Harvard - Blog Posts

The Model Minority Myth Today -- Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. Harvard

Asian-Americans being discriminated against in college admissions, specifically towards Harvard.

The rat race of college admissions tends to be an uphill battle for Asian-Americans, as the Model Minority Myth (which stems from the creation of H1-B and EB-3 visas prioritizing skilled workers, causing Americans' perceptions of Asian-Americans as ALL highly skilled, which is untrue) contributes to the sky-high expectations of achievement by Asian-American high schoolers.

"To illustrate just how strong the Asian-American pool is, in the baseline dataset Asian-American applicants have academic indexes that are over 0.2 standard deviations higher than whites, almost one standard deviation higher than Hispanics, and over 1.5 standard deviations higher than African Americans. Indeed, Asian-American rejects have academic indexes that are higher than African American admits."

While yes, academically Asian-Americans excel, it turns out that in other areas of college admission they slump.

"Using data over ten years, they found that Harvard’s admissions officers assigned substantially lower personal ratings to Asian-American applicants versus white applicants, especially when compared to the ratings assigned by teachers, counselors, and alumni interviewers."

"Asian-American applicants suffer a statistically significant penalty relative to white applicants in two of the ratings Harvard’s admissions officers assign to each file (the personal and overall rating)."

So not only are the personal and overall ratings one of the contributing factors, but it is likely due to racial biases within school counselor and admissions officers systems.

White people having the most legacy as usual.

Within each of the other three groups (3, 3+, all 2’s), African-American applicants have the highest admit rates followed by Hispanics, then whites, and finally Asian Americans.

In fact, the scoring for African-American applicants on Harvard’s overall rating exhibits the opposite phenomenon exhibited by Asian-American applicants, as African-American applicants are disproportionately concentrated at the high and low ends of the rating scale.

African-American applicants are either overperforming or underperforming, never averaging out, showing how also due to societal norms and racist ideologies, have to fit the mold of being extraordinary or what society tells them they are. Or entirely be seen as a diversity student to lower (or raise) the GPA to seem more welcoming or exclusive.

Asian-American applicants are less likely to be admitted if they are in the middle of the road. They have to be exceptional or above average, otherwise they get completely ignored.

Despite being more academically qualified than the other three major racial/ethnic groups (whites, African Americans, and Hispanics), Asian-American applicants have the lowest admissions rates. In fact, data produced by Harvard show that this has been true for every admissions cycle for the classes of 2000 to 2019. A closer examination of the six years for which Harvard produced applicant-level admissions data shows that even removing those who receive some other form of preferences (such as legacy, athletic, or early action) still results in Asian Americans having the lowest admit rates over this period.

Asian-Americans are disadvantaged in a space where everyone else thinks they are not.

Hind Rajab was a 5 year old girl in Gaza who was killed while she hid alone in a car, along with the paramedics who tried to rescue her. Yesterday students at Columbia seized the administration building and renamed it in her honor.

Gadzooks Bazooka Instagram: gadzooks_bazooka

Remembering #HindRajab & children in #Gaza: This is what the mother of the child, Hind Rajab . https://tmblr.co/ZTeZMyfB_GHeeu00

UPDATE FROM

@sunnydice: (and please don't forget Layan Hamadeh , her 15 yr old cousin who was trapped with her or Yusuf Zino and Ahmed Al-Madhoun who bravely volunteered to try to save hind and were murdered by the IOF )

DrSonnet — هذا ما قالته والدة الطفلة هند رجب عندما سمعت بخبر... (tumblr.com)

🚨 Students at Harvard University launched an encampment in support of Gaza in Harvard Yard moments ago, calling for an end to Harvard's moral and material complicity in the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.

Harvard has invested over $200 million of its over $51 billion endowment in companies with ties to zionist settlements in the West Bank, while most of its investments to the zionist entity are kept secret.

