In a recent and notable shift, Harvard College has seen a 17% drop in early applications for its Class of 2028, marking a four-year low.
Amidst the backdrop of controversy surrounding elite universities, particularly in their handling of antisemitism, these figures reveal a changing landscape in college admissions.
This decline in applications contrasts with the pandemic-driven surge in 2020, when Harvard received over 10,000 early applications.
However, the specific reasons for this recent decrease are not entirely clear but occur during a time of significant challenges, including antisemitic policies and a landmark Supreme Court decision.
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While early applications are down significantly, Harvard’s acceptance rate increased. The university accepted 692 students out of 7,921 applicants, resulting in an 8.7% acceptance rate, a slight increase from last year’s 7.6%.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling, declaring the affirmative action admissions programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina unconstitutional, has likely influenced the admissions environment.
While this ruling has had significant implications for the admissions strategies of elite universities, it is unclear how much the decision impacted applicans or admission rates.
In contrast to Harvard’s experience, Yale, Duke, and Columbia have seen increases in their early applications. Yale reported a drop in its acceptance rate to a two-decade low, while Duke received a record number of early applicants.
Even the University of Pennsylvania, embroiled in its own antisemitism controversies, observed an increase in early applications. The university’s Early Decision program had 8,500 applicants, 500 more than the prior year, The Daily Pennsylvanian reported.
Harvard’s troubles extend beyond application numbers. The university has been criticized for its response to the October 7th Hamas terror attack.
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Harvard President Claudine Gay’s handling of these issues, particularly her testimony before Congress, was seen as inadequate. She was asked, “whether calls for genocide of Jews would violate the university’s rules.” Her response led to calls for her resignation, although Harvard’s top board has since expressed its unanimous support for her.
The impact of these controversies on student decisions is significant. Aly Beaumont, owner of Admissions Village, a college coaching service, noted, “Two top students drop Harvard from their application list for regular decision after the school’s handling of events on campus following October 7th.”
Another student, initially applying to UPenn, “considered pulling her application from the Ivy League school, but reconsidered after President Liz Magill resigned,” Beaumont added.
It is clear that the actions of these elite universities are under scrutiny by prospective students, alumni and donors alike. Penn may be up because their president stepped down contrary to Harvard. There is not enough data to know for sure but there is satisfaction in witnessing some potential backlash for their shameful stances.
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