A lawsuit by the Trump administration against Harvard University over admissions data transparency has drawn attention, but experts told CNBC that the bigger takeaway for students is rising competition and a stronger focus on academic merit. With race-conscious admissions discontinued and standardized tests returning, Ivy League acceptance rates remain extremely low, reinforcing the need for rigorous academics, strong scores, and focused profiles for future applicants.
Harvard admissions lawsuit sparks debate: Here’s why academic merit matters more than ever for Ivy League hopefuls
February 23, 2026
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A lawsuit by the Trump administration against Harvard University over admissions data transparency has drawn attention, but experts told CNBC that the bigger takeaway for students is rising competition and a stronger focus on academic merit. With race-conscious admissions discontinued and standardized tests returning, Ivy League acceptance rates remain extremely low, reinforcing the need for rigorous academics, strong scores, and focused profiles for future applicants.
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