Harvard Kennedy School GRE Requirements: What You Need to Know to Get In

Let’s be real. When people think “Harvard,” their heart rate spikes, especially when the GRE is involved. You’ve worked hard. You’ve got the passion, the vision, the résumé. But then there’s that voice in your head asking, “Are my GRE scores good enough for Harvard Kennedy School?”

I get it. I’ve been there.

When I applied to graduate school, I was a senior at Pomona College dreaming of Harvard. I didn’t know anyone in my family who had done this before. I ended up getting into Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School in the same year, and went on to earn both degrees simultaneously. While I was a student, I used a $10,000 grant from HBS to start The Art of Applying®, and since 2010, my team and I have helped thousands of applicants get into top graduate programs and win over $30 million in merit scholarships.

If you’re eyeing HKS but uncertain about GRE score requirements or whether you even need to submit test scores, you’re in the right place.

And if you’re feeling discouraged about your GRE scores or wondering whether you even “deserve” to apply, take a breath. I’ve coached thousands of applicants who didn’t fit the so-called perfect profile. Every year, top schools accept a few “wild cards” who break the mold. Why not you?

This blog post will walk you through:

What GRE scores Harvard Kennedy School expectsWhether GRE or GMAT is required for your degree programHow to know if your score is strong enough to be competitiveWhat to do if your GRE score isn’t ideal

Let’s get into it.

Do You Need to Take the GRE for Harvard Kennedy School?

Here’s the short answer: it depends on the program.

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) offers several degree programs, and GRE requirements vary by program. Some programs require GRE or GMAT scores, while others do not.

Test Score Waiver Policy

Before diving into specific requirements, it’s worth noting that HKS has implemented a test score waiver policy for certain circumstances. If you face financial hardship, lack access to testing centers, or encounter other barriers that prevent you from taking standardized tests, you may be eligible for a waiver. This policy recognizes that standardized testing can create inequitable barriers for some applicants.

For the most current information on their standardized test policy and waiver options, check out the latest updates on HKS’s admissions page. 

You can also contact the admissions office directly to understand if you qualify for a waiver and how to request one.

Required to Take the GRE:

You must submit GRE or GMAT scores if you’re applying to:

Master in Public Policy (MPP)Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID)

For these programs, submitting official test scores is a required part of the application process. No exceptions.

GRE Optional or Not Required:

If you’re applying to the Mid-Career Master’s in Public Administration (MC/MPA), GRE or GMAT scores are optional. You are not required to submit standardized test scores, but if you believe your test scores would strengthen your application, you can include them.

💡 Kaneisha’s Take: If your GPA is on the lower side or your quantitative experience is limited, submitting a solid GRE or GMAT score, even if it’s optional, can help boost your profile.

What GRE Scores Do You Need for Harvard Kennedy School?Let’s talk numbers.

There’s no published minimum GRE score requirement for Harvard Kennedy School. But let’s be real: there is a competitive range, and the average GRE scores can give us a pretty good idea of what applicants are bringing to the table.

I know it’s tempting to obsess over numbers. But GRE scores alone don’t win admission offers, compelling stories, clear goals, and strong letters of recommendation do. I’ve helped clients with below-average GRE scores get into HKS by crafting unforgettable applications that proved they were prepared for an Ivy League classroom without retaking the test over and over.

Harvard MPP GRE Scores:Verbal Reasoning: 160–164 (average)Quantitative Reasoning: 158–162 (average)Analytical Writing: 4.5–5.0 (average)Harvard MPA/ID GRE Scores:

This program is known for being highly quantitative, so expect higher math scores:

Quantitative Reasoning: 163+ (average)Verbal Reasoning: 157+ (average)

✅ A “good GRE score” for Harvard Kennedy School means a combined score above 320, ideally higher if you’re aiming for funding or more competitive programs.

GRE vs. GMAT: Which Should You Take?

You’re probably wondering, “Should I take the GRE or GMAT for Harvard Kennedy School?”

Here’s how to decide:If you’re applying only to HKS: Take the GRE. It’s widely accepted, and there’s more prep material geared toward public policy and international development applicants.If you’re also applying to business schools (like I did): The GMAT might make sense, but many MBA programs now accept the GRE too.

⚠️ Make sure to check each program’s admissions requirements. Some joint or concurrent degree programs (e.g., HKS + HBS) may have specific test score submission policies.

