Harvard College  ADMISSIONS

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Required Admissions Testing

What standardized tests does Harvard require?

For the Class of 2011, students may submit either the "old" SAT I or ACT taken before March 2005, or the new SAT or ACT (which must include the writing section). Students must also submit three SAT II exams of their choosing. For information about the SATs, consult www.collegeboard.org/; for the ACT www.act.org.

Are there minimum required SAT I, ACT or SAT II scores?

Harvard does not have clearly defined, required minimum scores; however, the majority of students admitted to the College represent a range of scores from roughly 600 to 800 on each section of the SAT I as well as on the SAT II Subject Tests. We regard test results as helpful indicators of academic ability and achievement when considered thoughtfully among many other factors. The Admissions Committee understands that international students may not be as familiar with the SAT and ACT formats as American citizens. Nevertheless, international students who distinguish themselves for admission often present the Committee with exceptionally strong standardized testing by any measure.

Which SAT II Subject Tests should students take?

To satisfy our application requirements, applicants must take three SAT II Subject Tests and may choose any three subjects, using the following guidelines:

* The English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) is not acceptable.
* Candidates whose native language is not English should not take an SAT II test in their native language as one of the three required tests.
* Candidates who took the Writing (in English) subject test when it was offered (January 2005 or earlier) are strongly encouraged to include the results in their applications.

Applicants may wish to convey the breadth of their academic interests by taking tests in different subjects.

What if English is not a student's first language?

A strong knowledge of English is essential for successful study at Harvard, including the ability to understand and express thoughts quickly and clearly. We require the results of the SAT I and three SAT II Subject Tests for all candidates. The SAT II English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) is not acceptable for this purpose. Students are not required to submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Candidates whose native language is not English should not take any of their three SAT II tests in their native language.

Must students sitting for GCE A-levels or other international credentials submit SAT I and SAT II scores?

Yes. We realize students educated abroad may be unfamiliar with these examination formats, but all applicants must submit the results of the SAT I and three SAT II Subject Tests.

What if students cannot take the SAT or ACT in their country?

The SAT I and SAT II tests are now given in almost all countries. We realize that students might have to travel some distance or might have to plan for testing long in advance, but these test results are required tools in our analysis of applications. In our competitive applicant pool, students lacking these test results are usually denied admission. Foreign students in one of the very few countries where the SAT is not available (for example, China) may submit alternative testing such as the Graduate Record Examination. For more information about the GRE, consult www.gre.org. Students in such countries should also take the TOEFL.

Does Harvard consider scores from previous administrations of the SAT I, ACT or SAT II?

Yes.

If a student takes the required tests more than once, which results does Harvard consider?

We consider a student's best test scores, but it is generally our experience that taking tests more than twice offers diminishing returns.