Aid fuels record applications
Driven by historic levels of financial aid, the number of applications to Harvard College remained high this year. Applications reached a record 35,022, the third consecutive year with numbers near 35,000. Last year 34,303 applied, and two years ago 34,950 did. “Financial aid continues to be a major factor in students’ decisions to apply to Harvard,” said William R. Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid. “Students and their families have many questions about the affordability of college in challenging financial times. They are reassured when they learn how our financial aid program makes it possible for students from modest and middle-income families to come to Harvard. “Generations of alumni have established a partnership with present and future undergraduates,” said Fitzsimmons. “Students, as always, contribute to the cost of their own education through term-time and summer work — and have the option of loans as well. Alumni generosity enables the College to...