University Insights

Harvard University's Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029

Harvard University Acceptance Rates for the Class of 2029
2025/09/02

Arkesh P.

Chief Operating Officer

Summary

Harvard’s estimated overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 is 3.63%, consistent with its historical range of 3.2–3.6%, despite a delay in data reporting due to new Harvard policies. Restrictive Early Action continues to offer a relative admissions advantage, with estimated acceptance around 9%, compared to approximately 2.8% for the Regular Decision round. Despite a decline in total applicants following reinstated SAT/ACT requirements, Harvard clearly remains extremely selective.

Harvard University's Overall Acceptance Rate by Year

* Estimated pending release of data
Class of 2029Class of 2028Class of 2027
Number of Applicants53,700*54,00856,937
Number of Acceptances1,950*1,9371,942
Acceptance Rate3.63%*3.58%3.41%
Advice From Our Crimson Strategists

Harvard's admissions remain fiercely competitive, demanding not only exceptional academic performance but also evidence of meaningful engagement and genuine passion. Applicants should focus on standing out authentically in academics, service, and leadership while pursuing authentic personal, scholarly, and intellectual passions and interests that will help them present a unique and exceptional applicant profile.

Harvard’s Restrictive Early Action Acceptance Results

Although Harvard isn’t releasing its REA results for the Class of 2029 until October/November 2025, we can make thoughtful projections based on years of Harvard data we track.

Over the past four years Harvard’s REA acceptance rate has hovered between 7–8%, providing a fairly reliable range for estimating this year's REA acceptance rate.

Restrictive Early Action Acceptance Rate Data for Harvard

* Estimated pending release of data
Class of 2029Class of 2028Class of 2027Class of 2026
Total REA Applications6,950*7,9219,5539,406
Number Accepted640*692722740
% of Students Admitted Under REA32.8%*35.7%37.2%37.9%
REA Acceptance Rate9.2%*8.7%7.6%7.9%

Harvard's REA acceptance rates for the past three years reveal a significant statistical advantage for applicants who are able to apply before the early-round deadline and willing to accept the restrictive nature of the policy.

The data also show that applicants admitted in the early round make up a signification proportion of overall admitted students.

Why Apply Early Action?

Harvard's Regular Decision Acceptance Results

Regular Decision Acceptance Rate Data for Harvard

* Estimated pending release of data
Class of 2029Class of 2028Class of 2027Class of 2026
Total RD Applications46,750*46,08747,38451,814
Number Accepted1,310*1,2451,2201,214
RD Acceptance Rate2.8%*2.7%2.57%2.34%

The RD acceptance rate continues to be exceptionally competitive year after year at Harvard, remaining below 3%. While the rate may be edging upward, we must rely on estimates until Harvard leaders release figures in the fall.

Historical Acceptance Rates at Harvard

* Estimated pending release of data
Class YearTotal ApplicationsTotal AcceptedOverall RateRD RateEA Rate
202953,700*1,950*3.63%*2.8%*9.2%*
202854,0081,9373.6%2.7%8.7%
202756,9371,9423.4%2.6%7.6%
202661,2201,9543.2%2.3%7.9%
202557,4351,9683.4%2.6%7.4%
How To Stand Out in Harvard’s Admissions Process

Academic Excellence: Maintain top grades in rigorous coursework and a high overall GPA.

Strong Essays: Use well-crafted essays to showcase your unique voice and story.

Leadership and Extracurriculars: Demonstrate meaningful engagement outside the classroom.

Test Scores: Aim for high SAT or ACT scores within or above Harvard's reported range.

Final Thoughts

If you're a prospective student thinking about Harvard, be sure to check out our full guide on How to Get Into Harvard!

Otherwise, congratulations to all students admitted to Harvard's Class of 2029 — your achievement reflects remarkable dedication and excellence.

For those considering applying to Harvard in the future, the admissions landscape is increasingly competitive, making strategic preparation essential.

To get the best possible advantage, we encourage students to learn more about our world-leading college admissions consulting. Our superbly qualified consultants are committed to student growth and our students' admissions success, helping students turn their authentic strengths and passions into applications that stand out.

If you're interested in Harvard or other top universities, schedule a free feedback session with a Crimson expert. You can also join any of our upcoming events and webinars — a convenient way to meet some of our consultants while gaining nuanced strategy tips you can put to work for your own college journey.

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Harvard University Acceptance Rates for the Class of 2029 - Crimson Education