Record 43,330 Apply to Harvard College Class of 2023

Harvard’s annual applicant pool continues to grow, and it is increasingly becoming more diverse, both racially and economically. This past fall, 43,330 hopeful candidates applied for a spot in Harvard’s Class of 2023. Overall, the applicant pool grew by 1.4% from the previous year. Between 2016 and 2017, however, the applicant pool grew by a staggering 8%. How do these statistics impact those who dream of attending Harvard as undergraduates? Well, if applicant pool trends continue, only about 2000 applicants will be admitted to join the freshman class next fall, which places the current acceptance rate at approximately 4.5%.

 What does this mean for the average Harvard applicant (if there is such a thing as an “average” Harvard applicant….)? It means that even flawless test scores and transcripts will not guarantee entry into Harvard. Applicants need to market themselves appropriately by demonstrating an authentic interest in Harvard. More importantly, they need to highlight how they have character and talent that set them apart from the other 43,000 students applying for entry into one of the world’s most competitive universities.