Arts and Sciences

Some faculty members in the sciences have remarked that Harvard has not been active enough in creating a public image of itself as a leader in science education and research. If Harvard were only to present the "true" picture of itself to prospective applicants, this argument runs, increased knowledge that Harvard is not merely concerned with the liberal arts would attract more and better science talent to the College.

Whether or not the "public image" bears changing, it is certainly true that the role of the prospective science student needs study. Nearly half of recent freshman classes have indicated a desire to concentrate in the sciences, but a considerably smaller percentage actually does. Any number of factors might contribute to the drop-off--a sudden discovery of the liberal arts, a discouraging decline in grades, or possibly the deglamorization of the role of scientist in a freshman's mind (just as a horde of students who list "writer" as an occupational preference end up lawyers and teachers).

It is evident that the time to fight for more scientists is in the early years of college, not at admission time. Instituting mathematics and science requirements beyond what is now termed "the ideal secondary school preparation for Harvard," as has been suggested by some, would only discourage applicants from secondary schools where these subjects are not taught. Until engineering schools lose their appeal as vocational preparation, Harvard will not be able to compete for high school students who "know what they want to do" and have no interest in the liberal arts.

Instead of worrying about applicants, the scientists would do better to study their advising program, the possibility of a College math-science requirement, and the various pressures which tend to force the freshman away from concentration in the natural sciences.