3% admission price? Why Harvard’s new introductory math course is beneath hearth – The Occasions of India
Harvard College is introducing a brand new introductory math course, Math MA5, to deal with gaps in foundational algebra abilities amongst its college students, based on The Harvard Crimson. The pilot program, introduced on March 19, 2025, by way of X by tech investor Elad Gil, has ignited discussions in regards to the selectivity and outcomes of Harvard’s extremely aggressive 3% acceptance price.
A New Method to Foundational Math
Math MA5 will run alongside the prevailing Math MA and MB programs however will characteristic an expanded five-day schedule. Harvard’s Director of Introductory Math, Brendan A. Kelly, described the course as providing “a wide range of totally different actions” on Tuesdays and Thursdays to assist college students recognized by a pre-term ability verify. The curriculum will give attention to algebra, geometry, and quantitative reasoning—important abilities for achievement in Harvard’s demanding math packages.
Social Media Reactions and Issues
Gil’s put up, which included a screenshot of The Crimson article, posed a provocative query: “What’s Harvard’s 3% admissions price deciding on for?” The inquiry has fueled heated discussions on social media, referring to broader issues about elite schooling, range, and pupil preparedness within the post-Covid period.
Commenters on X expressed a spread of views. Some, like Brian Edgeworth, emphasised the significance of math fundamentals, whereas others, resembling Abhivendra Singh, lamented a perceived decline in educational requirements. “Wow! Algebra was anticipated solely 20 years in the past,” Singh wrote, citing his expertise hiring Harvard alumni over time.
Others prompt the admissions course of could also be prioritizing elements past educational preparedness. A person named stablekh referenced the 2023 US Supreme Court docket ruling that struck down race-based affirmative motion, speculating that Harvard might now emphasize extracurriculars and socioeconomic range over conventional educational metrics.
Elizabeth Knopf shared a private anecdote about her brother’s utility, noting his distinctive credentials—high of his class, a 1580 SAT rating, quite a few AP programs, and analysis at Stanford—but highlighting utility questions that targeted closely on race, LGBTQ+ id, and variety. “You’re going to be disgusted,” she warned, implying bias within the admissions course of.
Some took a broader view of the development. Gabe Mays linked the brand new course to a bigger shift in increased schooling, suggesting that an emphasis on simpler levels or remedial packages might have long-term penalties. In the meantime, Arjun Narayan proposed a tech-driven various, tagging @MathAcademy and quipping, “The AI will do a greater job than any professor might.”
The Greater Image: Admissions and Educational Requirements
Harvard’s Class of 2027 noticed a record-low 3.41% acceptance price, reflecting the extraordinary competitors for admission. In accordance with a January 2025 report from Shiksha.com, worldwide college students, together with many from India, proceed to face fierce odds in gaining entry.
The launch of Math MA5 raises elementary questions: Is Harvard’s admissions course of deciding on college students who’re absolutely ready for its educational rigor? Or are exterior elements—resembling pandemic-related studying loss and shifting range insurance policies—reshaping the scholar physique in sudden methods?
Supporters of Math MA5 argue that it displays Harvard’s dedication to pupil success, making certain that these admitted obtain the assist they should excel. Critics, nevertheless, fear that such initiatives might dilute educational rigor or spotlight failings within the Ok-12 schooling system.
Because the pilot program unfolds, it’s going to function a key indicator of whether or not Harvard can successfully bridge these studying gaps—or whether or not deeper shifts in admissions and educational expectations are on the horizon.
