An unprecedented admissions year
Nearly 35,000 students applied to Harvard College this year for admission to the Class of 2015 entering in August. Letters of admission (and email notifications) were sent on March 30 to 2,158 students, 6.2 percent of the record pool of 34,950. More than 60 percent of the admitted students will receive need-based scholarships averaging more than $40,000, benefiting from a record $160 million in financial aid. Families with students on scholarship contribute an average of $11,500 annually toward the cost of a Harvard education. Many other selective institutions also experienced record admissions years and have made substantial changes in their financial aid programs. “The public policy benefit of enabling students from all backgrounds to make the most of their talents through higher education will be felt for generations to come,” said William R. Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid. “Our colleges and universities are reaching out more than ever before for...