Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts · Founded 1636
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SAT / ACT required
Harvard requires the SAT or ACT. In limited exceptional cases where a student cannot access testing, alternative exams (AP, IB, A-Level, national exams) may be accepted. Source: college.harvard.edu (verified August 2026).
About
A private Ivy League research university and the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Harvard combines a liberal arts undergraduate college with a large group of world-renowned graduate schools.
History
Founded in 1636 and named after its first benefactor, clergyman John Harvard, in 1639. It has operated continuously in Cambridge ever since.
What stands out
- Liberal arts core with wide freedom to explore before declaring a concentration
- One of the largest academic library systems in the world
- Extensive alumni network across public life, research and industry
- Historic Harvard Yard at the center of campus
Popular majors
Campus life
Undergraduates live in a house system that organizes social and academic life for all four years. Cambridge and Boston offer a dense student scene, and athletics, arts and student publications are deeply rooted.