Harvard doesn’t publish a hard GPA cutoff, but competitive applicants are usually around a 3.9 to 4.0 unweighted GPA or about a 4.2 weighted GPA. The bigger picture is that Harvard also looks closely at course rigor, test scores, extracurriculars, and overall impact.

What that means

  • There is no guaranteed GPA that gets you in.
  • A near-perfect transcript is the norm for admitted students.
  • Advanced classes matter, so an A in AP/IB/dual-enrollment courses is stronger than an A in easier classes.

Rough target

GPA type| Competitive range
---|---
Unweighted GPA| 3.9–4.0+ 39
Weighted GPA| 4.15–4.25+ 159

Simple rule of thumb

If your GPA is below that range, you can still be in the conversation, but you’ll usually need standout strengths elsewhere, like top test scores, major achievements, leadership, or a compelling personal story.

In short: aim for almost all A’s, especially in the hardest classes your school offers.