Harvard University has announced the early applicants who succeeded in joining the class of 2021. 938 students have been confirmed to join the Ivy League institution by fall next year.
The university's official website reported that applications for early action at Harvard College increased 5 percent this year to over 6,400 applications. 14.5 percent, or 938 students, were admitted to the class of 2021.
Last year, 6,167 high school seniors applied early. 14.8 percent, or 914 students, were admitted for the class of 2020.
"Early admission appears to be the 'new normal' now, as more students are applying early to Harvard and peer institutions than ever before," William R. Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid, said. "At the same time, we have continued to stress to applicants, their families, and their guidance counselors that there is no advantage in applying early to Harvard. The reason students are admitted - early or during the regular action process - is that their academic, extracurricular, and personal strengths are extraordinary."
It was noted that the admissions committee made sure that only students who are "100 percent certain" to be admitted in regular action are admitted early. Fitzsimmons noted that this is important due to the record number of applications they received.
The Class of 2021 early action group are similar to last year's group in terms of demographics. There are more women, composing 48 percent of the group as opposed to 47.4 percent of men. More African-American students have also been admitted. This year's group has 12.6 percent, compared to last year's 9.5 percent.
This year's group is still diverse. It has 21.7 percent of students who identify as Asian-American, 8.8 percent as Latinos and 1.1 percent as Native American.
According to Business Insider, Harvard's early action program gives students until May if they want to go to the university. Regular decision applicants will find their admissions status in the spring.
