KUCHING: Sarawakian Alyssa Yap Xin Yi was among six Malaysian students selected from a pool of 61,220 applicants for their admission into Harvard University’s undergraduate programme.
This was despite Harvard recorded its lowest acceptance rate within its 386-year history, with only 3.19 per cent making the cut.
Apart from Yap, another five students are Chooi Je Qin (Johor), Herman Leong Xin Yang (Penang), Ishant Shah (Penang), Carisma Michaela Wong (Sabah) and Lee Ee Jenn (KL), who will be joining the Harvard College Class of 2026.
The six are planning on pursuing studies in fields ranging from astrophysics, biochemistry, economics, environmental science and public policy, politics and sociology.
Harvard College alumnus and CEO of TMC Life Sciences Bhd group and Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara Wan Nadiah Wan Mohd Abdullah Yaakob said these talented students had broken the record for the most number of admissions to Harvard College within the same year.
“Previously, we only had at best two students getting admitted per year or even none at all.”
She also added that Harvard follows a need-blind admission, where financial status does not play a role in influencing the application process.
“It has always been the mission of Harvard College to provide educational opportunities to the best and brightest students around the world from all backgrounds, regardless of their social or economic status.
“This singular focus on excellence is integral to Harvard’s vision to serve as a haven for the world’s most ambitious scholars and leaders.”
