Admissions Student Life
‘Throwing Away Information’: Harvard’s Test Optional Policies Face Expert Criticism
As Harvard College prepares to admit its fourth straight class without requiring applicants to submit test scores, questions — and criticisms — surrounding test-optional admissions policies continue to mount.
Ten Stories That Shaped 2023
In 2023, Harvard had a tumultuous year. Claudine Gay’s first semester ended amid a leadership crisis as she came under fire for her response to tensions on a campus divided by the Israel-Hamas war and faced allegations of plagiarism. Harvard’s legacy and donor preferences in admissions also faced national scrutiny following the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling striking down the University’s affirmative action policy. Across campus, scandal after scandal hit parts of the University. Here, The Crimson looks back at the 10 stories that shaped 2023 at Harvard.
‘Surreal,’ ‘Thrilled’: Applicants React to Admission to Class of 2026
Students admitted to the Class of 2026 expressed shock, excitement, and disbelief upon receiving their Harvard acceptances.
Undergraduate Admissions Council Establishes Role to Support Veteran Applicants
As student coordinators on the Harvard Admissions Office’s Undergraduate Admissions Council, Ashley N. Emann ’23 and Hudson T. Miller ’23 hold talks for prospective veteran applicants covering topics like housing, financial aid, and transfer credit.
Harvard Sues Insurer to Recoup Legal Fees After Admissions Lawsuit Exceeds $25 Million
After racking up more than $25 million in legal fees defending its admissions practices against anti-affirmative action group Students for Fair Admissions, Harvard filed suit against its excess insurance company Friday for allegedly refusing to cover legal fees in the ongoing SFFA case.
‘The Most Diverse Class in the History of Harvard’: Meet Five Students from the Class of 2025
The Class of 2025 admitted 1,968 students out of a record-high 57,435 applicants, marking the lowest admissions rate and the most diverse class in the College's history. Here are 5 students from the historic Class of 2025.
Students Admitted Early to Class of 2025 React with Surprise, Elation
Early admits to Harvard College's Class of 2025 said they reacted with surprise and gratitude at receiving their acceptance letters.
Harvard Admits Record Low 7.4% of Early Action Applicants to the Class of 2025
Harvard College’s early action acceptance rate decreased to 7.4 percent as the number of total applicants hit a record high, marking the most competitive early admissions cycle in Harvard history.
Class of 2025 Athletic Recruits Say Potential Pandemic Postponements Won’t Faze Them
Despite the Ivy League’s decision to cancel fall sports, many athletic recruits committed to the Harvard College Class of 2025 say they stand by their choice.
‘A Great Initiative, But It’s Just Not the Same’: Class of 2024 Admits Weigh Pros and Cons of Virtual Visitas
Students admitted to the Harvard Class of 2024 said they saw both pros and cons to this year's "Virtual Visitas".
Do's and Don'ts of Flexing Your Harvard Acceptance
While getting into Harvard is exciting, sharing the news can get you into sticky situations if you go about it in the wrong way.
Harvard to Consider Potential Audit, Regulations of Student Comps
The College’s Committee on Student Life is considering an audit of “comp” processes, according to several attendees of the Feb. 14 committee meeting. Concerns voiced among members of the committee follow previous debate within the UC about the merits of comps.
Record 42,742 Apply to Harvard College
Harvard College received a record-breaking 42,742 applications for admission to the Class of 2022—setting a record for the fourth consecutive year.
With Gen Ed Transition in Flux, Upperclassmen Offer Mixed Reactions
For students currently attending the College, the gradual move to a new General Education program has been met with a range of reactions.
Financial Aid Office Updates Shoestring Strategies App
Shoestring Strategies for Life @ Harvard now includes a centralized calendar and section on health and wellness in a bid to further support students once they matriculate.
Record Number of Prospective Freshmen Attend Visitas
Decked out in red Harvard bags and toting maps, brochures, and programs, a record number of prospective freshmen descended on Harvard Yard over weekend for Visitas.
Prospective Freshmen of Visitas 2016
The Harvard Crimson asks prospective members of the class of 2020 what they think of Harvard during Visitas 2016.
Square Businesses Gear Up for Visitas
As students prepare to welcome the Class of 2020 on campus for Visitas, Harvard’s weekend for its admitted students, local businesses are likewise gearing up for their arrival.
Experts Put New SAT to the Test, Examining Changes and Implications
The new test comes during a time of national discussion on the accessibility, predictive ability, and consequent future of standardized testing in the college admissions process.
College Admissions Experts Describe Unease Over New SAT
The first administration of the revised SAT exam will take place this Saturday, and experts remain unsure as to whether students have been able to adequately prepare for the new test.
Students Debate Affirmative Action Goals at Discussion
At a discussion hosted by several cultural student groups, undergraduates debated merits of affirmative action policies in college admissions amid widespread scrutiny of Harvard’s own admissions process.
Midwest Club Creates Free Admissions Guide for High Schools
Looking to provide free college admissions advice for students in the Midwest, the Harvard College Midwest Club has created an online college guide.
In Fisher Amicus Brief, Harvard Defends Affirmative Action
In the 27-page brief, Harvard urged the Court to continue permitting the consideration of race as a factor in college admissions processes, arguing that a diverse student body is “a compelling interest that justifies race-conscious admissions in higher education.”
Months In, Some Students Still Skeptical of Admissions Lawsuit
Alex J. Pong ’16, a Chinese American student who is a president of Harvard’s Asian American Association, said the lawsuit represents another attack on affirmative action, “just using a different lens this time.”
Harvard Joins Coalition To Offer Common App Alternative
Harvard will offer a new college application platform that positions itself as a more individualized alternative to the Common Application