Can I Get into Harvard with a Low GPA? While it's certainly possible to get into Harvard with a low GPA, as the numbers bear out, it's improbable. For the Class of 2027, a mere 2.21% of admitted students to Harvard had GPAs below 3.5.
Regular Decision candidates apply by January 1 and receive notification by the end of March.
Applicants are notified by email when a decision is available to view in the Applicant Portal, normally by March 15. You can log in to the Applicant Portal to check the status of your application and track the receipt of required materials.
Most importantly, the Applicant Portal is where you'll view your admissions decision. Most applicants receive an email reminding them to check their portal and view their decision about 15 minutes after decisions are released.
If you are not selected for the position, you will receive an email from Harvard (address "academicpositions@harvard") letting you know. This email may come while the search is in progress, or it may come at the conclusion of the search. Can I make changes to my application after I have submitted it?
How can students increase their chances of receiving a likely letter from Harvard? Submit more recommendation letters. Stay in touch with the admissions email. Ask if there's anything else they need from you. Write a letter of intent. Be ranked in the top 3% of class. Have a GPA of 4.3.
If you don't pass their SAT/ACT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration. To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1580 SAT or a 36 ACT. You should also have a 4.2 GPA or higher.
Demonstrate leadership and extracurricular involvement. Harvard looks for students who are actively engaged outside the classroom. Highlight any significant leadership roles, volunteer work, research projects, or other meaningful activities. Emphasize your fit with Harvard.
Harvard's admissions process is famous for sending out Likely Letters to promising applicants. They send them out after an applicant has submitted a full application, but prior to the release of Regular Decision acceptance letters. Sometimes, admissions officers will call students instead of sending them a letter.