIvy, we believe each student’s situation is unique and that includes your decision about SAT / ACT.

If you’re wondering whether you should submit your scores for Harvard in 2025, reach out to us. Let’s build a strategy that plays to your strengths, not just the policy. 

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