Harvard University does not prefer one test over the other. The institution accepts both the SAT and the ACT equally as part of its holistic admissions process. Applicants may submit scores from either exam, and Harvard evaluates them without bias toward one format.
Harvard’s admissions policy emphasizes that standardized test scores are just one component among many, including academic transcripts, extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university is committed to flexibility and fairness, recognizing that students may perform better on one test due to individual strengths or testing preferences.
Additionally, Harvard has reinstated its standardized testing requirement for applicants beginning with the Class of 2029, after a temporary suspension during the pandemic. However, it continues to accept either the SAT or the ACT, and it does not require the optional essay sections of either exam.
In summary, Harvard holds no preference between the ACT and the SAT. Applicants should choose the test that best showcases their academic abilities and prepare accordingly.