Janice Lozano
Harvard University is an extremely selective institution that receives applications from all over the world. The application process and requirements are the same for international students as for US students. Harvard requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores to meet its standardized testing requirement. However, in exceptional cases where students face challenges in accessing these tests, alternative options such as AP, IB, GCSE, or national leaving exam results may be considered. International students are not typically eligible for SAT or ACT fee waivers, but Harvard encourages those facing financial hardship to apply and explore other standardized test options. The university does not have quotas or limits based on citizenship or location, and admissions decisions are made without regard to financial aid applications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| SAT requirement for international students | Harvard requires the SAT or ACT to meet its standardized testing requirement. However, in exceptional cases, when the SAT or ACT is not accessible, other tests may be considered, such as AP, IB, GCSE, or National Leaving Exams. |
| International admissions process | Harvard's admissions process is the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. There are no quotas or limits based on citizenship or location of high school. |
| Financial aid for international students | Harvard's financial aid program applies to all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. Financial aid is based on financial need, and admissions decisions are made without considering whether an applicant has applied for financial assistance. |
| SAT fee waivers for international students | Students who are non-US citizens attending secondary schools outside the US are typically not eligible for SAT or ACT fee waivers. However, if applicants face financial hardship, Harvard encourages them to apply and submit results from other standardized tests. |
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What You'll Learn
SAT or ACT is required to meet standardised testing requirements
Harvard requires either an SAT or ACT score to meet its standardised testing requirement. This is the case for both US and international students, as Harvard's admissions processes are the same for all applicants regardless of nationality or citizenship.
In exceptional cases, where students are unable to access the SAT or ACT, other tests can be taken to meet the standardised testing requirement. This may be due to financial hardship or an inability to secure an available seat at a test site. In such cases, students may submit other standardised test scores, such as AP, IB, GCSE, or National Leaving Exams. It is important to note that students who have access to the SAT or ACT are expected to take and submit those scores, even if they have other forms of testing.
Harvard does not have a minimum SAT or ACT score requirement, but a high score is important for getting past the first round of filters. The higher the score, the better the chances of admission. A score below 1580 on the SAT or below 36 on the ACT puts applicants at a significant disadvantage.
Harvard welcomes applications from students all over the world and evaluates each application with great care. The admissions process considers not only standardised test scores but also high school grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
While Harvard does not conduct interviews for transfer applicants, the admissions committee may contact applicants if more information is required. International applicants are not required to take an English proficiency exam, but they may submit scores if they wish.
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Harvard accepts other standardised tests
Harvard requires the SAT or ACT to meet its standardised testing requirement. However, in exceptional cases, when students are unable to access the SAT or ACT, Harvard may accept other standardised tests. This typically involves a student facing challenges in paying for or accessing a test site or being unable to secure an available seat at a test site before the Regular Decision deadline.
Students who are non-US citizens attending secondary schools outside the US are not typically eligible for SAT or ACT fee waivers. If applicants are ineligible for fee waivers but still face financial hardship in paying for the SAT or ACT, Harvard encourages students to apply and submit results from other standardised tests to which they have greater access. For instance, students lacking access to the SAT or ACT may submit AP or GCSE results, IB/A-level/other national leaving exam predictions or results.
Harvard does not have a minimum SAT score requirement. However, the higher the SAT score, the better the chances of admission. A score below 1580 SAT gives applicants a tiny chance of getting into Harvard, as there are too many students with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications.
Harvard's admissions processes are the same for all applicants, including international students, regardless of nationality or citizenship.
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English language proficiency exams are not mandatory
Harvard requires the SAT or ACT to meet its standardised testing requirement. However, in exceptional cases, when students cannot access the SAT or ACT, other tests can be taken to meet the requirement. This includes instances where students face challenges in paying for or accessing a test site or are unable to secure an available seat at a test site before the deadline. In such cases, applicants will have the opportunity to provide an explanation for why they cannot submit SAT or ACT scores.
