University News | January 14, 2011

Almost 35,000 applicants for Harvard College class of 2015

The number of applicants for the College class of 2015 is almost 15 percent higher than last year's.

Harvard College received about 35,000 applications for admission to the class of 2015, according to data released today. This represents a nearly 15 percent increase over the 30,489 applications received last year (when the number of applicants expanded by nearly 5 percent), and a more than 50 percent increase in the past four years.

With a targeted freshman class size of approximately 1,640, it is conceivable that the College’s admissions rate (6.9 percent last year, when 2,110 applicants were offered admission) will decrease to less than 6 percent—a stark indicator of the pressure facing candidates for admission to the most competitive institutions of higher education.

Separately, Stanford reported receiving about 34,200 applications, a 6.8 percent increase from last year, when it admitted 7.3 percent of applicants.

You might also like

Stone building with large windows and stairs, under a clear blue sky.

At informational town hall meetings, faculty and staff press administrators for details.

Woman wearing a silver dress stands confidently against a gray background.

The Emmy-winning journalist was a mainstay of political coverage at NBC for two decades.

A man in a suit waves while smiling, with greenery in the background.

He was Harvard’s quintessential people person.

Most popular

Historic building entrance featuring tall columns and a rounded arch doorway.

A new proposed structure, layoffs, and a five-day-a-week in-person work mandate will take effect by fall.

Moore dancing with the Universal Robotics robot

The Harvard Ballerina and Physicist

Ballerina and quantum physicist Merritt Moore ’11 connects humans and machines.

Yamamoto at Harvard, and a Harvard Community Garden

What Admiral Yamamoto learned at Harvard, and a new community garden

Explore More From Current Issue

Colorful abstract design resembling an octopus with intricate swirls and patterns.

Research

Growing liver implants, mapping the sense of smell, and journalism at risk

An open book with a film strip emerging, trailing popcorn and a dancer silhouette.

Letters to the Editor

Readers Respond to Our Adaptations Survey

We asked people to share their favorite art adaptations. Here’s what they said.

A woman with long hair stands confidently with crossed arms next to a pickup truck.

Alumni Profiles

In her memoir All That's Unseen, Emilee Hackney explores religion, friendship, and home.