Requiring applicants to demonstrate an ability to write succinctly and clearly is racist and discriminatory

even if essay tutoring is provided

So says the Harvard Crimson, bemoaning the school’s new admission application’s requirement of five separate 200-word essays.

‘… [L]onger essays more equitably allow applicants to discuss their experiences in full, particularly if they are from non-traditional backgrounds and require more space to elaborate on nuanced qualifications.'

They argue that 'trauma dumping' is acceptable, describing it as 'explaining how past life experiences have shaped who you are'.

'Those who have undergone traumatic experiences should not have to fear that writing about the experiences that shaped them looks like a beg for admission,' they state.

The board adds that some of the questions are also flawed.

The authors point to the question: 'Briefly describe an intellectual experience that was important to you.'

They write: 'This question seemingly privileges applicants from well-resourced backgrounds for whom additional academic opportunities were plentiful in high school.'

I’d write about my own traumatic ordeal of reaching the age of 18 without ever experiencing an original thought or being exposed to one except that I don’t have space.

UPDATE: Professor Reynolds, as usual, has the last word.

Relax, kids. The essay is just to give the applicants a chance to say that they’re black, while letting Harvard claim it doesn’t ask about race. 200 words is plenty for that.