Can I (as an applicant) write about my race/ethnicity in my application materials? Can I (as a counselor or teacher) write about a student’s race/ethnicity in my letter of recommendation?

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Last Updated: December 13, 5:00pm

Just as in previous admissions cycles, applicants and those writing on behalf of applicants should feel welcome to write about any aspect of the applicant’s identity or background, including race and/or ethnicity. You do not have to withhold any information in any part of the application (e.g. extracurricular list, personal essay, Harvard’s supplemental questions, letters of recommendation, etc.) because of the Supreme Court’s decision regarding affirmative action. As the applicant, you are welcome to check the race/ethnicity boxes when completing the application, though that information will not be shared in the transmission of application data for review. As our admissions committee members review applications, it is incumbent on our staff to comply with the ruling of the Supreme Court in which we cannot consider race/ethnicity in our review of applications.

Alert: Visitor Center Closed to the public.

Open Alert: Visitor Center Closed to the public.

Can I (as an applicant) write about my race/ethnicity in my application materials? Can I (as a counselor or teacher) write about a student’s race/ethnicity in my letter of recommendation?

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