Harvard Announces “Changes” to Admissions in Response to Covid-19
For students applying to Harvard’s Class of 2025, Harvard has issued “changes” to its admissions requirements in light of the unprecedented crisis caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). As you’ll see, we put quotes around Harvard’s changes for good reasons.
SAT and ACT: Despite what some news outlets are reporting, Harvard still requires the SAT or ACT. Harvard acknowledges that “there are fewer opportunities to take the SAT or ACT given the cancellations to date. This means that many students may not be able to take these tests more than once.” If you’re waiting until the last minute to take the SAT or ACT, that might not turn out to be such a good idea, unless you got a really high score the first time. There’s a strategic reason behind Ivy Link’s advice for most of our students to take the SAT or ACT at least twice. We agree with Harvard that “there are diminishing returns in taking these tests multiple times,” but in our experience, most students benefit from taking the SAT or ACT at least two times.
Subject Tests: According to Harvard, “[y]ou will not be disadvantaged in any way if you do not submit subject tests.” This is not very different from Harvard’s approach to Subject Tests in recent years where Harvard recommended but did not require them. Generally, if you have strong Subject Test scores, you should submit them, as they will only help your admissions chances.
AP Exams: As with the Subject Tests, Harvard states that “you will not be disadvantaged if you are unable to submit AP results.” Again, if you have strong AP scores (i.e., 5), we recommend that you submit them. Harvard has never required AP scores, but our strongest applicants have always submitted them because 5’s on AP Exams will help your admissions chances. Moreover, Ivy Link recommends that students take the AP Exams this year for a number of reasons.
Spring Semester Grades: Harvard acknowledges that many students will only be able to present pass/fail grades or other similar marks on their transcripts for the Spring term. Harvard assures students that will not be disadvantaged as a result. What about students who received less than stellar grades in Fall or Winter term and were counting on excellent grades in the Spring term to bring up their GPA? Will Harvard look at earlier grades? Teacher recommendations? Extracurricular activities? The student’s personal essays? Ivy Link is confident that during this admissions cycle, the non-grade components of your application to Harvard will become more important than ever before.
Extracurricular Activities: Harvard takes pains to reiterate that it will continue to evaluate “the whole person” in the admissions process – as always. Specifically, Harvard notes, “Accomplishments in and out of the classroom during the high school years - including community involvement, employment, and help given to your family – will all be considered.” This means that your extracurriculars, recommendation letters, and personal essays take on extra significance this year.
Harvard also states that “[s]tudents who find themselves limited in the activities they can pursue due to the current coronavirus outbreak will not be disadvantaged as a result.” However, if you are competing with other students with stellar grades and compelling extracurricular activities, guess who’s going to catch Harvard’s attention more? Many of our students who plan on applying to Harvard already have plenty of compelling extracurriculars under their belt. Moreover, Ivy Link has recommendations for students whose summer programs have been canceled.
Overall, Harvard has not made any material changes to its admissions standards. After all, it is Harvard. While other schools like Amherst, Pomona, Swarthmore, Williams etc. have adopted test-optional policies for the Class of 2025, Harvard has held steadfast to its testing policies – for now. We will continue to monitor news from Harvard and other selective colleges as the COVID-19 crisis unfolds. In the meantime, we advise our students to stay the course with respect to getting A’s (if your school hasn’t adopted Pass/Fail), preparing for your standardized tests, and pursue your passion projects and other extracurricular commitments. Stay tuned!
