The Harvard Recruitment Program seeks to identify talented students from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. We are resolute in our belief that education is enriched by learning and living with individuals who represent many different talents, interests, and experiences.
The Harvard Recruitment Program is staffed by current Harvard undergraduates and admissions staff who are dedicated to diversity and to recruiting talented students. It is important to note, however, that the students are not involved with the admissions process itself. Inquiries about how decisions are made, admissions criteria, etc. should be directed to the Admissions Office website.
Harvard Undergraduate Minority Recruitment Program
The Undergraduate Minority Recruitment Program (UMRP) assists the Admissions Office in extending its outreach to prospective students. The program is staffed by current undergraduates who coordinate recruitment efforts on behalf of African American, Asian American, Latino, and Native American students. Coordinators are equipped to address a full range of questions concerning academic and extracurricular opportunities at Harvard, as well as social and residential life.
Harvard Financial Aid Initiative
The Harvard Financial Aid Initiative (HFAI) is aimed at economic barriers to college; beginning in 2006, parents of families with incomes of less than $60,000 no longer will be asked to contribute to the cost of their child's education at Harvard. In addition, Harvard also is reducing substantially the expected parental contributions of families with incomes between $60,000 and $80,000.
Furthermore, the College is intensifying its efforts to reach out to talented students across the nation who might not think of Harvard as an option to make sure that they understand Harvard's long-standing commitment to enrolling students from a wide range of backgrounds and regardless of financial circumstances. Coordinators from a variety of backgrounds are available to assist potential applicants and their families during the academic year. They are prepared to describe and explain not only basic financial aid policy and practice, but also to discuss more general aspects of student life at Harvard College.
Undergraduate Admissions Council
The Undergraduate Admissions Council (UAC) acts as a liaison between prospective students and the Harvard Undergraduate Admissions Office. With more than 50 members, the UAC is a large student body that provides information and support to both students and administrators. Its work culminates in April with the annual student visiting program, which generally sees over 1,000 prospective Harvard students visiting over a span of 3 days.