Yes. A 1550 is a very strong Harvard SAT score. It sits close to the median for enrolled students and within the typical Harvard SAT range. It keeps you competitive, but admission also depends on grades, course rigor, activities, essays, recommendations, and context. Harvard currently requires an SAT or ACT score, with limited alternatives only in exceptional access cases.

Quick facts

• Harvard testing policy: SAT or ACT is required for the Class of 2029 and later. In rare cases where neither test is accessible, certain national or curriculum exams may be considered. Harvard Gazette
• Among enrolled first years in Fall 2024, 54 percent submitted SAT and 19 percent submitted ACT.
• Score profile of enrolled students:
  
  • EBRW: 25th 740, 50th 760, 75th 780
  • Math: 25th 770, 50th 790, 75th 800
    These section percentiles imply a composite middle band near 1510 to 1580, with a midpoint around 1550.
• Selectivity: The Class of 2028 admit rate was about 3.6 percent. This context matters because many applicants have top scores.

How a 1550 compares at Harvard

• You are right on benchmark. A 1550 aligns with the median of enrolled students. Your test score is unlikely to be a weak point.
• Balanced sections help. A split like 760 EBRW and 790 Math mirrors section medians. There is no official minimum per section, but these data show what is typical among enrolled students.
• Policy on mixing scores: Harvard does not create a new superscore. The college notes the highest SAT section scores across test dates and your best single ACT sitting.

What matters beyond your SAT

Harvard’s Common Data Set shows selection factors where academics and personal qualities both matter. Rigor of courses, GPA, essays, recommendations, activities, and character are emphasized along with test scores. In that matrix, standardized tests are important, but not the only driver.

Focus on:

• Course rigor and grades. Take the most challenging courses available to you and keep top marks.
• Impactful activities. Depth, outcomes, and leadership carry more weight than long lists.
• Strong recommendations and essays. They should show intellectual curiosity, initiative, and fit for the Harvard community.

Should you retake with a 1550

• Usually no. Once you are at the median, your time is usually better spent on essays, demonstrating impact, and polishing the overall application.
• Consider a retake only if:
  
  • You can credibly reach 1580 or higher without weakening other parts of the application.
  • One section score is far below your practice range.
• Score reporting note: Harvard records highest SAT section scores across dates, which already captures improvements by section.

Practical next steps

1. Lock in your 1550 unless practice data show a realistic jump with low opportunity cost.
2. Max out academic rigor and keep grades high through senior fall. Use counselor and teacher input to position your curriculum choices.
3. Show measurable impact in a small number of activities. Document outcomes and leadership.
4. Write focused essays that connect your experiences to how you will contribute on campus.
5. Choose the right recommenders who can speak to your curiosity and character, not just your grades.
6. Confirm testing requirements and any allowed alternatives only if SAT or ACT access is truly limited.

FAQs

Is 1550 a good SAT score for Harvard?

Yes. It is right around the median of enrolled students and within the typical range. It will not guarantee admission, but it places you in a competitive position.

What is Harvard’s current testing policy?

Harvard requires an SAT or ACT score for the Class of 2029 and later. Alternatives such as AP, IB, A Levels, or national exams may be accepted only in exceptional access cases.

Does Harvard superscore the SAT?

Harvard does not create a composite superscore. The college reviews the highest SAT section scores across test dates and the best single ACT sitting.

Do most enrolled students submit test scores?

For Fall 2024 enrollees, 54 percent submitted SAT scores and 19 percent submitted ACT scores.

What SAT section scores are typical at Harvard?

For enrolled students, EBRW percentiles were 740 at the 25th, 760 at the 50th, and 780 at the 75th. Math percentiles were 770, 790, and 800.

How selective is Harvard overall?

The Class of 2028 acceptance rate was about 3.6 percent, which means even top scorers face intense competition.

References

[1] LifeWorks (lifeworks.life)

[2] Harvard University Common Data Set 2024 to 2025 PDF, section percentiles and submission rates (harvard.edu)

[3] Harvard College FAQ, Does Harvard superscore test results (college.harvard.edu)

[4] Harvard Gazette, Harvard announces return to required testing (news.harvard.edu)

[5] Harvard OIRA Fact Book, College Admissions data and admit rate context (oira.harvard.edu)

[6] The Harvard Crimson, Harvard accepts 3.59 percent of applicants to Class of 2028 (thecrimson.com)