The students are demanding financial transparency regarding investments related to the zionist entity, as well as genocide and occupation in Palestine; divestment from these investments and reinvestment in Palestine; and dropping all charges against student activists.

The University has suppressed student voices in support of Palestine time and time again, suspending the Palestine Solidarity Committee just this week on baseless grounds. They have also enabled attacks on pro-Palestinian students from the media and politicians. Today, the students say enough is enough, and that they will no longer tolerate their institution's support for genocide.

This brings the number of ongoing encampments to 19, with more to come.

Hind Rajab was a 5 year old girl in Gaza who was killed while she hid alone in a car, along with the paramedics who tried to rescue her. Yesterday students at Columbia seized the administration building and renamed it in her honor.

Gadzooks Bazooka Instagram: gadzooks_bazooka

Remembering #HindRajab & children in #Gaza: This is what the mother of the child, Hind Rajab . https://tmblr.co/ZTeZMyfB_GHeeu00

DrSonnet — هذا ما قالته والدة الطفلة هند رجب عندما سمعت بخبر... (tumblr.com)

A visit to boston

Boston, the capital of Massachusetts and one of America's oldest cities, is a destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity. With its iconic landmarks, renowned universities, and thriving arts scene, a visit to Boston is a delightful journey through time and a vibrant exploration of American heritage. Join me as I share my experience of discovering the rich tapestry of this remarkable city.

Stepping into Boston feels like entering a living history book. The city proudly showcases its role in the American Revolution, with sites like the Freedom Trail leading visitors on a trail of significant landmarks. Walking along this red-brick path, I marveled at the Old State House, the Paul Revere House, and the Old North Church, where the famous "one if by land, two if by sea" signal was sent.

Boston is renowned for its esteemed academic institutions, including Harvard University and MIT. The prestigious campuses exude an air of intellectual curiosity and innovation. Exploring Harvard Yard, strolling through the quaint streets of Cambridge, and absorbing the vibrant student culture left me inspired and in awe of the pursuit of knowledge that thrives in this city.

As a city with a thriving arts scene, Boston offers a diverse range of cultural experiences. The Museum of Fine Arts showcases an extensive collection spanning centuries and continents, while the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum mesmerizes with its enchanting courtyard and eclectic art collection. Catching a performance at the historic Boston Opera House or attending a concert by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Symphony Hall is a must for any art enthusiast.

Boston's neighborhoods each have a distinct character and charm. The picturesque streets of Beacon Hill with their historic brownstone houses, the lively atmosphere of the North End with its Italian heritage and delicious cuisine, and the vibrant energy of the Back Bay area with its upscale shopping and iconic brownstone-lined Commonwealth Avenue are just a few examples of the neighborhoods that make Boston so captivating.

Boston's food scene is a delightful blend of traditional New England fare and international flavors. From savoring freshly caught seafood at the famous Quincy Market to indulging in a mouthwatering lobster roll in a local eatery, culinary enthusiasts will find themselves in food heaven. Don't forget to try the city's signature dish, clam chowder, and explore the various eateries in the thriving foodie enclave of the South End.

Boston's harbor and nearby islands offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. A relaxing stroll along the Harborwalk provides breathtaking views of the waterfront, while a ferry ride to the Boston Harbor Islands allows for exploration of nature trails, picnicking, and even swimming in the summer months. Spectacular views of the city skyline from the islands make for memorable moments and fantastic photo opportunities.

A visit to Boston is an enriching experience that combines history, culture, and a vibrant urban lifestyle. The city's deep-rooted heritage, renowned educational institutions, thriving arts scene, diverse neighborhoods, and delectable cuisine all contribute to its allure. Boston's unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary vitality ensures that every traveler will find something captivating within its historic streets. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culture connoisseur, or an explorer of urban landscapes, Boston is a city that promises to leave an indelible impression and a longing to return.

