Applications to Harvard College stabilize
Applications to the College have leveled off after five consecutive years of record numbers. A total of 34,285 applications were received, down from last year’s record 34,950. Two years ago 30,489 applied; 10 years ago 18,932 applied. “A number of factors may be involved,” said William R. Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid. “The return of Early Action here and at Princeton and the University of Virginia may have led more students to make their college choices earlier and not apply to as many colleges in Regular Action. And demographic downturns in the number of high school seniors, particularly in the Northeast (which will continue over the next few years), may also have played a part. If so, we may experience a period of greater stability and less frenzy in college admissions, a welcome result for everyone,” he said. As might be expected, there is a great deal of similarity between...