2025 Entry Standardized Test Policy
Updated June 28, 2024: As of today, our policy regarding standardized tests has changed for this upcoming admissions cycle. Please review the below chart for more information:
| Degree Program | Standardized test requirement* for 2025-2026 academic year program entry |
| Master of Public Health (MPH) all fields of study | Optional with guidance** |
| Master in Health Care Management (MHCM) | Optional |
Master of Science (SM):
|
Required |
Master of Science (SM):
|
Optional with guidance** |
| Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) | Optional |
If you are interested in a PhD program, please check the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences site.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions at admissions@hsph.harvard.edu.
*Standardized exams include GRE, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, and DAT. English proficiency tests as outlined below are still required for applicants for whom English is not their first language and have not received any degrees from a university where English is the language of instruction.
** The Harvard Chan MPH (all fields of study) and SM 42.5 in Health Policy in Management programs have a GRE/standardized test-optional policy. Strong quantitative skills are an important element of success in these programs. To ensure admitted students have a baseline level of quantitative proficiency, the admissions committee considers evidence of quantitative ability as part of its holistic review process.
For many applicants, the reviewers will be able to assess quantitative aptitude through prior coursework (such as calculus and/or statistics), and relevant public health experience (including research projects or publications or other projects involving analytic/quantitative skills, as noted on the applicant’s resume/CV). However, we recognize that our applicants come from diverse education systems, with varied emphases in their academic training. Thus, for some applicants, the GRE can be helpful for reviewers to assess quantitative preparation.
We recommend that the following applicants submit the GRE or other standardized test scores:
- Applicants who did not take any quantitative coursework at the undergraduate or graduate level and whose professional experience does not clearly demonstrate their quantitative skills.
- Applicants who have taken a quantitative course at the undergraduate or graduate level and received a grade lower than “B” (or international equivalent) and whose professional experience does not clearly demonstrate their quantitative skills.
- Applicants who believe that their application does not demonstrate quantitative proficiency.
The reviewers primarily consider the GRE but will also consider the MCAT, DAT, GMAT, and LSAT for applicants who have completed the relevant professional degree. Applicants are welcome to email the MPH Program at mph@hsph.harvard.edu if they have questions.
At this time, the change in policy mentioned above is for applicants planning to apply for entry in 2025.
Typical Standardized Test Policy
If you are applying for the 2025-2026 academic year, please see “2025 Entry Standardized Test Policy” above for the current policy. For future application cycles, the policy is subject to change. The following information describes the typical Standardized Examination policy. All applicants to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health are required to submit official standardized examination scores. This requirement will not be waived. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants unless the applicants fall into one of the categories listed below under Other Standardized Tests. The School will also accept the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Please report your GRE scores to SOPHAS using the ETS code 3456. Even though we do not have a minimum GRE score requirement, many successful candidates typically score above the 60th percentile in the quantitative section of the GRE. If you took the exam more than five years ago, ETS will no longer provide official score reports. Please email us at admissions@hsph.harvard.edu, and we will be happy to walk through options with you to determine whether you need to retake the exam.
Other Standardized Tests
Some programs may consider other test scores under the conditions listed below. We will not accept USMLE or ECFMG scores in lieu of GREs.
Dental Admission Test (DAT): Applicants with a dental degree or who are currently enrolled in a graduate-level dental degree program at an accredited dental school in the US or Canada may submit DAT scores in lieu of the GRE. Send scores directly to the Harvard Chan School Admissions Office.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): Applicants with an MBA or DBA or who are currently enrolled in an MBA or DBA program at an accredited graduate school of management or business in the US or Canada may submit GMAT scores in lieu of the GRE. All applicants to the MPH in Health Management or Health Policy may submit GMAT scores. Send scores directly to the School with designation code HRLJ673.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT): Health Policy applicants with a JD or who are enrolled in a graduate-level law degree program at an accredited law school in the US or Canada may submit LSAT scores in lieu of the GRE. JD/MPH applicants who are currently in their first year at Harvard Law School may also submit LSAT scores in lieu of the GRE. Have scores forwarded to you in a sealed envelope. You should send this unopened envelope directly to the Harvard Chan School Admissions Office.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Applicants who have taken the MCAT may submit those scores to satisfy the standardized examination requirement. The USMLE is not accepted by Harvard Chan School as a substitute. Applicants may designate SOPHAS as a recipient of MCAT scores.
Note: If SOPHAS will not allow you to enter MCAT scores due to a different format, please include the test date and scores in the “Other Relevant Information” section and have an official score report sent to our office.
English Proficiency
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health requires one of the English language proficiency tests listed below for applicants for whom English is not their first language and who have not received any degrees from a university where English is the official language of instruction. Post-graduate medical residency in the United States does not grant an exemption from this testing requirement.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
The Harvard Chan School prefers a 104+ on the TOEFL IBT and our minimum score requirement is 100 with sub-section scores of 25 or higher on the IBT. We do not accept the My Best score. Please report official TOEFL scores to the School at code number 3456. If you have already started your SOPHAS application, please report your scores to code 5688.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test:
The Harvard Chan School will accept the IELTS Academic Test with a score of 7.5 or greater. Please report your official test score in the SOPHAS application using your TRF number.
The Harvard Chan School will accept the Duolingo English Test with a score of 140 or greater. Please have an official score report sent directly to the Harvard Chan School. Click here for instructions on sending official Duolingo English Test scores.