THE IDIOT; ELIF BATUMAN

I recently started reading "The Idiot" by ELIF BATUMAN. And so far, it's been brilliant. The protagonist- full or intelligence and dry remarks, is absolutely a compelling presence in the back of your head as you move forward within the book!

"I had no idea then how far the tunnel extended, and for a long time, any light at the end of it was a hope rather than a reality." ~J.K. Rowling, Harvard Commencement Address 2008

Right after we crushed the bar (S3E10 Scarvey flashback moments)

**Harvard, 1997 – The Day of the Bar Exam** Harvey Specter leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms behind his head. The dim Harvard dorm light flickered slightly, casting a soft glow over the room littered with outlines, casebooks, and half-eaten takeout boxes. Across from him, **Scottie** sat cross-legged on his bed, flipping through a thick **New York Bar Exam review book** with an air of focus that only she could maintain at 3 AM. “You know,” Harvey smirked, tossing a stress ball in the air, “I don’t think I’ve studied this much for anything in my life.” Scottie **arched an eyebrow**, eyes still scanning the page. “That explains why I’m the one keeping you from bombing this thing.” Harvey scoffed. “Please, I’ve carried our study sessions.” Scottie finally looked up, amusement flickering in her eyes. “Oh really? Who’s the one who explained the Rule Against Perpetuities to you without you throwing a book across the room?” “First of all, that rule is dumb. Second, I would’ve figured it out eventually.” Scottie smirked, flipping a page. “Sure, Specter. And pigs might pass the bar before you do.” Harvey rolled his eyes but **grinned**. Their entire law school experience had been like this—a back-and-forth rhythm of **competition, sarcasm, and undeniable chemistry**. #### **Exam Day – Morning** The sun had barely risen when they stepped outside, dressed sharply but with an underlying **nervous energy** neither would admit to. Harvey held two **large coffees**—one black for him, one with a splash of milk for Scottie. She took it with a nod. “You’re learning.” “Don’t get used to it.” They walked toward the exam hall, surrounded by hundreds of other **soon-to-be lawyers** who all looked equally stressed. As they reached the entrance, Scottie turned to Harvey, suddenly serious. “We got this, right?” Harvey didn’t hesitate. “Hell yeah, we do.” She gave him a rare, genuine smile before nudging his arm. “If you don’t, I’m never letting you forget it.” #### **Post-Exam Celebration** Hours later, they **walked out**, exhaustion clashing with relief. Harvey loosened his tie while Scottie ran a hand through her hair. “That was brutal,” she exhaled. Harvey smirked. “I blacked out somewhere around the essay questions. Pretty sure I invented a new precedent.” Scottie **laughed**, her first real laugh of the day. “We crushed it.” “You mean *I* crushed it.” “Harvey, you used to think ‘Mens Rea’ was a fancy Italian dish.” Harvey scoffed. “Lies. Also, speaking of food, I say we celebrate with a meal. **Homemade.**” Scottie **blinked**. “You? Cook?” “I’ll have you know I’m a man of many talents.” Scottie smirked. “Fine. But if it sucks, you’re never hearing the end of it.” Harvey held the door open for her, flashing his signature grin. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.” And that night, in a tiny Boston apartment, **Harvey Specter and Dana Scott made their first meal together**, still high on the rush of crushing the Bar Exam.

International Students

How many international students are there at the moment who want to enroll in a US university? The threat to block Harvard from enrolling international students is so hollow. As if this administration cares about international students. There won't be any anyway.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/us/politics/trump-harvard-international-students.html

So Harvard has decided not to give in without a fight

"No government — regardless of which party is in power — should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue," said Alan Garber, Harvard’s president, in a statement to the university on Monday.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/14/us/harvard-trump-reject-demands.html

This is a powerful and much-needed statement. Academia feels a glimmer of hope that not every university and not everyone in academia will give in without a fight. At the same time, the reasons are more strategic than simply protecting science, students, faculty and academic freedom.

