Fact check: What are the typical admission requirements for Harvard University?

1. Summary of the results

Harvard University has a highly structured and competitive admissions process. The basic requirements include:

• Application through Common Application or Coalition Application ^[1]
• Secondary school report and transcript
• Two teacher recommendations
• Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT preferred)
• Optional supplementary materials

The acceptance rate is extremely low at 3-4% ^[2], with successful applicants typically having:

• GPA around 4.0-4.2 ^{[2] [3]}
• SAT scores of 1500+ (typically 1550) ^{[2] [3]}
• ACT scores of 33+ ^[2]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements weren't addressed in the original question:

*International Students:

• Follow the same process as domestic students
• No citizenship-based quotas
• English proficiency tests recommended but not mandatory (IELTS 7.5, TOEFL 109) ^{[4] [2]}

Financial Considerations:

• Fee waivers available for students facing financial hardship
• Same financial aid policies for all applicants regardless of citizenship ^{[1] [4]}

Holistic Evaluation:

Harvard employs a "personal rating" system that evaluates:

• Leadership qualities
• Integrity
• Maturity
• Potential to contribute to the learning environment ^[5]

**3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement**

The question's focus on "typical requirements" might mislead applicants into thinking that meeting these requirements guarantees admission. Important considerations:

1. Academic Requirements:

• No strict GPA cutoff exists, despite high averages ^[1]
• No mandatory calculus requirement ^[1]
• Alternative standardized tests accepted if SAT/ACT inaccessible ^[4]

2. Beyond Numbers:*

The admissions process is holistic, considering factors beyond academic metrics. The university specifically looks for students who can:

• Inspire and educate peers
• Contribute to campus diversity
• Demonstrate personal qualities like kindness and maturity ^[5]

This comprehensive evaluation system benefits Harvard by allowing it to build a diverse, well-rounded student body while maintaining its elite academic status.