The Inclusion of Asian Americans in Harvard's Admissions: Factors and Implications

Introduction

The recent admission of 25 Asian American students to Harvard's class of 2023 has led to a significant discussion about the diversity and fairness of the admissions process. This article will explore the possible factors influencing this noteworthy increase in the representation of Asian Americans in prestigious institutions like Harvard. Further, we will delve into the classification of Asian American students in college environments and how this influences their academic and extracurricular experiences.

Why the Increase in Asian American Students?

There are several reasons why the number of Asian American students admitted by Harvard has increased:

Overhaul of SAT: The SAT underwent a significant overhaul in early 2016. More Asian students have been taking the SAT, achieving higher scores, and thus increasing their chances of admission. Harvard Lawsuit: The ongoing lawsuit in April 2019 may have influenced some Asian American students to apply to Harvard, recognizing the need for diversity. Without this lawsuit, the percentage of Asian American admits may have been lower. Admissions Focus: Harvard and other top educational institutions have emphasized the holistic evaluation of applicants. This means students must showcase their academic prowess, character, and fit with the college community.

Class Distribution and Historical Trends

In 2022, Harvard admitted 23% of Asian American students to the class of 2023. This was a significant increase from previous years, where the percentages were 20% in 2021, 18% in 2020, and 16% in 2019.

When considering the percentage of Asian Americans in the United States, which is less than 7%, it's important to understand that diversity in college admissions includes more than just race. Students are admitted based on their academic prowess, character, and the coherence they bring to the undergraduate community. This change in admissions can be attributed to the "Stu Schmill Endorses Report on Consideration of Character in College Admissions," which emphasized the importance of these qualities in successful applicants.

Classification of Asian American Students

There is often confusion about how Asian American students are classified in the context of college admissions. Here’s a breakdown:

Half-Asian Students: Students with one Asian parent and one non-Asian parent are typically classified as Asian American. Their identification can vary based on the student's preference and the college's policies. One Asian Grandparent: Some colleges consider students with one Asian grandparent as part of the Asian American category, while others may categorize them as mixed-race or Asian. Race and Name: In many colleges, the primary factor for classification is the student's race, not their last name or cultural background. This is important for students who may have Asian grandfathers but non-Asian last names.

Conclusion

The increase in Asian American students admitted to Harvard is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, including changes in standardized testing, recent lawsuits, and a shift towards holistic admissions. It is crucial for educational institutions to maintain a diverse and inclusive admissions process, ensuring that members of different racial and cultural backgrounds have equal opportunities to succeed.

References

[1] Stu Schmill, "Stu Schmill Endorses Report on Consideration of Character in College Admissions"

[2] MIT, Harvard, and over 80 other educational institutions, "Report on What Successful Freshman Applicants Expect from Colleges"

Recent Admissions Data

The data from Harvard's recent admissions shows that the percentage of Asian American students admitted to the class of 2023 has increased to 25.4%, a significant rise from previous years. This is not a result of inherent changes in the admissions process but rather a reflection of the students' efforts to meet the holistic criteria set by Harvard.

SAT Overhaul and Asian American Presence

The overhaul of the SAT in early 2016 has led to a significant increase in the number of Asian American test-takers. These students not only bring higher scores to the table but also contribute to the diversity of the student body. The group has achieved the highest gains in SAT scores, making them more competitive for admission to top universities like Harvard.

Harvard Lawsuit and Its Impact

The April 2019 lawsuit at Harvard may have encouraged more Asian American students to apply to the university. In the absence of such a lawsuit, the percentage of Asian American admits may have been lower. The lawsuit highlights the need for transparency and fairness in the admissions process, ensuring that more students from various backgrounds have access to top-tier educational institutions.

Holistic Evaluation and Character

Holistic evaluation of applicants involves a deep dive into their academic, extracurricular, and personal qualities. Students must not only meet the academic requirements but also demonstrate a strong character and fit within the undergraduate community. This shift towards evaluating character and fit is a key factor behind the higher percentage of Asian American students being admitted to Harvard and other top institutions.

Stu Schmill Endorses Report on Consideration of Character in College Admissions

Stu Schmill, Harvard's former dean of admission, endorsed the report emphasizing the importance of character in the admissions process. This report, published in 2016, was a product of collaboration between MIT, Harvard, and over 80 other top educational institutions. It outlines the qualities that successful freshmen should possess, such as academic excellence, leadership, and a positive fit with the college community.

Report on What Successful Freshman Applicants Expect from Colleges

In 2015, MIT, Harvard, and over 80 other educational institutions collaborated to write a report on what they expect from successful freshman applicants. This report was published in early 2016 and has since influenced the admissions practices at many colleges, including a greater emphasis on the character and fit of applicants.