Harvard Applications Take A Dip As Competing Schools See Record Interest
Prestigious colleges in the Northeast witnessed diverging fortunes in undergraduate admission applications for the class of 2028. While Harvard applications dropped for a second consecutive year, down 5% to 54,008, competing powerhouses saw substantial growth that pushed their applicant numbers to all-time highs.
Notably, Ivy League counterpart Yale broke its own record with a pool of 57,465 students seeking admission – a nearly 10% jump from the prior cycle. Private research universities Duke and Dartmouth also benefited from heightened interest levels. In contrast, the Harvard applications decline may signal waning appeal after a period of controversy and leadership changes at the storied institution.
Why The Split Trends?
Admissions consultants and high school counselors point to various factors influencing the different outcomes. Some believe Harvard applications took a hit as some Jewish and conservative applicants avoided the campus environment following accusations of antisemitism. Others noted the “protagonist effect” may work against Harvard during times of instability. The Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling was another potential deterrent for minority candidates.
Meanwhile, peers capitalized on their relative stability and reputations for inclusiveness. The Harvard applications dip underscores the competitive landscape’s sensitivity. With students having numerous top-tier options, colleges must continuously reinforce their value propositions to maintain enrollment numbers and diversity in applicant pools. It remains to be seen if Harvard applications will rebound or if skepticism of the brand persists.
