Does Applying Early Boost Your Acceptance Odds at Elite Colleges?
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Harvard University admitted 1,942 students for the Class of 2027, with an overall acceptance rate of 3.4%. Application numbers and acceptance rates for both regular and early decision admissions have seen noticeable trends in recent years, indicating the increasing competitiveness of Harvard's admissions process. The Class of 2027 is a diverse and talented cohort representing all 50 U.S. states and 102 countries, showcasing the university's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
On March 30th, 2023, Harvard University announced that it had offered regular admission to 1,220 applicants for the Class of 2027, bringing the total number of admitted students, including those from the early action process, to 1,942 with an acceptance rate of 3.4%. With 56,937 applications received for the Class of 2027, the admitted students represent a diverse and talented cohort worldwide.
Number of Applications | Accepted Students | Acceptance Rate | |
---|---|---|---|
Regular Applications | 47,384 | 1,220 | 2.6% |
Early Applications | 9,553 | 722 | 7.6% |
Overall | 56,937 | 1,942 | 3.4% |
The Class of 2027 admitted to this esteemed institution brings a wealth of diverse backgrounds and life experiences to the table. The cohort represents all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 102 countries, with international students making up 14.5% of the class and 8.3% holding dual U.S. citizenship. The mid-Atlantic states comprise the largest portion of the class at 22.2%, followed by the South (17.4%), New England (15.9%), Western and Mountain states (17%), the Midwest (10.1%), and U.S. territories (0.3%).
The Class of 2027 mirrors the College's commitment to inclusivity and diversity, with 15.3% identifying as African American/Black, 29.9% as Asian American, 11.3% as Latinx, 2.2% as Native American, and 0.5% as Native Hawaiian. Additionally, women account for 53.6% of all accepted students, demonstrating the College's dedication to gender equality and a diverse student body.
For the Class of 2027, Harvard received 47,384 regular decision applications and accepted 1,220 students, resulting in a regular decision acceptance rate of 2.6%.
When comparing these numbers to previous years, there is a noticeable trend of increasing application numbers. From the Class of 2024, which had 33,824 applications, there has been a significant rise in the number of applications received, peaking at 51,814 for the Class of 2026.
Despite a slight decrease in applications for the Class of 2027, the overall trend showcases growing interest among prospective students in attending Harvard.
The acceptance rate, on the other hand, has remained consistently low, ranging between 2.3% and 2.6% from the Class of 2025 to the Class of 2027, indicating the continued competitiveness of Harvard's regular decision admissions process.
Class of | Number of Applications | Accepted Students | Acceptance Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2027 | 47,384 | 1,220 | 2.6% |
2026 | 51,814 | 1,214 | 2.3% |
2025 | 47,349 | 1,221 | 2.6% |
2024 | 33,824 | 1,085 | 3.2% |
For the Class of 2027, Harvard's early decision admissions process saw 9,553 applications, with 722 students accepted, yielding an early acceptance rate of 7.6%.
Comparing these numbers to previous years reveals a relatively stable trend in early decision applications and acceptance rates. The Class of 2026 had 9,406 applications, with 740 students accepted and an acceptance rate of 7.9%, while the Class of 2025 had slightly higher application numbers at 10,086 and an acceptance rate of 7.4%, with 747 students accepted.
When juxtaposing early decision acceptance rates with regular decision rates, it becomes evident that applying early can increase one's chances of acceptance to Harvard.
The early decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 stands at 7.6%, while the regular decision acceptance rate is significantly lower at 2.6%. This demonstrates that prospective students may improve their odds of admission to Harvard by opting for the early decision application process.
Class of | Number of Applications | Accepted Students | Acceptance Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2027 | 9,553 | 722 | 7.6% |
2026 | 9,406 | 740 | 7.9% |
2025 | 10,086 | 747 | 7.4% |
Harvard's admission statistics have changed significantly over time, reflecting the changing nature of the university and the larger societal trends that have impacted higher education.
Acceptance rates, for example, have steadily decreased over time, reflecting the increasing competitiveness of the admissions process.
Test scores, particularly for the SAT and ACT, have also increased over time, as students have become more focused on preparing for these exams. In the 1980s, for example, the median SAT score for admitted students was around 1300, while in recent years it has been closer to 1500.
In terms of demographic representation, Harvard has made significant strides towards greater diversity and inclusivity over the years. In the early days of the university, admission was limited to white males who were members of the Congregational Church. Today, however, Harvard is a much more diverse institution, with a student body that includes people of all races, religions, and backgrounds. In recent years, the university has been committed to increasing the representation of underrepresented groups, such as first-generation college students, low-income students, and students from minority backgrounds.
Class of | Number of Applications | Accepted Students | Acceptance Rate |
---|---|---|---|
2027 | 56,937 | 1,942 | 3.4% |
2026 | 61,220 | 1,954 | 3.2% |
2025 | 57,435 | 1,968 | 3.4% |
2024 | 40,248 | 1,980 | 4.9% |
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Founded in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. With an endowment of over $41 billion, Harvard is one of the wealthiest universities in the world.
Harvard is known for its exceptional academic programs, including top-ranked undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. The university's faculty includes numerous Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. The university offers a wide range of academic disciplines, including the arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
In addition to its academic programs, Harvard is also known for its vibrant student life, which includes a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations. The university has a rich history and traditions, including the famous Harvard-Yale football game and the annual Harvard Commencement ceremony.
Harvard has a highly selective admissions process, admitting only a small percentage of applicants each year. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in its admissions process, seeking to create a student body that reflects the rich diversity of the world around us.
With its world-renowned faculty, exceptional resources, and a commitment to academic excellence, Harvard is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Here’s a close look at the top majors offered by Harvard University:
These majors offer students a deep understanding of their chosen field of study, as well as opportunities to pursue research and innovation in a variety of areas. Whether students are interested in the arts, humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences, Harvard offers a diverse range of majors to help them achieve their academic and career goals.
According to US News, Harvard University ranks #3 for best colleges in the United States. Most college admissions experts agree that the number of students applying to top universities will continue to grow, especially if schools continue making standardized testing optional.
Crimson Education helps thousands of students gain admission to their dream schools. Despite enormous applicant pools and low acceptance rates at top universities, Crimson’s acceptance numbers are increasing! This year, more than 200 of our students were accepted to top universities in the US in the early round alone. Here is a breakdown of Crimson’s early-round numbers.
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