Harvard University is introducing a new introductory math course, Math MA5, to address gaps in foundational algebra skills among its students, according to The Harvard Crimson. The pilot program, announced on March 19, 2025, via X by tech investor Elad Gil, has ignited discussions about the selectivity and outcomes of Harvard’s highly competitive 3% acceptance rate.
A New Approach to Foundational Math
Math MA5 will run alongside the existing Math MA and MB courses but will feature an expanded five-day schedule. Harvard’s Director of Introductory Math, Brendan A. Kelly, described the course as offering “a variety of different activities” on Tuesdays and Thursdays to support students identified through a pre-term skill check. The curriculum will focus on algebra, geometry, and quantitative reasoning—essential skills for success in Harvard’s demanding math programs.
Social Media Reactions and Concerns
Gil’s post, which included a screenshot of The Crimson article, posed a provocative question: “What is Harvard’s 3% admissions rate selecting for?” The inquiry has fueled heated discussions on social media, touching on broader concerns about elite education, diversity, and student preparedness in the post-Covid era.
Commenters on X expressed a range of perspectives. Some, like Brian Edgeworth, emphasized the importance of math fundamentals, while others, such as Abhivendra Singh, lamented a perceived decline in academic standards. “Wow! Algebra used to be expected only 20 years ago,” Singh wrote, citing his experience hiring Harvard alumni over the years.
Others suggested the admissions process may be prioritizing factors beyond academic preparedness. A user named stablekh referenced the 2023 US Supreme Court ruling that struck down race-based affirmative action, speculating that Harvard may now emphasize extracurriculars and socioeconomic diversity over traditional academic metrics.
Elizabeth Knopf shared a personal anecdote about her brother’s application, noting his exceptional credentials—top of his class, a 1580 SAT score, numerous AP courses, and research at Stanford—yet highlighting application questions that focused heavily on race, LGBTQ+ identity, and diversity. “You’re going to be disgusted,” she warned, implying bias in the admissions process.
Some took a broader view of the trend. Gabe Mays linked the new course to a larger shift in higher education, suggesting that an emphasis on easier degrees or remedial programs could have long-term consequences. Meanwhile, Arjun Narayan proposed a tech-driven alternative, tagging @MathAcademy and quipping, “The AI will do a better job than any professor could.”
The Bigger Picture: Admissions and Academic Standards
Harvard’s Class of 2027 saw a record-low 3.41% acceptance rate, reflecting the intense competition for admission. According to a January 2025 report from Shiksha.com, international students, including many from India, continue to face fierce odds in gaining entry.
The launch of Math MA5 raises fundamental questions: Is Harvard’s admissions process selecting students who are fully prepared for its academic rigor? Or are external factors—such as pandemic-related learning loss and shifting diversity policies—reshaping the student body in unexpected ways?
Supporters of Math MA5 argue that it reflects Harvard’s commitment to student success, ensuring that those admitted receive the support they need to excel. Critics, however, worry that such initiatives may dilute academic rigor or highlight failings in the K-12 education system.
As the pilot program unfolds, it will serve as a key indicator of whether Harvard can effectively bridge these learning gaps—or whether deeper shifts in admissions and academic expectations are on the horizon.
