Community College Transfer Students and Harvard

Colleges & Universities Harvard University
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<p>From the Harvard Crimson:
"When Markus A. Besselle ’08 decided to apply to the Ivy League after his two years at a California community college, he received as many skeptical glances as pats on the back. </p>

<p>“I had a lot of people on my side and a lot of encouragement,” Besselle said. “However, many times I would tell people that I was applying to Stanford or Harvard, and the kids would give me a look and say ‘Oh, good luck.’” </p>

<p>Besselle was one of a lucky few who made it inside Harvard’s gates after a journey that included a full-time job at a Gateway computer retailer while he worked toward an associate’s degree in business. </p>

<p>Although Harvard has pledged to increase socioeconomic diversity, community college transfer students remain a small percentage of Harvard’s classes. </p>

<p>Each year, the University accepts fewer than three students from community colleges, according to estimates from several Harvard transfers. (The University says it does not track this data.)…"
[The</a> Harvard Crimson :: News :: Harvard Lags in Community College Recruitment](<a href=“http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=521285]The”>http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=521285)</p>

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<p>This was really inspiring to read. I’m having that same issue where people look at me and say, “oh…well have fun applying to those schools” while others are encouraging. It’s really difficult to be a “minority applicant” in the sense of coming from a community college. I just hope Harvard will make an effort this year to realize the talent of the community college matriculants. </p>

<p>Thanks for posting this Northstarmom, it was a very refreshing/motivating read!</p>