Why Harvard Decided to Fight Trump

[...] any path the university chose seemed just as likely to lead to ongoing turmoil, and [...] officials at Harvard, [...] feared the White House would renege on any agreement.

[...] a strategy of "negotiation and conciliation seems to have no acceptable ending point."

[...] Harvard might have tried to negotiate just as Columbia did, "if it had assurance that the administration was negotiating in good faith."

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/15/us/why-harvard-resisted-trumps-demands.html

There is no faith, no trust in the permanence of anything at this point. No decision, no agreement, no law is immutable, even for the shortest time, if the administration decides to change its mind. The ultimate goal is to dismantle academia anyway. So why even try to negotiate.

Harvard era finnlo plz👀 gotta love angst w/ baby finnlo love and sweetness

*Sighs*

Once again, I cannot write unresolved angst. It's just too painful, and I don't like to hurt myself that much. HOWEVER, this piece does STAY a little angsty because Leo is a *kinda hurt* ray of sunshine in NOLA after the playoffs, BUT FinnLo miss him SOSOSO much!

Please keep sending in prompts if you'd like! I'm almost done writing all the ones I've got. :)

Credits to @lumosinlove :)

Logan didn’t know how to be mad at Finn. That’s what he’d discovered after their first fight. 

Finn had promised to help him with his English reading, but then he’d had to meet up with his French Literature group for a project at the last minute because their professor had moved the due date up. With Samyra. Logan liked Samyra. She was nice, funny, smart, beautiful- and obviously got along with Finn. Logan wouldn’t be surprised if he asked her out. And Logan really should have been happy about that, should have been understanding about the fact that Finn really did have a good excuse to miss their study session. But it was Finn. He drove Logan crazy, he made Logan laugh, he made Logan lose every single bit of rationale he was holding in. 

And he was also supposed to help Logan study for his English midterm. 

Logan really regretted yelling. Irritation was justified, even if it wasn’t Finn’s fault. Feelings were justified, as Aubrey loved to remind him when he was little and got hot-headed, but the actions one took afterwards sometimes weren’t. And yelling at Finn, who had been trying to be reasonable even if he was confused, definitely wasn’t justified. Logan had slammed the door so hard after him a book had fallen from Finn’s shelf. Pride and Prejudice. Logan almost cried at the memory of him and Finn watching the movie the day Logan had turned in his essay on it. 

Now, Logan was still sitting at his desk, trying to make sense of the essay prompts they were given for Romeo and Juliet. Logan had read it in high school, but in French, and never with the level of analysis his professor required. He let out a frustrated grunt and threw his pencil down. He looked at his phone. 5:30.

The dining hall would be getting busy soon. He should have gone before all the good options were gone, but he never went alone. He and Finn always went together, even if they were coming from different places or left to meet up with different people after eating. It was Logan’s favorite part of the day: Finn’s undivided attention, Finn’s laugh, the way Finn always gave him half of his dessert. Logan let out a shaky breath and covered his face with his hands. 

After a moment, he heard a thump outside of their door and then the sound of the knob being turned. Finn walked through, humming to whatever was playing through his AirPods. He stopped when he saw Logan, looking him up and down, before taking his headphones out. The silence that stretched between him removing them from his ears and their case clicking shut seemed like an eternity. 

Finally, he looked Logan in the eye. “Hey, Lo. I-”

“I’m sorry,” Logan interrupted, standing abruptly. They weren’t eye to eye, so Finn had to look down, and even though the difference wasn’t much, Logan still felt incredibly small. Finn’s gaze was a little curious, a little shocked, a little hurt. Logan hated hurting Finn. “I’m sorry,” he said again. His accent sounded thick. “I’m so sorry, I should not have yelled at you. That was not fair.” 

Finn’s shoulder relaxed, the hurt fading into something Logan didn’t understand, but all that mattered was that Finn was looking at him. “Hey, no, it’s okay. You’re stressed.”

