With everything going on politically will Harvard be fair to students on the waitlist and understand that we need answers too? If we have scholarship money that we hope to use, it has to get approved and transferred to the college we attend. It is not easy to make that happen and switch the scholarship payment without a lot of notice. There’s also a number of other reasons as well including having to pay the college we already put a deposit on for the upcoming tuition bill, housing and other expenses that are due even before the first day of college starts. I know Harvard has a lot on its plate but I hope they realize there’s big issues (emotional, financial, planning, etc.,) that impact those who are on the waiting list.
Harvard does not really care about that. They have been open to give you an option to get off the waitlist if you choose to.
It is unfortunate. However, they told everyone on the list: some years they take off hundreds and other years they take off only 10.
In short, they probably won’t provide answers explicitly due to it being fluid. You are on the waitlist I would advise you to think if Harvard is truly the best option for you since scholarship money is on the line. Many have already got off the waitlist (rightfully so) due to scholarship deadlines.
Same thing. I didn’t get the email myself, but my student did.
If everyone backs off the waitlist that’s a lot of guaranteed potentially great students and a lot of guaranteed tuition money that will be unavailable to Harvard. If they take waitlisted students off the list now, that’s guaranteed money they could have to help keep the college running from those students who are able and willing to commit to Harvard today!
What…
I know many students (including mine) who are not full pay. They don’t care if you are full pay as the tuition can be covered by the endowment.
If everyone leaves the list then yes Harvard will be in trouble (which is unlikely). However, if you are in the position where you do have scholarship money then reconsider if Harvard is the best choice for you.
Again the situation is fluid for them still.
1 Like
I’m fairly certain that the Harvard Class of 2029 is already full at this point. Under normal circumstances, the waitlist would have been closed by now. However, the situation remains fluid due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding international student visas.
It’s likely that any visa restrictions under the Trump administration would target specific countries, meaning not all international students would be affected. Still, I don’t anticipate major changes between now and September. If any spots do open up, it would probably be a very limited number—maybe 20 to 30 at most—depending on whether certain international students are ultimately able to enter the U.S.
As for legacy or full-pay students, many were likely placed on the waitlist more as a courtesy, particularly in recognition of their families’ past donations, rather than as serious candidates for admission. At this stage, I don’t believe legacy or full-pay status provides any real advantage. Just my two cents.
I agree on legacy and full pay. Just from my knowledge, and my counselors knowledge they will definitely admit more from the wait list.
The class is “full” in a perfect world, meaning no international students leaving. What we have been seeing for the past few weeks is many students are not able to schedule appointments with consulars. And those who are, are having second thoughts about coming here with this dictator running the country.
Those who were courtesy waitlisted probably got booted off in the initial decision release in may.
Hey just wondering- you said probably a wave next week- any reason for next week instead of this one? I assume politics will still be a whirlwind for a while and they will have to make decisions in the midst of that at some point
Is there any way to make a rational guess as to how many students might even still be on the waitlist?
It is just a guess as they told transfer students mid-July, and that is when hearing on the appeal may begin/start.
Harvard is still negotiating with the admin. I think they may be failing.
1 Like
Around 100-400. The amount doesn’t really matter.
1 Like
And by that point a lot of international students if they can’t get a visa or feel unsafe probably take a gap year. This is just my guess with no evidence.
As for evidence of another wave the office has been bombarded with defferals.
They likely keep legacy students on the waitlist until the very end because they hope to secure more donations from wealthy families. Not all international students are affected—only those from certain countries considered “national security” risks may face difficulties entering the U.S. But it’s Harvard—admitted international students will do everything they can and take whatever risks are necessary to study there.
You should look at how many spots are opened in countries that are not considered “national security” like india. Barely 1-10 daily, each getting taken by a bot.
Harvard won’t wait last minutes for courtesy waitlists. It makes no sense to have students for consideration with no ounce of intention of taking them off the list this late.
Right now the pool of applicants on waitlists such as harvard are there to replace students who face visa issues or decide to not enroll. Not random courtesy waitlists.
Many colleges require students to settle their tuition bills before they can register for fall classes. With some schools starting in mid-August and registration opening within the next 2–3 weeks, waitlisted students may soon be forced to make other plans. If Harvard keeps stalling, most students—if they haven’t already—will likely give up their spot on the waitlist because they can’t afford to wait until the very end. Plus, the issue between the Trump administration and Harvard won’t be resolved before September. The next 3–4 weeks will be full of uncertainty and risk-taking for everyone. Lol.
Definitely agree.
I agree completely. Some other schools are requiring students to pay their tuition bill and housing and meal plan before August. That is a lot of money, not just a $500 deposit to keep your place. We are talking thousands of dollars. Waitlisted students need a decision one way or the other from Harvard or it could be a lose lose situation for everyone.
Like which top colleges do that? It’s a genuine question. I googled for a few and none of them required early part for tuition or room/board.
Cornell will generate the tuition bill on July 11 and it is due by August 7th. That’s just one of several but I’m not going to type out all of them.
1 Like
Also Lafayette, Princeton, NYU, University of Southern Cal, Wesleyan and even Harvard! (and many other colleges) require tuition and other large payments in early August before the semester begins.