Harvard University: Smart Students Or Smart Branding?

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and its students are often perceived as intelligent and smart. However, it is important to consider that the admission process to Harvard involves various factors beyond academic merit, including legacy status, athletic recruitment, and the ability to make significant donations. While Harvard students may have high academic achievements, their success also extends beyond intelligence. They possess characteristics such as a strong work ethic, a willingness to take on challenges, and the ability to build meaningful connections. Additionally, it is worth noting that the definition of intelligence is complex and multifaceted, and it may not be accurate to solely associate it with academic credentials or the prestige of one's educational institution.

Harvard University's admission criteria

Harvard University is often associated with intelligence and academic excellence. The university's low acceptance rate of 3.5% makes it an extremely selective institution.

Harvard's admission criteria are extensive and rigorous, encompassing various factors beyond academic performance. While academic accomplishment in high school is crucial, the admissions committee also considers community involvement, leadership, distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character.

The university requires applicants to submit teacher recommendations, test scores, and school reports. Applicants are also advised to focus on their GPA, aiming for nearly straight As in all classes, and taking challenging AP or IB courses to showcase their ability to excel in college-level academics. Additionally, Harvard requires SAT or ACT scores, with a higher score compensating for a lower GPA.

However, Harvard's admissions process has been criticised for favouring wealthy and connected applicants, particularly those who are white and have family members who attended or donated to the university. This dynamic has been described as a form of systemic racism that disadvantages underrepresented communities.

Despite the emphasis on academic excellence, current and former Harvard students have shared their perspectives on the diverse traits that characterise Harvard students beyond intelligence. These include eagerness for new challenges, resilience in the face of fear or failure, generosity with time and knowledge, and the ability to build strong social bonds.

The 'smartest' student stereotype

The stereotype that Harvard students are the smartest is a pervasive one. Intelligence is the first thing that comes to mind for many when they think of a Harvard student. This stereotype is perpetuated by the fact that Harvard students have, on average, extremely high grades, test scores, and extracurricular achievements.

However, this stereotype is misleading and fails to capture the diverse set of backgrounds that Harvard students come from. Firstly, it is important to note that a significant proportion of Harvard's students are recruited athletes, legacy students, or children of faculty and staff, many of whom have donated large sums to the school. This dynamic is inherently racialized, with almost 70% of legacy applicants being white and having a seven times greater chance of admission if they have family who are donors. In contrast, African American, Asian American, and Hispanic students make up less than 16% of ALDC students.

Furthermore, while Harvard students may be intelligent, they possess a variety of other characteristics that contribute to their success. Harvard students are eager seekers of new challenges and opportunities for growth, and they are not afraid of pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones. They are also generous with their time, knowledge, and energy, often helping each other out without expecting anything in return. They are talented and brilliant but do not act like they know it; instead, they are always seeking to learn and grow.

Therefore, while Harvard students may be intelligent, they are not solely defined by their intelligence. The "smartest student" stereotype fails to capture the complex and diverse realities of Harvard students and perpetuates a narrative that ignores the systemic favoritism and privilege that plays a significant role in the admissions process.

The impact of legacy admissions

While intelligence is often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a Harvard student, there are many other factors that contribute to their success. Harvard students possess traits such as a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a drive to create communities. They are also generous with their time and knowledge, always seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth. However, it is important to note that the admissions process at Harvard and other elite universities has been criticized for favoring legacy students, which can disproportionately impact the admission rates for first-generation, low-income, and minority students.

Harvard, for example, has an average legacy admissions rate of 33%, which is more than five times higher than non-legacy admission rates. In contrast, Black students comprise only 16% of the admitted class of 2025. This disparity is not unique to Harvard, as other universities like Notre Dame have even higher legacy admissions rates while maintaining a small percentage of Black students. The practice of legacy admissions contributes to long-standing racial and socioeconomic inequalities, as it provides an additional barrier for first-generation, low-income, and minority students who already face numerous roadblocks on their path to college.

