Speak of Ivy League universities, and a few illustrious names often come to the fore — Harvard, Dartmouth College, Yale, to name just a few. And that comes as no surprise, given their reputation within high academic circles as well as the illustrious alumni that they have come to produce over the course of many years, making them top picks for those looking to pursue their education beyond school in America.
Naturally, gaining admission into these institutions is no easy feat with their stringent requirements. In the case of Harvard College, they are said to have an admission rate of only 3.4% from over 56,937 applications!
Three Malaysians get accepted into Harvard for Class of 2027
And in spite of those odds, three incredibly talented Malaysian students manage to bag themselves a spot each to further their studies in one of the world’s most renowned institutions for its class of 2027. This includes Ho Shu Xin, who hails from Ipoh, and Kuala Lumpur natives Pua E Rick and Sydny Lum.
As reported by local newspaper Sin Chew Daily, they are among the 14.5% of international students from across 102 countries selected to attend Harvard College out of a total of 1,942 students admitted. As of now, the trio are finishing up their A-levels, with Shu Xin and E Rick at Yayasan College UEM and Sydny in Garden International School (GIS).
Source: Sin Chew Daily
Shu Xin, who is from Ipoh and a scholarship holder from Yayasan Khazanah has intentions to pursue psychology while E Rick and Sydny who are both from Kuala Lumpur wants to focus on biological sciences and economics respectively.
Source: Sin Chew Daily
Admission based on ability and character regardless of social background
According to local newspaper FMT, this year is the second year where Harvard has expanded its financial aid policy in hopes of helping the low to mid-income families to afford education in their institution. As of present, families with an annual income of $85,000 (RM375,000) and below would be allowed to attend for free.
The threshold has increased by $10,000 (RM44,060) from last year’s $75,000 (RM330,450), with nearly 25% of students in Harvard falling in the category. Nadiah Wan, an alumni interviewer for Harvard College and Harvard Club of Malaysia President mentioned that the college admissions are ‘need-blind and financial-aid is completely need-based’.
“Students are admitted solely based on their character and capabilities, regardless of their financial background and ability to pay”, she said.
Source: Sin Chew Daily
She elaborated further saying that Harvard is committed into making sure that students who are admitted into the institution can afford to pay for their education, thus granting talented students across the globe, including Malaysia, equal access to its world-class education system.
As of now, there are currently less than 10 Malaysians who are alumni of Harvard. Congratulations to Ho Shu Xin, Pua E Rick and Sydny Lum, all the best in your future endeavours!
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