Deans Discuss Admissions

While conceding that the Harvard admissions system is far from perfect, one current and two former Harvard undergraduate admissions deans told members of the Alumni Association yesterday that Harvard's current student body is more diverse and academically stronger than ever before.

The three deans--Dean of Admissions William R. Fitzsimmons '67, Dean of the College L. Fred Jewett '57 and Vice President for Alumni Affairs Fred L. Glimp '50--said in a panel discussion held in conjunction with the Alumni Association's 150th anniversary that changes in the College's admissions process are responsible for the higher overall quality of its current student body.

"We have never had as strong and diverse an undergraduate community as we do today," Fitzsimmons said.

The three deans cited Harvard's need-blind admissions policy--established in 1961 under then-President Nathan M. Pusey '28--and more vigorous geographic and minority recruitment as the major reasons for the stronger student body.

Glimp, who himself headed Harvard's admissions office in the 1960s, credited former Dean of Admissions Bill Bender for the vast expansion in recruiting which began in the 1950s.

But even though much of Harvard's admissions process has been revamped over the years, Fitzsimmons assured the alumni that at least one practice has not changed that much.

"We are still paying lots of attention to the sons and daughters of alumni and alumnae. Over past years, consistently 40 to 45 percent of alumni children have been admitted," Fitzsimmons said. "All other things equal, we will admit alumni children."