Harvard accepts other standardised tests or academic credentials if applicants choose to submit them. For example, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, A-levels, national leaving examinations, national or international contests, early high school assessment scores such as the PSAT or pre-ACT, or courses taken outside school during the school year or summer.
English language proficiency exams such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo cannot be used to meet the standardised testing requirement. However, students are welcome to submit them for review as part of their application materials. First-year and transfer applicants are not required to take an English proficiency exam, but they may submit scores if they wish to. Visiting Undergraduate Students program applicants are required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS exams.
Harvard's admissions processes are the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. Students who are non-US citizens attending secondary schools outside the US are not typically eligible for SAT or ACT fee waivers. However, if applicants are ineligible for fee waivers but still face financial hardship in paying for the SAT or ACT, the Admissions Committee encourages these students to apply and submit results from other standardised tests to which they have better access.
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Self-reported SAT scores are accepted
Harvard requires applicants to submit either SAT or ACT scores to meet its standardised testing requirement. However, in exceptional cases, when those tests are not accessible, students may submit alternative test results. This includes Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, A-levels, national leaving examinations, national or international contests, early high school assessment scores such as the PSAT or pre-ACT, or courses taken outside school.
Harvard accepts self-reported SAT scores from applicants. However, admitted students who decide to enrol at Harvard College and have submitted self-reported SAT scores will be required to submit official test scores at the time of enrolment. There are no score cut-offs, and Harvard does not admit "by the numbers". The admissions committee takes into account the applicant's educational background when reviewing their scores.
Harvard's admissions processes are the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. Students who are non-US citizens attending secondary schools outside the US are not typically eligible for SAT or ACT fee waivers. However, if applicants are ineligible for fee waivers but still face financial hardship in paying for the SAT or ACT, the admissions committee encourages them to apply and submit results from other standardised tests to which they have greater access.
Harvard does not conduct interviews for transfer applicants. If the admissions committee needs more information, they will contact the applicant. All transfer applicants, including international students, are eligible to apply for need-based financial aid.
Harvard recommends submitting standardised test scores from the November series or earlier for regular decision applicants, although it is possible to submit December scores for the SAT or February scores for the ACT. For restrictive early action applicants, Harvard would like testing results by the end of October, but applicants may submit the November series if needed.
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International students are eligible for need-based financial aid
Harvard requires applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores to meet its standardised testing requirements. However, in exceptional cases, the university may accept other standardised tests or academic credentials. For instance, students lacking access to the SAT or ACT may submit AP or GCSE results, IB/A-level/other national leaving exam predictions or results.
Harvard welcomes applications from students all over the world, and its admissions processes are the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. The university does not have quotas or limits based on citizenship or location of high school. Admissions decisions are made without regard to whether an applicant has applied for financial aid or is a foreign citizen.
Harvard offers generous need-based financial aid for all students, regardless of nationality or citizenship. The university meets each student's demonstrated need. Financial aid covers the full cost of tuition, as well as additional costs such as fees, food, and housing, based on individual financial circumstances. For families with annual incomes below $100,000, the expected parent contribution is zero. For families with incomes up to $200,000, financial aid will cover at least the full cost of tuition. Financial aid is available for students from families with incomes above $200,000, depending on individual circumstances. Families with significant assets will be asked to pay more, but home equity and retirement assets are not considered in the assessment of financial need.
Harvard's financial aid policies are the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality or citizenship. The university provides the same aid to international students as it does to American students. Although foreign students are not eligible for federal funding, Harvard offers its own job and scholarship money for international students. International students facing financial hardship in paying for the SAT or ACT are encouraged to apply and take other standardised tests that are more accessible to them.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Harvard requires SAT or ACT scores to meet its standardized testing requirement.
In exceptional cases, Harvard accepts other standardized tests or other academic credentials. The Admissions Committee does not expect applicants to go to extraordinary measures to access SAT or ACT test sites.
Harvard accepts other forms of testing such as AP, IB, GCSE, or National Leaving Exams.
No, the admissions process and requirements are the same for all applicants regardless of nationality or citizenship.