“No,” Logan shook his head. “Non, non, it’s never okay to yell at you like that. I-” He stopped. English was hard for him. He tried to think of what Aubrey would tell him to do. 

Breathe. Breathe, Logan, it’s okay to feel things. It’s okay to apologize, too. 

Logan took a deep breath. “I am sorry. I am stressed, and I was frustrated, but I should not have yelled at you.” He averted his gaze and looked down at his sneakers. He could make out where Finn had signed his name on the top of his foot with a smiley face. It made his breath catch all over again. “I don’t want you to be mad at me.”

“What? Wait, no, Logan-” Finn cut himself off to grab Logan’s shoulders, ducking down to meet his eyes. “No, God, I’m not mad at you. I can’t- I can’t be mad at you.”

Logan jerked his head up. “What?” That sounded too close to-

“You’re my best friend. I can’t be mad at you.” Finn jostled him lightly. “You’re my best friend, okay? Forever. You don’t have a choice.”

“Oh.” The news wasn’t new to Logan, but for some reason he still felt surprised. “You’re my best friend, too.”

“Good. C’mere.” 

Finn wrapped him in a hug. His arms were strong and his chest was solid. Logan knew his hands were too low on Finn’s back, clutching at his waist. Normal friends didn’t hug like that. But Finn and Logan did. Logan was confused and scared, but he was mostly warm and safe. Finn’s arms were safe. Even if Logan didn’t know anything else, he certainly knew that.

“Okay,” Finn said, giving Logan one more squeeze before leaning back. They were a little further apart now, but they didn’t completely remove their arms from around each other. Finn smiled down at him. “Pack your stuff. Let’s go get dinner and go to the library. I’ll help you with your English essay, ‘kay?”

“D’accord,” Logan said, pulling away from Finn’s warmth to pack his things. A thought popped into his head, and he felt a pang in his stomach as he asked, “Did you ask Samyra out?”

Finn blinked. “Uh, no? She’s got a girlfriend. We’re just friends.” He cocked his head. “Why?”

“Oh, uh…” Logan shrugged. “Seemed nice, that’s all. Thought you might like her.”

Finn smiled slightly and shook his head. “No. No.” He bit his lip and looked Logan up and down. “No, I’m all set for now, actually.” He jerked his head towards the door. “C’mon, the dining hall will be busy soon, and I want to get the chocolate pudding before it’s gone.”

“You mean you want to get it and give it to me, don’t you?”

Finn shoved him out the door. “Maybe with other desserts, but not with chocolate pudding. Let’s go, Tremblay, you’ve got an essay to write and I’m starving.”

Logan laughed and walked with Finn down the stairs and out of the house. In the sunshine, with Finn as his company, he felt a little lighter.

***

“Fuck me, this steak is good.”

Logan smiled against the rim of his wine glass. Across the table, Finn had his cutlery poised and his mouth closed, slowly chewing his bite of New York strip. After a moment, he hummed in appreciation and opened his eyes. He smiled at Logan around his food. “What?”

Logan swallowed his wine and set the glass down. “You’re cute.”

That made Finn’s eyes sparkle. “You flirting with me, ten?”

Logan looked from his eyes, to his lips, to his capable hands, then back up to his face, where his cheeks were now flushing slightly. “Maybe.”

Finn put the utensils down and squeezed Logan’s ankle between his own two feet. “Stop that, I’ll never eat my steak if you keep looking at me like that. And it’s good steak.”

“Ouais, it is,” Logan sighed, picking up his own fork and knife and cutting into his piece of meat. “Le would like this place.”

“Mm.” Finn finished another bite. “Well, we can take him. When he gets back from New Orleans.”

“Ouais.” Logan worried the inside of his cheek. “Fish?”

At Logan’s tone, Finn looked up from his plate. “Yeah?”

Logan let out a nervous breath. “Do you think Leo’s mad at me?”

Finn studied him for a moment. The dim restaurant lights made his eyes look warm. Or, maybe, that’s just how they looked when they saw Logan. “No, baby. He’s not mad.”

