This bill would require colleges and universities that use personality traits to make admissions decisions to publicly disclose how they evaluate and weigh those traits. This information would help applicants understand the process and know what to expect when applying.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill would require colleges and universities that use personality traits to make admissions decisions to publicly disclose how they evaluate and weigh those traits. This information would help applicants understand the process and know what to expect when applying.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Helping Applicants Receive Valid and Reasonable Decisions Act or the HARVARD Act</strong></p> <p> 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. <em>Personality traits</em> 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.</p> <p>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.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Colleges must publicly disclose if they consider personality traits like humor, sensitivity, or leadership when making admissions decisions.
Colleges must explain their rationale for considering personality traits and describe the process and standards used to evaluate them.
This bill aims to make the admissions process more transparent for applicants.
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would impact high school students and their families who are going through the college application process. It would give them more information about how certain colleges evaluate applicants, potentially helping them tailor their applications. Colleges that consider personality traits would need to devote resources to disclosing and explaining their process.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Education
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
4447, 119th Congress (2025). "Transit Bus Affordability Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-4447
