Harvard University is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the world, founded in 1636 and a member of the Ivy League. Many of its academic disciplines consistently rank among the top globally, including law, medicine, business, engineering, and the basic sciences.
Harvard University
2025 U.S. News National University Ranking: 3rd
2025 U.S. News Global Universities Ranking: 1st
2025 QS World University Ranking: 4th
So, what GRE score do you need to get into Harvard? Today, BiKaoTi walks you through the details:
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GRE score ranges of previously admitted Harvard students
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GRE requirements for popular Harvard programs
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Application deadlines for popular Harvard programs
Past Admitted Student Data and GRE Requirements
1. Harvard Business School (HBS)
Harvard Business School (HBS) is a premier institution cultivating business elites in the United States, known as the "cradle" of entrepreneurs, executives, and general managers. Its MBA program, the flagship of HBS, enjoys worldwide renown.
MBA Program
The GRE is one of the required components for MBA application. The median GRE scores of admitted students are 163 Quantitative and 163 Verbal. The middle 80% range from 157 to 168 on Verbal and 157 to 169 on Quantitative.
Image from Harvard official website
The average GPA of admitted MBA students is 3.69, with most undergraduate majors in business. The MBA program highly values work experience; admitted students have an average of 5 years of work experience, with industry backgrounds primarily in consulting, finance, and technology.
Image from Harvard official website
2. Harvard Kennedy School (HKS)
Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is one of the world's renowned graduate schools of public policy and public administration, covering fields such as public policy, international affairs, economic and social policy, environmental and climate policy, national security, urbanization and infrastructure.
1. Master in Public Policy (MPP)
The MPP program requires GRE scores, unless an applicant can request a waiver by achieving a B+ (or equivalent) or higher in intermediate-level economics and statistics (or calculus) courses.
Image from Harvard official website
2. Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID)
GRE scores are required for the MPA/ID program, and a quantitative score of 160 or above will significantly enhance the competitiveness of your application.
Image from Harvard official website
3. Master in Public Administration (MPA)
The MPA program requires GRE scores. However, applicants can request a waiver if they have achieved a B+ or higher in two college-level courses in economics, statistics, or mathematics (algebra or higher).
Image from Harvard official website
3. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH)
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH) is one of the world's top institutions for public health education and research, ranking first globally in public health in the 2024 ARWU ranking. The school's programs cover epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and more, and it houses multiple research centers.
1. Master of Public Health (MPH)
GRE scores are optional for the Harvard MPH program, though the program notes that strong quantitative skills are an important factor for a successful application.
Image from Harvard official website
2. Master of Science (SM)
For the Harvard Chan School's Master of Science (SM) programs, most tracks require GRE scores, including biostatistics, health data science, environmental health, and computational biology and quantitative genetics. A total GRE score of 330 or above is recommended to boost application competitiveness.
Image from Harvard official website
4. Harvard Law School (HLS)
Harvard Law School is one of the oldest and most prestigious law schools in the United States, enjoying an outstanding global reputation. Notable alumni include former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as several Supreme Court justices such as John Roberts and Elena Kagan.
GRE scores are a mandatory component for J.D. applicants, and admitted students typically present very high scores. The median GRE scores for the J.D. program are 165 Quantitative, 167 Verbal, and 5.5 Analytical Writing. Moreover, the top 25% of admitted students achieved a stellar 169 on both Verbal and Quantitative sections and a perfect score on the Analytical Writing section, underscoring the program's demanding GRE expectations.
Program Application Deadlines
We have also compiled a detailed list of application deadlines and GRE requirements for popular Harvard programs. Most 25Fall deadlines have passed; students planning for 26Fall should start preparing early to seize the best opportunities!
| Program Name | GRE Requirement | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Public Policy | Required | 12/3/2024 |
| Public Administration in International Development | Required | |
| Public Administration | Required | |
| MBA | Required | Round 1: 9/4/2024 Round 2: 1/6/2025 |
| Biostatistics | Required | 12/1/2024 |
| Clinical Effectiveness (MPH) | Optional | |
| Computational Biology and Quantitative Genetics | Required | |
| Environmental Health | Required | |
| Epidemiology | Required | |
| Global Health (MPH) | Optional | |
| Global Health (SM) | Required | |
| Health and Social Behavior (MPH) | Optional | |
| Health Data Science | Required | |
| Health Management (MPH) | Optional | |
| Health Policy and Management (SM) | Optional | |
| Health Policy (MPH) | Optional | |
| Occupational and Environmental Health | Optional | |
| Quantitative Methods | Optional | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | Required | |
| LL.M. | Optional | |
| J.D. | Required | 2/15/2025 |
In summary, most popular Harvard programs require GRE scores!
It is advisable for applicants planning to apply to Harvard to start GRE preparation early to enhance competitiveness and seize the application advantage!
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