Applications to Harvard College experienced a decline this year, contrasting with the record-high numbers seen at many other top-tier universities. This decrease hints at a potential dent in Harvard’s reputation following a tumultuous year, exacerbated by controversial events such as a student letter attributing full responsibility to Israel for the Oct 7 Hamas attacks.
Harvard’s recent announcement coincided with Ivy Day, where all eight Ivy League schools released their admission decisions. While Brown University also observed a decrease in applications, other prestigious institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Columbia, MIT, Bowdoin, Amherst, and the University of Virginia reported an increase in applications. William Fitzsimmons, the dean of admissions and financial aid, expressed excitement about the diverse talents and experiences that the incoming class of 2028 will bring.
Despite the decline in Harvard’s application numbers, pinpointing the exact reasons behind this trend remains challenging, with experts noting heightened scrutiny on the university. Various factors may have contributed, starting from a significant Supreme Court ruling on June 29 that overturned Harvard’s long-standing affirmative action policies. The situation escalated further with the resignation of Claudine Gay, Harvard’s first black president, amidst allegations of plagiarism and evasive responses regarding antisemitism.
Anxiety surrounding campus climate issues, particularly related to Israel-Palestine tensions, heightened concerns among prospective students, leading some to consider less high-profile institutions. However, for many, including Jewish families like Rivka Scheinfeld’s, the allure of Harvard’s prestige remained strong despite negative publicity.
In this admissions cycle, Harvard received 54,008 undergraduate applications, marking a 5% decrease from the previous year. This downward trend was evident in both early and regular application phases. Conversely, the University of Pennsylvania witnessed a significant surge in applications, reaching a record 65,230 submissions, showcasing a nearly 10% increase from the prior year.
Differences in response to controversies were notable between Harvard and Penn, with the latter’s president, Elizabeth Magill, swiftly resigning following contentious testimony on antisemitism. Comparatively, Claudine Gay continued in her role until early January despite facing similar scrutiny. Among the Ivy League schools, Brown experienced a slight drop in applications, while Yale and Dartmouth reported record numbers. Columbia and MIT also saw modest application increases despite recent student protests.