Harvard University maintains no universal minimum GRE requirements, as individual graduate programs establish their own score expectations. Competitive applicants typically present scores at or above the 90th percentile in each section, though specific expectations vary significantly by academic discipline and program competitiveness.
Program-Specific Score Expectations
Different Harvard divisions maintain distinct scoring priorities.
- Engineering and Applied Sciences. Quantitative scores typically range from 165-170 (90th-97th percentiles), while verbal sections generally expect 160-165 (85th-95th percentiles). These ranges represent what GRE score you need for Harvard in technical fields.
- Humanities and Social Sciences. Verbal scores often reach 162-167 (89th-98th percentiles), with quantitative sections frequently averaging 158-162 (67th-83rd percentiles).
- Interdisciplinary Programs. Balanced profiles with both sections above the 85th percentile typically prove competitive for these departments.
Competitive Score Analysis
Successful applicants generally demonstrate exceptional section performance.
- Verbal Reasoning Benchmark. Competitive scores typically begin at 162 (90th percentile) for most programs, representing the baseline for what GRE score you need for Harvard in verbal reasoning.
- Quantitative Reasoning Standards. Technical programs expect scores above 165 (90th percentile), while humanities departments may accept scores near 160 (72nd percentile).
- Analytical Writing Threshold. Most admitted students achieve 4.5 or higher, with many programs expecting scores at or above the 5.0 level.
Strategic Application Considerations
Score evaluation occurs within broader application context.
- Holistic Review Process. Exceptional scores cannot compensate for weak application components, while moderately lower scores may be offset by outstanding research or professional experience.
- Departmental Research Imperative. Prospective applicants should investigate specific program websites for recent admitted student score ranges.
- Balanced Preparation Approach. While understanding what GRE score you need for Harvard provides useful guidance, comprehensive application development remains equally important.
The specific GRE score you need for Harvard depends entirely on your target program's current admission standards and the competitiveness of each application cycle. Prospective applicants should aim for scores at or above the 90th percentile in their program's emphasized sections while developing equally strong complementary application components.