Logan nodded minutely. “Ouais. Non, ouais, you’re right, I’m sorry. That was silly.”

“Hey, hey,” Finn said, taking both of Logan’s hands in his own and squeezing his fingers. He was leaning across the table a bit now, as if to keep their conversation private. “He’s not mad at you. Mad that we lost in the playoffs? Yes. Mad that he was in goal? Yes. Mad that it was you who scored on him? Yes. But he’s not mad at you, baby.” Finn paused for a minute, scrunching his eyes in thought. “I don’t even think he’s mad, more frustrated, because he could never be mad at you. And he's hurt. Hurt that we ended up in that situation and that we were forced to face each other like that. Hurt that he did, that he had to face some things he really didn’t want to.”

Logan let out an angry breath. “Jack.”

Finn kissed his fingers. “Yes. Jack, but not just him. Le felt so separate there, for a minute, you know? When I got my concussion. And you talked it out, and it’s fine now, but it did happen. And so he was frustrated at himself, and Jack, and the playoffs, and-” Finn looked conflicted for a second.

“What?” Logan pressed. “What, rouge?”

When Finn’s eyes looked into his, they were almost a little sad, but he smiled anyway. “I think that, the longer we’re dating, and the more he learns about the two of us at Harvard… I don’t know, he just gets more frustrated with the fact that he wasn’t there? Not like, sad, but- selfish, I guess, for the years he didn’t know us. Not that he could have, obviously, and we’re together forever, there’s no stopping that.” Finn smiled when Logan let out a light laugh. He shrugged. “I think he just wants to have been there with us. It probably would have been messy, I know, but- I don’t know, even I’m selfish for that lost time with him, I guess. With both of you. It would have meant more time with him, if he was there with us.”

Logan nodded. “Ouais. Ouais, I would have liked him there, too.” He brought Finn’s hands up to his own mouth, now, and kissed them gently. “But I also like him here.” He brushed a hand through Finn’s hair. “He helped me be okay with loving you both. With loving myself. And I don’t think I would have felt that way in college, even if he was there. I had a lot to learn.” He grinned softly. “I also cannot be mad at him. Or you. Never could.”

Finn laughed. “Yeah, me neither. And yeah, you did. We both did.” He cupped Logan’s cheek and kissed him gently. “I love you.” 

Logan smiled against his mouth and kissed him again. “I love you, too.” 

When he sat back and picked up his utensils again, he spared a glance at Finn. It was different than sitting across from him in the Harvard dining hall. He was still Finn. He made Logan laugh like he did back then, but it was also more now. He kissed Logan, he held Logan, he gave Logan pleasure so deep and heady, let Logan give him pleasure until they were shaking with it. He loved Logan. He loved Leo. He kissed Leo, held Leo, made love to Leo. Logan loved seeing him love Leo. He loved seeing Leo love Finn. He loved both of his boys receiving the love they so deserved, that he wanted them to have. He loved how gently they treated each other and him. He couldn’t ask for anything more, didn’t want to. He had everything he’d ever wanted, and even more than he’d ever thought to look for in the first place.

“You okay?” Finn asked, breaking him out of his reverie.

Logan smiled at him. “Ouais.” He pressed their ankles more insistently together. “I love sitting across from you at dinner.”

Finn tilted his head questioningly at him for a moment. Logan watched the moment he understood and felt something warm settle in his chest. Finn reached across and playfully pushed at his cheek. “Fuck, ten, don’t say things like that, or we’re going to be out of here real fast. And I am enjoying this steak.”

“Oui,” Logan agreed. “It’s good steak.” He took a bite and considered for a moment. “But not as good as Leo’s”

“Ain’t that the truth. C’mon, eat up, you need all the protein you can get for those big muscles of yours. Then we can go home and call sunshine.”

Logan rolled his eyes playfully but obeyed, and poised his fork and knife.