Harvard College has recently announced that it accepted 3.59 percent of applicants to its Class of 2028, marking the highest acceptance rate in four years. The prestigious institution offered admission to 1,245 applicants, who will join the 692 students already accepted in the early admission cycle back in December. This brings the total number of admitted students joining the Class of 2028 to 1,937.

The admissions process for this year was particularly significant as it was the first cycle since the fall of affirmative action that prohibited the College from considering race during the process. Notably, the College has chosen to withhold the race and ethnicity data for the incoming class until admitted students accept or decline their offers later this summer.

Despite receiving 54,008 applications, which is a 5.14 percent decrease from last year, Harvard College continued its trend of receiving above 50,000 applications for the fourth consecutive year. The decrease in applications could potentially be attributed to the removal of race as a factor in the admissions process.

Tuition for the upcoming academic year has also increased to $82,866 for students who do not receive financial aid. This marks a 4.3 percent increase from last year's tuition of $79,450. In contrast, Harvard College has maintained the financial aid threshold at 2023 levels, which means that students with annual family incomes below $85,000 will still receive free tuition. However, this decision has raised questions about whether recent donor backlash has influenced the College's financial aid policies.

The Class of 2028 is characterized by diversity and inclusivity. Pell Grant eligible students make up 20.7 percent of the class, an increase from 19 percent in the previous year. Additionally, over 20 percent of admitted students will be the first in their family to attend college. The incoming class also includes 21 veterans and 41 students interested in the Reserve Officers Training Corps.

Harvard College prides itself on accepting students from various regions. The Class of 2028 represents all 50 states, with Massachusetts having the highest number of accepted applicants (254), followed by California, New York, and New Jersey. The College also joined the Small Town Outreach, Recruitment, and Yield consortium, aiming to recruit applicants from rural communities.

The international presence in the Class of 2028 is notable, with more than 15 percent of accepted applicants coming from 94 different countries. The top three countries represented are Canada, the United Kingdom, and China.

In line with its test-optional policies, Harvard College will remain test-optional through the Class of 2030, allowing applicants to choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores. While several other Ivy League universities have returned to requiring testing, Harvard has opted to continue with its test-optional approach.

Admitted students of the Class of 2028 will have the opportunity to visit campus from April 14-15 for Visitas, a two-day annual program for prospective students. They will have until May 1 to accept or decline their offer of admission.

Harvard College's acceptance of a notable percentage of applicants to the Class of 2028 highlights the institution's commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and providing educational opportunities to students from various backgrounds.