Harvard : In a significant move, Harvard College has unveiled revised essay requirements for high school seniors applying for admission, influenced by the recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action in college admissions. Departing from the past, the new guidelines stipulate that applicants will now respond to five questions instead of the previous single optional essay. This change aims to better evaluate applicants’ life experiences, academic achievements, extracurricular engagements, and future aspirations. Jonathan Palumbo, a spokesperson for Harvard, shared that these prompts are designed to offer a more comprehensive view of the applicants.
The shift in Harvard’s approach comes as US college admissions offices embark on a challenging journey with the application season commencing this month. The Supreme Court’s ruling in June, delivered by Chief Justice John Roberts, upheld that universities can still consider an applicant’s perspective on how race has shaped their life, as long as it is intrinsically linked to their character or distinctive abilities that can enrich the university community. However, Chief Justice Roberts also cautioned against universities using application essays or any other means to establish discriminatory regimes.
The Harvard Crimson first reported these alterations to the institution’s essay prerequisites. While variations of this new format existed in earlier applications, the present requirement mandates that all applicants respond to the same set of questions. This harmonization is aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.
Harvard Admission
Harvard’s approach to admissions mirrors a broader trend among US colleges that are reevaluating their methodologies. The University of Virginia, for instance, offers applicants an opportunity to elucidate their backgrounds and how these experiences will contribute to the school’s diversity and vibrancy.
In response to the evolving landscape, the University of Virginia’s President Jim Ryan and Provost Ian Baucom announced a revised application that includes an optional essay component. This option is extended to all students, not solely those with familial connections to the university. Ryan and Baucom shared that this opportunity allows applicants to share their unique narratives.
The transformative nature of the Supreme Court’s ruling is echoed by Sarah Lawrence, a liberal arts college located in Bronxville, New York. The institution has ingeniously incorporated Chief Justice Roberts’s words into an essay prompt. This prompt challenges applicants to contemplate how the court’s decision might influence their aspirations for a college education and their broader goals.
Also Read : UK Banking Amid : Interest Rate Surge & Rise of Structural Hedging Over $1.3 Billion