Harvard University’s yearly applications have dropped for the second consecutive year following several controversies at the institution.
The institution reported that it received 54,008 applications for the class of 2028 and accepted 1,937 students from this group. In the previous year, there were 56,937 applicants, indicating a 5 percent decrease in 2024.
Harvard had a record number of applications in 2021, with over 57,000, and set a new record in 2022 with 61,220 applicants.
William Fitzsimmons, the dean of admissions and financial aid, expressed enthusiasm about the diverse talents and life experiences that the Class of 2028 will bring from across the United States and around the world.
The decline in applications comes at a challenging time for the university, as it has become a focal point for tensions on college campuses during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The negative attention began when 30 student groups signed a letter attributing blame solely to Israel for the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of over 800 Israeli civilians.
It continued after former President Claudine Gay testified at a congressional hearing on antisemitism in December, declining to comment on whether calls for the genocide of Jewish people would be considered harassment on campus.
Gay stepped down in January following the hearing and allegations of plagiarism in her published works.
Harvard is currently facing scrutiny from House Republicans regarding their investigation into antisemitism on campus.
The House Education Committee escalated the investigation by issuing a subpoena to Harvard for information, stating that the documents provided by the university so far have been insufficient.
A university spokesperson stated that while the subpoenas were unnecessary, Harvard is dedicated to cooperating with the Committee and will continue to provide additional materials while protecting the legitimate privacy, safety, and security concerns of the community.
