This bill, called the HARVARD Act, requires colleges and universities that receive federal student aid money to be transparent about how they evaluate personality traits during the admissions process. If a school considers things like humor, leadership, integrity, kindness, or grit when deciding whether to admit students, they now have to tell applicants about it upfront. Specifically, schools must post information on their websites and in their application materials explaining that they use personality traits, why they think this matters, how they actually evaluate these traits, and what specific standards they use to rate them. The goal is to give students and families clear information about what colleges are looking for beyond grades and test scores, so there are no surprises or hidden criteria in the admissions process. This applies to any college or university that participates in federal student aid programs.

HARVARD Act

Steel, Michelle

Helping Applicants Receive Valid and Reasonable Decisions Act or the HARVARD Act This bill requires an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student-aid programs and considers personality traits of applicants in making admission determinations to publicly disclose specified information related to personality traits. Personality traits refer to the patterns of an individual with respect to behaviors, thoughts, and emotions and may include patterns relating to humor, sensitivity, grit, leadership, integrity, helpfulness, courage, and kindness. Specifically, the IHE must make available on its public website and application materials (1) a statement informing applicants of the use of personality traits in making admission determinations, (2) the rationale for such use of personality traits, (3) a description of the process under which personality traits are considered, and (4) the standards and criteria used for rating personality traits.