Harvard University: Acceptance Rates, Application and Rankings

Being the school of excellence, Harvard University attracts plenty of students across the world. But do you know what makes the institution so special? It is the strong reputation, global rankings, and advanced learning facilities of Harvard that make it popular among students. Moreover, graduates from this college can easily secure a job in any corner of the world. In addition, scholars face fierce competition to get admission because of Harvard acceptance rate, which is very low. Now, let’s find out the details about the application process, rankings and tips to increase your chances of getting into Harvard.

Acceptance Rates of Harvard University

The Harvard acceptance rate stands at 3.2% which specifies the college follows a strict admission process. The college is highly competitive, which restricts students to get admission into the institution. Thus, students with strong scholarly results, unique talents and diverse knowledge only get access to Harvard.

The college has the third-lowest acceptance rate in the world. The key reason behind the low rate is that Harvard looks for students with unique qualities. Now that you know about the admission rates, let’s find out how you can apply to Harvard.

How to Apply to Harvard University? 

The application process to apply to Harvard University requires students to follow several steps. However, students may get confused while completing the process. Hence, the details below provide a step-wise guide to ensure a smooth application.

Choose Application Platform – You should choose between two platforms, namely Coalition and Common Application, to start the process.

Fill the Details –  Once you choose the platform, fill out vital details including your academic background, personal data and a list of your additional activities, such as sports. Also, you will need to attach your LOR, SOP and SAT or ACT scores.

Submit the Documents – After filling in the details, you will need to submit key documents, such as your high school results. Students can add this transcript digitally.

Complete Harvard Supplement – It is a set of short-answer questions which applicants need to respond for showing their skills. These supplements allow the admission committee to learn about the prospect’s goals.

Submit the Application – After completing the above steps, you can submit your application by paying the fee, which is around $90 (INR 7,928). 

Rankings of Harvard University

Harvard has been ranked among the best five institutions in the world by famous ranking authorities. These organisations include QS, US News and Times Higher Education, which are known for offering rankings to top colleges. The details below show Harvard’s 2025 ranking and their criteria. 

QS World Rankings

Harvard has secured the #3 position globally in 2026 based on the QS World rankings. However, it was on the #4 spot in 2025, which signifies a resilient performance. It is a positive sign for students and faculty, suggesting constant enhancement in college facilities.

US News

The American news magazine provides annual rankings of global colleges, which are known as U.S. News World Rankings. Based on these rankings, Harvard has secured the #1 position because of its scholarly merit. This ranking is based on retention rates, faculty aids and student selectivity.

Times Higher Education (THE)

Harvard has proved its prestige by securing the #3 spot in THE rankings with a total score of around 97.7. These rankings assess the college across various factors like research, global outlook and teaching. Moreover, it reflects strong international links and fine research output.

Tips to Get into Harvard

Getting into Harvard University may feel like a daunting task because of its low acceptance rates. However, you can increase your chances of getting into college by following the tips below. Read on!

Secure a High GPA – If you desire to get into this college, you must focus on securing a high GPA of 4.0 or above. Although Harvard doesn’t require SAT or ACT scores mandatorily, they can help you secure admission.

Strong Recommendation Letter – Another key tip that will help you secure admission here is focusing on writing a strong LOR. In addition, you should ask your mentors to provide detailed information about your skills and scholarly performance in the letter.

Consider Early Application -  Prospects who apply early to the college signify that Harvard is their top choice. Further, it indicates your strong commitment to the institution, which boosts your chances of admission.

Seek Expert Assistance – Students can seek guidance from study abroad experts such as Gradding.com. These mentors offer planned guidance, such as course selection and exam preparation. Further, they can help you create a strong application to get access to Harvard.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, students seeking admission into Harvard University should focus on creating a strong academic record. Being a globally recognised college, it only admits the best students, and your scholarly merit can help you secure entry here. Moreover, except for focusing on this, you can seek help from experts such as Gradding.com, which is one of the best study abroad consultants Noida, Jaipur and Udaipur.

Also Read: CGPA to Percentage