Is There a Minimum GRE Score Requirement?

No, there is no official minimum GRE score to apply to Harvard Kennedy School. But here’s the catch: the applicant pool is competitive, and admissions officers expect scores to be an effective demonstration of your academic readiness.

Translation: Just because there’s no published cut-off doesn’t mean low scores won’t hurt your chances.

Use these rough benchmarks:

Below 300: Not competitive for HKS310–319: Competitive depending on the rest of your application320+: Strong, especially if balanced across sections330+: Excellent, and could help compensate for weaker areas elsewhereCan a Low GRE Score Still Get You In?

Absolutely—if the rest of your application is strong.

At The Art of Applying®, we’ve helped applicants with GRE scores in the low 300s (and even below) get into HKS. How? By creating a standout application that showcases leadership, impact, and compelling personal narratives.

Here’s what can offset a lower GRE score:

A high-impact résumé with leadership in public serviceThoughtful, strategic essaysGlowing letters of recommendationRelevant work experienceStrong academic transcripts (even if not perfect)

🎓 One of our clients got into HKS with a GRE score under 310 and won a partial scholarship—all because the rest of their application was airtight.

And most importantly: be your most honest, self-expressed self. The admissions committee can tell when an applicant is faking it for prestige. Be real about who you are, what you care about, and why this degree matters to you.

When to Take the GRE and Submit Your ScoresTimeline Tip:

Plan to take the GRE at least 3–4 months before the HKS application deadline. This gives you time to:

Retake if neededReceive your official scoresSubmit your application stress-free

Planning ahead gives you breathing room to focus on the rest of your application, which honestly matters more. Essays, recommendations, your résumé—all of that creates the real story of who you are. The test score is just one puzzle piece.

Official Score Submission:

When submitting your application, you’ll be required to:

Report your unofficial scores in the application formArrange for ETS to submit official GRE scores directly to Harvard Kennedy School using their institution codeHow to Know If Your GRE Score Is Strong Enough

Wondering how to judge your score? Start by stepping back. Your score doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it lives inside the context of your whole application. I’ve worked with clients whose scores didn’t wow on paper, but their personal statements, professional backgrounds, and recommendations told a compelling story that got them into Harvard.

Ask yourself:

Is my GRE score close to or above the average GRE score for Harvard?Does my score demonstrate readiness for quantitative coursework?Do my essays, résumé, and letters of recommendation strengthen the overall picture?

If the answer is “yes,” you’re on the right track. If not, consider:

Retaking the GREFocusing on strengthening the rest of your applicationWorking with a coach to strategize around weaknessesApplication FAQs: GRE, GMAT, and Test Score Submission

Q: Do I have to take the GRE or GMAT to apply to HKS?
A: Only if your degree program requires it (MPP and MPA/ID). For MC/MPA, it’s optional.

Q: Can I submit both GRE and GMAT scores?
A: Yes, but choose the stronger one. Submitting both doesn’t necessarily help.

Q: Will submitting a GRE score make my application more competitive, even if it’s optional?
A: Yes, especially if it helps demonstrate quantitative readiness.

Q: Can I submit unofficial scores?
A: You’ll report unofficial scores in the application, but official scores must be submitted by ETS.

What Really Matters in Your HKS Application

Here’s what I want you to know:

Your GRE score is one piece of the puzzle, but it’s not the whole story. Harvard Kennedy School is looking for future public leaders, not just test-takers.

You don’t need a perfect GPA, perfect résumé, or perfect test score. What you do need is a powerful, authentic application that reflects who you truly are. I was 38 when I found out I had undiagnosed ADHD. It would’ve been easy to tell myself I didn’t belong at elite institutions but I’ve learned that your story is your strength. Own it.

If your score isn’t where you want it to be, don’t panic. What matters most is the overall strength and strategy of your application, how all the pieces work together to tell your story.

That’s what we specialize in at The Art of Applying®. We created the Application Accelerator® to help applicants like you stand out, even if you’re not a perfect test-taker or straight-A student.

If you’re serious about getting into HKS and want to work with a team that’s helped thousands of people just like you, it may be time to book a Quick Call with us. It’s free, and it could be the most effective way to move your application forward with clarity and confidence.

You’re not behind. You’re just getting started.