The history of legacy admissions is rooted in antisemitism and racism. Initially implemented by Harvard's then-president Lawrence Lowell to curb the increasing enrollment of Jewish immigrant students after World War I, it has since evolved into a mechanism that disproportionately benefits white, wealthy applicants. While there have been recent efforts to end legacy admissions, with at least five state flagships discontinuing the practice since 2020, it continues to be a factor in the admissions process at many top universities.

Racial bias in the admissions process

While intelligence is the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Harvard students, there are other factors that contribute to their success. Harvard students are eager seekers of new challenges and opportunities for growth, and they are not afraid of pushing themselves. They are also generous with their time and knowledge, and they possess leadership qualities. However, the university has faced scrutiny for its admissions process, which has been accused of racial bias.

In 2019, a lawsuit was filed against Harvard University by a group called Students For Fair Admissions (SFFA), alleging that the university's admissions process discriminated against Asian-American applicants. The group, led by conservative activist Edward Blum, claimed that Harvard unfairly considered race in its admissions process, placing a higher bar for Asian-American applicants. They argued that Harvard used a quota system or "racial balancing" to limit the number of Asian students and favour other racial groups.

Harvard denied any discrimination and stated that it considered applicants' race only in the narrow way approved by the U.S. Supreme Court. School officials acknowledged that in close calls between students, some underrepresented students might receive a "tip" in their favour, but race was never counted against them. The university's selection process was described as "not perfect" by District Judge Allison D. Burroughs, who concluded that there was no evidence of any racial animus whatsoever. The ruling was upheld by a three-judge panel of the appeals court, which found that Harvard's personal rating was not influenced by race.

Despite Harvard being cleared of racial bias in its admissions process, the debate around affirmative action and the consideration of race in college admissions remains contentious. Critics of affirmative action argue that it amounts to reverse racism against white people, while supporters believe it provides a necessary boost to historically underrepresented communities that have faced systematic exclusion. The dynamic is inherently racialized, with a disproportionate advantage for white legacy applicants and a systemic favouritism of the white, wealthy, and connected.

The importance of intelligence vs other traits

The common perception is that Harvard University students are incredibly intelligent, and this is often the first thing that comes to mind when people think of a Harvard student. However, it is important to consider other traits and factors that contribute to their success and the overall student experience.

Intelligence is a broad term, and while academic prowess is a key factor in gaining admission to Harvard, it is not the sole criterion. The university looks for well-rounded individuals with a range of skills and experiences. For example, a study found that 43% of white students at Harvard were not admitted solely on merit, but also due to factors such as athletic ability, legacy status, or their parents' donations to the school. This dynamic is further racialized, with almost 70% of legacy applicants being white, and a white applicant being seven times more likely to be admitted if they have family connections to the university. This indicates that while intelligence is important, it is not the only factor that Harvard considers when admitting students, and that other traits and external factors play a significant role.

Harvard students possess a range of characteristics beyond intelligence that contribute to their success. They are often highly motivated, driven, and passionate about their studies, actively seeking out challenging material and new opportunities for growth. They are not afraid to push themselves and are eager to develop their skills and knowledge. This is coupled with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, enabling them to manage stress effectively and approach their work with enthusiasm. Harvard students also tend to be generous with their time and knowledge, actively helping and supporting their peers. They understand the importance of building strong social bonds and are skilled at bringing people together through shared interests and meaningful conversations.

While intelligence is undoubtedly important, particularly in terms of academic achievement, it is just one of many factors that contribute to an individual's overall success and potential. Other traits, such as motivation, passion, social skills, and resilience, are also key components of a well-rounded and successful individual. Focusing solely on intelligence ignores the multifaceted nature of human potential and the diverse range of skills and experiences that individuals bring to the table.

In conclusion, while intelligence is an important trait, it should not be the only factor considered when evaluating an individual's capabilities or potential. The Harvard student experience showcases the interplay of various traits and external factors that contribute to success, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach that values a diverse range of skills, experiences, and perspectives.

Frequently asked questions