Harvard, MIT Early Admissions Reach Record Lows
Class of 2026 Admissions Rates
Harvard University has admitted 1954 of 61220 applicants to the class of 2026, with 740 admitted through early action in December. This represents an overall admission rate of 3.2%, the lowest in the university's history. MIT also reported a record low admission rate for the Class of 2026, admitting 2217 of 33480 applicants, or 6.6%.
Factors Contributing to Low Admission Rates
Several factors may have contributed to the low admission rates at Harvard and MIT. These include:
- Increased applications due to test-optional admissions policies
- Over-enrollment in previous years
- Increasing selectivity as more students apply to top universities
Despite the low admission rates, both Harvard and MIT remain highly sought-after universities. Over 83% of those accepted to the Class of 2026 at Harvard indicated they would be enrolling, continuing a trend of historically high yield rates. At MIT, over 81% of accepted students are expected to enroll.
Implications for Applicants
The record low admission rates at Harvard and MIT highlight the increasingly competitive nature of college admissions. Students applying to these and other top universities should be aware of the challenges and prepare accordingly. This includes excelling academically, developing a strong extracurricular profile, and writing effective college essays.
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