Extra, extra, read all about! Harvard University has released Regular Decision notifications to the Class of 2029 — but not admissions data to the public! Between the Early Action and Regular Decision rounds, Harvard has kept its acceptance rate close to the vest following several years of heightened scrutiny from the media, the Department of Education, and its own students.

Last year, Harvard received 54,008 applications for admission to the Class of 2028, which was no record tally for Harvard (that record was established three years ago when 61,220 students applied to the Class of 2026). Prior to four years ago, applications to Harvard never hit the 50,000 benchmark. That is, of course, unless applications also fell below 50,000 this year, with applicants flocking to other schools with less international controversy and campus turmoil. But until this data is eventually released in the federally mandated Common Data Set this fall, we’re just left to speculate if this is the case!

Why is Harvard Holding Back Data for the Class of 2029

According to the Harvard College Admissions website (a.k.a. in their own words), Harvard has a rationale for their decision to keep the data on the Class of 2029 to themselves:

Moving to a single, annual admissions data release each fall will provide the most complete view of the newly enrolled class, reducing confusion and offering a predictable timeline. Due to the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision, we are unable to access all information about Harvard’s applicants, admitted students, and enrolling students, while the application review process is still underway. Harvard will release admissions data, including final numbers of enrolled students consistent with our mandatory reporting to the U.S. Department of Education, as well as other information on applicants and admitted students.

The new timeline for sharing admissions and matriculation data will provide clear and comprehensive information about the entire admissions process that can be compared on an annual basis. This approach will enable prospective students to have all the information they need to consider Harvard as a possible college choice – not simply partial information they may receive while the application cycle is still in progress.

Do you buy it? Has Harvard followed in the footsteps of Princeton University (who has similarly withheld admissions data for each admitted cohort until the following fall) to streamline the timeline and clear up the confusion? Or is there some other factors at play here?

The Real Reason Harvard is Withholding Admissions Data for the Class of 2029

Ever since the pivotal 2023 Supreme Court ruling outlawing the use of Affirmative Action in the college admissions process, Harvard has been at an institutional crossroads. While this little school outside of Boston is most certainly still conducting its admissions process with some consideration of race due to the Roberts Loophole, which allows race to play a major role in the narrative conveyed in application essays, it’s unlikely that Harvard could release any data without ruffling the feathers of at least one side of this tenuous issue.

In all likelihood, Harvard had to learn the value of admissions discretion the hard way, after Dean of Admissions William R. Fitzsimmons ‘67 let the world in on the admissions practices of the most prestigious university in the world when he took the stand during the trial, which drew a fair amount of backlash despite the fact that he was simply being transparent about the things the admissions office has been doing for years. With Harvard barely making it out of the last few years of widespread unrest on its campus, is it any surprise that they are drawing a curtain over anything that could earn them bad press, including admissions statistics?

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Harvard Waitlist to the Class of 2029

On the other hand, we at Ivy Coach are not at all shy about our acceptance rate to Harvard. Over the last five years, 91% of our package clients have earned admission to the Crimson stronghold. Moreover, over the last 10 years, around 39% of students who have first come to Ivy Coach after being placed on Harvard’s waitlist have earned admission.

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission off Harvard’s waitlist, fill out our complimentary consultation form. We’ll then send you an immediate response that outlines our go-forward waitlist service.