Harvard College applications top 30,000

Preliminary results show a record of more than 30,000 applicants.

Applications for admission to Harvard College increased nearly 5 percent, to an estimated 30,500 from 29,114 last year, according to preliminary data released by William R. Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid.  Among the factors cited for the continuing growth in applications--which have doubled since 1994--the University news release mentioned the continuing appeal of the College's expanded financial-aid package and increased interest in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences among prospective students. The full news release is available here.

Among other selective institutions reporting results, the University of Chicago, which launched much more aggressive marketing and outreach efforts this year, had a 42 percent increase in applications, to more than 19,300.

Related topics

You might also like

Due to rain, the University held dual Convocation ceremonies for the Class of 2030 in Sanders Theatre.

The University will compensate families of those whose remains were sold and establish a scholarship to honor anatomical donors.

After a final round of layoffs, University leaders say 165 staff jobs were eliminated across the division.

Most popular

President Alan M. Garber used traditional Memorial Church address to consider the unique qualities of human intelligence and learning.

All That’s Unseen charts the Harvard graduate’s uneasy journey from Appalachia to Cambridge and back.  

Radcliffe Medalist Gloria Steinem speaks on gender, violence, social justice

Accepting the Radcliffe Medal, the activist and writer spoke about gender, violence, and social justice—with a dose of humor. [video/audio]

Explore More From Current Issue

Three hands hold smartphones displaying social media profiles with likes and hearts.

Tell us about how social media impacts your daily life.

Portrait of a man in a denim shirt beside a blue book cover for "Gretal and the Great War" featuring an illustration of a leg holding an army helmet..

The Gretel and the Great War author on how the Lampoon derailed his science career—and set him on a literary path.

A busy classroom filled with students working at computers, colorful decor, and a bright atmosphere.

In 2004, a frenzy spread across Harvard Yard in days. Four billion users later, we are only just catching up.