Harvard has selected the Class of 2009 from a record 22,796 applicants, marking the largest applicant pool and the most competitive admission rate in the College’s history at 9.1 percent. This year’s admitted students will also represent Harvard’s most economically diverse class. All applicants received their admission decisions on March 31, with nearly 88 percent opting for email notifications alongside traditional letters. Admitted students have until just after May 1 to respond for September matriculation.

Approximately 360 admitted students are expected to qualify for the new Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI), which requires no parental contribution for families earning less than $40,000 annually and significantly reduces contributions for those earning between $40,000 and $60,000. The number of first-year students benefiting from HFAI has grown by 22 percent compared to last year. The initiative was introduced by President Lawrence H. Summers in February 2004, aimed at ensuring that “Harvard is an option for exceptionally talented students regardless of their financial means.”

Next year’s financial aid program will be the most generous in Harvard’s history, with $84.6 million allocated for scholarships, a 56 percent increase over the past six years. Two-thirds of Harvard undergraduates currently receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships, loans, and jobs. The average total aid package for students will be nearly $30,000. William C. Kirby, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, emphasized that “Harvard can help alter the unacceptable disparity in economic background among college students.” William R. Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid, noted that the HFAI attracted a diverse range of students, appealing to both those seeking financial aid and those who did not.

Academically, the applicant pool remained consistent with last year’s impressive Class of 2008. Fifty-six percent of candidates scored 1400 or higher on SATs, with almost 2,150 scoring a perfect 800 on the verbal section, more than 3,200 on the math section, and nearly 3,200 as valedictorians. The gender ratio was approximately 50-50, with 1,047 men and 1,027 women admitted. Geographically, over 25 percent of admitted students came from the mid-Atlantic region, 19 percent from the Western and Mountain states, 17 percent from New England, 16 percent from the South, 12 percent from the Midwest, and nearly 10 percent from the U.S. territories and abroad. Foreign citizens numbered 175, similar to last year, comprising 16.6 percent of the Class. Eighty countries are represented in the Class of 2009.

Academic interests showed consistency with the Class of 2008. Biological sciences were the top choice for nearly 23 percent of admitted students, followed by the physical sciences (9 percent), engineering (8 percent), math (8 percent), and computer science (1 percent). Social sciences attracted 24 percent, humanities 27 percent, and 1 percent were undecided. Extracurricular activities included music (26 percent), creative writing and journalism (23 percent), arts, dance, and drama (22 percent), social service (17 percent), student government (14 percent), debate (10 percent), and political groups (10 percent). Nearly 55 percent of the class planned to participate in recreational, intramural, or intercollegiate athletics.

The Class of 2009 includes a record 10.5 percent of African American students, 17.8 percent Asian American, 8.2 percent Latino, and slightly more than 1 percent Native American. The Undergraduate Minority Recruiting Program (UMRP) and faculty played crucial roles in attracting promising candidates. The HFAI recruited through 17 undergraduate volunteers who contacted over 12,000 high school students. Alumni and undergraduates also hosted visits for middle and high school groups, and several traveled across the country to recruit eligible students. The Undergraduate Admissions Council and tour guides also contributed significantly to the recruitment process.

Over the next few weeks, personal contact with admitted students will be crucial. The Admissions Office will host online chats and message boards for admitted students, starting with Early Action. These sessions allow students to interact with Harvard undergraduates and admissions representatives. Since January, over 3,400 messages have been posted on the boards. A Visiting Program for April 29-30 will offer admitted students the chance to attend classes, faculty panel discussions, concerts, receptions, and events from extracurricular organizations. Nearly 1,100 students will participate in the program, with undergraduate hosts providing valuable insights into campus life.

Recruitment remains a foundation of Harvard’s excellence, with over 71 percent of admitted students and nearly 90 percent of minority students on the original College Board Search List. The University’s 7,000 alumni volunteers will call and hold local gatherings for admitted students in April, supporting staff visits to nearly 80 cities targeting high school juniors for the Class of 2010. Financial aid officers Sarah C. Donahue and her colleagues will be available to discuss payment options and financial assistance programs like the Faculty Aide Program, Harvard College Research Program, and Dean’s Summer Research Program.

In a related note, Harvard’s financial aid program will be the most generous in the institution’s history, with $84.6 million allocated for scholarships, a 56 percent increase over the past six years. Two-thirds of Harvard undergraduates currently receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships, loans, and jobs. The average total aid package for students will be nearly $30,000. This initiative underscores Harvard’s commitment to providing opportunities for exceptionally talented students, regardless of their financial means.

Read the full policy/details

News is prepared from public university announcements for general guidance. Policies change frequently; confirm current details with each university admissions office.