Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

Harvard University’s application numbers have declined for the second consecutive year, with the institution receiving 54,008 applications for the class of 2028.

This represents a 5 percent drop from the 56,937 applications received the previous year. The decrease follows record-breaking application numbers in 2021 and 2022, with over 57,000 and 61,220 applications, respectively. Despite the lower application volume, the school accepted 1,937 students for its upcoming class.

William Fitzsimmons, the dean of admissions and financial aid at Harvard, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the incoming class. He said, “Beyond another strong applicant pool, we are delighted by the stunning array of talents and lived experiences the Class of 2028 will bring with them from throughout the United States and around the world.”

This enthusiasm comes at a time when the university is facing heightened scrutiny and controversy, particularly concerning its handling of issues related to the Israel-Hamas war. The school’s involvement in these tensions has brought a negative spotlight, further complicated by incidents of alleged antisemitism on campus.

The university’s challenges have escalated with an ongoing investigation by House Republicans into antisemitism on campus, leading to the issuance of a subpoena for Harvard to provide more comprehensive documents.