Harvard College, with roots tracing back to 1636, stands as a paragon of academic excellence. The allure of being a part of its prestigious community has made its Admissions process one of the most competitive globally.

In 2021, out of over 60,000 applicants, fewer than 2,000 received the coveted acceptance letter. But what criteria does Harvard employ to filter through this vast pool of aspirants? This article delves into the intricate workings of Harvard’s admissions system.

Stage 1: Initial Screening by the ‘First Reader’

Every application’s first port of call is the “first reader.” These readers are tasked with evaluating applications based on six distinct categories and assign each category a rating from 1 to 6. A rating of “1” is the best; a rating of “6” the worst.

• Academic: This considers both standardized test scores and grades. A rating of “1” in this category signifies near-perfect standardized test scores and GPA/grades, suggesting a strong foundation in academic pursuits.
• Extracurricular: Beyond just grades, Harvard values students who demonstrate truly exceptional achievements outside the classroom – from leadership roles to unique projects.
• Athletic: While not a requisite, prowess in athletics can bolster an application, reflecting discipline and teamwork.
• School Support: This category assesses letters of recommendation and any additional supporting documentation from the school.
• Personal: Qualities such as maturity, leadership, integrity, kindness, and courage come under the scanner here. Harvard is not just looking for scholars, but well-rounded individuals who can contribute to and benefit from the college community.
• Overall: This is a composite score that integrates the ratings from the other five categories. A score of “1” here means that the applicant has a more than 90% likelihood of admission.

Stage 2: Admissions Subcommittees

Once the initial screening by the first reader is complete, the next pivotal step in Harvard’s admissions process involves specialized subcommittees. These subcommittees operate as smaller, more focused groups, each entrusted with the task of diving deeper into applications from a particular geographic area. This regional approach not only ensures a thorough evaluation of each application but also provides insights into the specific backgrounds, opportunities, and challenges that applicants might have faced in their respective locales.

The subcommittee sessions span over three to five days, often involving long hours of deliberation. During these sessions, members collaboratively discuss the merits of each candidate, referencing the 1 to 6 rating provided by the first reader, while also considering additional factors that might not be immediately evident from the application materials. This can include nuances related to regional education systems, prevalent extracurricular opportunities, or community-specific challenges.

One salient aspect of the subcommittee’s deliberation is the emphasis on diversity. Harvard values a diverse student body as it enriches the educational experience, providing varied perspectives and fostering a more inclusive environment.

After extensive discussions, the subcommittees then make recommendations for the subsequent phase, passing on a curated list of applicants to the full committee. This list includes those whom the subcommittees believe are best suited to thrive at Harvard and contribute positively to its diverse tapestry.

Stage 3: The Full Committee Meeting

Central to Harvard’s admissions process is the full committee meeting. This stage represents the culmination of the efforts of the various regional subcommittees, bringing their recommendations to the broader assembly of 40 dedicated members, which includes seasoned admissions officers, faculty members, and sometimes alumni representatives.

Given the vast number of applicants and the limited spots available, the discussions at this stage are intensive and comprehensive. While the regional subcommittees have already performed a granular review, the full committee aims to view applicants in the broader context of the entire admissions pool. This ensures that the final selected students not only excel in their respective regions but stand out on a global scale.

A key element of the committee’s discussions revolves around the university’s commitment to diversity. The racial composition of the recommended applicants is presented and discussed. It’s not merely a numbers game; the committee actively debates the value each applicant might bring to the campus in terms of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Harvard’s goal is to curate a class that, in its entirety, reflects a microcosm of the world at large, with a rich tapestry of races, cultures, and experiences. The aim is to prevent any significant drop in minority admissions from the previous years, while also ensuring that admissions standards remain consistently high.

Every applicant that reaches this stage undergoes individual scrutiny. Members of the committee may bring forward salient points from the applicant’s file, share insights, or raise questions. It’s a collaborative effort to understand the multifaceted nature of each candidate. Once discussions around an applicant conclude, a vote is taken. For an applicant to progress to the subsequent phase or to be granted admission, they must secure a majority vote from the committee members present. This democratic process ensures that the final decisions are not just based on an individual’s perspective but are the result of a collective consensus, reflecting the holistic ethos of Harvard’s admissions process.

Stage 4: The ‘Lop’ Process

The ‘lop’ process, despite its casual nomenclature, is one of the most crucial and nuanced stages in Harvard’s admissions procedure. Having navigated through the intricate stages of initial readings, regional subcommittees, and full committee discussions, applicants now find themselves on the precipice of final acceptance. However, the ‘lop’ process serves as a final filter, ensuring that the admitted class aligns perfectly with the university’s goals and values.

The essence of the ‘lop’ process is to refine the list of tentatively admitted students. As the admissions committee seeks a balanced and diverse incoming class, they need to ensure that various factors are proportionately represented. This is where the ‘lop list’ becomes instrumental.

The ‘lop list’ distills each candidate’s profile into a few key elements:

• Legacy Status: This indicates whether the applicant has any family members who previously attended Harvard. Legacy status, while controversial, can sometimes be seen as a tie-breaker among equally qualified candidates.
• Athletic Recruitment: Harvard, like many Ivy League institutions, maintains a strong tradition in athletics. Applicants who’ve been scouted or recruited for their athletic prowess are flagged in this category.
• Financial Aid Eligibility: Harvard’s commitment to economic diversity means ensuring that students from all financial backgrounds have an opportunity to attend. This element indicates if the student requires financial support, helping the university ensure a socio-economically diverse cohort.

During the ‘lop’ process, the admissions committee revisits the list of tentatively admitted students, keeping in mind these critical factors. If, for example, the class has an overrepresentation of legacy students or lacks racial diversity, the ‘lop’ process can rectify these imbalances. Applicants might be moved from the ‘admitted’ pool to the ‘waitlisted’ category or vice versa, based on these deliberations.

It’s vital to understand that while the ‘lop’ process involves a certain level of reshuffling, it doesn’t discount the holistic evaluation each applicant has undergone in the earlier stages. Diversity, along with the other factors on the ‘lop list,’ becomes yet another layer in the multidimensional decision-making process, ensuring that the final admitted class is not only academically stellar but also diverse and reflective of Harvard’s overarching ethos.

Conclusion

While Harvard’s admissions process is multifaceted, with various components carrying weight, it remains evident that the institution values diversity, looking beyond mere academic achievements. They seek students who, in addition to excelling in their studies, bring unique perspectives, experiences, and values to the institution.