<p>Well, I don't think it's to "boost their selectivity." It's about the "pipeline effect." Colleges can't change their applicant pool; in other words, they can't change K-12 education to tailor their interests. What they CAN do, however, is to attract as many applicants as possible in order to create the most dynamic class possible. This is the goal of ALL institutions, not just Harvard. For example, note how so many colleges are following Harvard's lead in providing great financial aid. Williams and Wellesley, for example, just announced a signficant change in the awarding of financial aid.</p>
<p>Hmm... my friend (half white, half asian) and I (pure asian) both got an email yesterday from harvard asian american organizations (wth...). it "welcomed" us "to apply for admission to harvard this year" or something of the like. because we are both national merit semifinalist, maybe that is how they selected people. i have no idea, yet i dont thikn it matters much. they just want you to APPLY and then it is their decision to admit or turn down.</p>