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

Arched doorway with a decorative window above, labeled "University Hall," surrounded by stone.

The division is launching a new fundraising effort to support 50 additional students.

Man wearing a suit stands at a podium and speaks into a microphone.

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

Two men hold up a red banner with "2030" written on it in white in a wood paneled room

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

Most popular

Skyline view of Harvard University with trees in autumn colors and a river under a cloudy sky.

Harvard’s Class of 2029 Reflects Shifts in Racial Makeup After Affirmative Action Ends

International students continue to enroll amid political uncertainty; mandatory SATs lead to a drop in applications.

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Johnston Gate at Harvard University with green foliage behind it

The University has pushed the adoption of AI into teaching and operations, but faculty resistance is growing louder.

Explore More From Current Issue

Smiling woman stands beside a large skull in a display cabinet.

Faculty

From competing in youth gymnastics to studying tetrapods, the Harvard curator has always chased her curiosity.

Caricature of a young man in front of red doors, wearing a green striped sweater.

Harvard History

In 1954, Gregory Corso moved into Eliot House. How he stayed there is a literary legend.

Research

The stakes are high for this husband and wife: one of them will die if they don’t find a cure.