As tensions heat up between the Trump administration and Harvard University—one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in the U.S.—President Donald Trump recently made a claim about Harvard’s math curriculum that just doesn’t hold water.

During a swearing-in ceremony at the White House, Trump criticized Harvard, saying the university is now offering “remedial mathematics” courses covering basics like “two plus two is four,” and questioned how students who supposedly struggle with such simple math could have even gotten into Harvard in the first place.

Let’s break down what’s really going on.

The Claim:

“Harvard announced two weeks ago that they’re going to teach remedial mathematics, remedial, meaning they’re going to teach low grade mathematics like two plus two is four. How did these people get into Harvard? If they can’t, if they can’t do basic mathematics, how did they do it?”

The Facts:

Simply put, Harvard does not offer any remedial math class that teaches basic arithmetic like addition or subtraction. What Trump seems to be referring to is a new course format called Mathematics MA5, which launched in fall 2024—not a remedial course, but an enhanced version of Harvard’s introductory freshman calculus class.

James Chisholm, spokesperson for Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, clarified, “Harvard College does not offer any so-called remedial math classes. Math MA5 is a college-level calculus course. It’s just a new format of Math MA, the introductory calculus course that has been taught at Harvard for decades.”

The main difference? MA5 meets five days a week instead of three, providing extra support. However, the homework, exams, and grading for both courses are exactly the same. Both classes serve as prerequisites for more advanced math studies.

Why the Extra Support?

According to Harvard’s Director of Introductory Math, Brendan Kelly, the MA5 course was designed to help students who may have lost some foundational algebra skills due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The extra sessions focus on reinforcing algebra, geometry, and quantitative reasoning skills, rather than teaching elementary arithmetic.

What About Harvard Extension School?

Some confusion may come from Harvard Extension School, a separate program aimed at adult learners and continuing education students. This school offers precalculus and other courses, but it is completely separate from Harvard College—the undergraduate program with highly competitive admissions.

James Chisholm emphasized, “Harvard Extension School is 100% distinct from Harvard College and the two have nothing to do with each other in terms of curriculum or students.”

Supporting Students with Additional Needs

Harvard also runs programs like the Rising Scholars Program and Emerging Scholars Program, which provide extra academic support to select incoming and current students who come from high schools with limited advanced coursework opportunities. These programs aim to address long-standing inequalities in K-12 math and science education and are not about teaching basic arithmetic to students who can’t do math.

The Reality of Harvard Admissions

Let’s put this in perspective: the median math SAT score for Harvard’s most recent entering class was an impressive 790 out of 800. The average ACT math score was 35 out of 36, with a median high school GPA of 4.2.

Brian Taylor of Ivy Coach, a college counseling service, sums it up best: “There is no university in America as difficult to get into as Harvard—no matter your background. President Trump’s math here simply doesn’t add up.”

Bottom Line

While Harvard continues to provide support to ensure all students are ready for rigorous college-level math, it does not teach remedial arithmetic to undergraduates. The claim that Harvard is offering “low grade” math like basic addition is not just inaccurate—it’s misleading.

Source: AP News – FACT FOCUS: Trump’s claims about remedial math at Harvard don’t add up

The post The Truth Behind Harvard’s Math Courses and Trump’s Misleading Statement appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

WASHINGTON — In a move that could disrupt the plans of thousands of international students, the U.S. State Department has temporarily stopped scheduling new visa interviews for those hoping to study in the United States, officials confirmed.

The pause, which does not affect students who already have interview appointments, comes as the department prepares to roll out stricter guidelines for screening applicants’ social media activity.

According to an internal cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and obtained by the Associated Press, consulates have been instructed to stop adding appointments for student and exchange visitor visas until new vetting guidance is issued.

“Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consulate sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor visa appointment capacity,” the memo reads.

A Crackdown With Ripple Effects

The change marks yet another move in a broader crackdown on international student programs that began under former President Donald Trump. While the Biden administration continued the policy of social media screening for visa applicants, this latest step could have more immediate consequences.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the U.S. will continue to use “every tool we can” to evaluate visa applicants, including students.

“We will continue to use every tool we can to assess who it is that’s coming here, whether they are students or otherwise,” Bruce said during a press briefing.

The decision, first reported by Politico, follows a series of high-profile efforts to restrict or revoke international student privileges.

Just last week, the administration revoked Harvard University’s authority to enroll international students under the student visa program—a decision that was challenged in court and temporarily blocked by a federal judge.

Earlier this year, thousands of international students already in the U.S. lost their legal status after a separate policy change. Although many successfully fought back in court and had their status restored, the administration quietly broadened the criteria for future terminations.

What This Means for Students and Schools

The suspension of new interview appointments could cause serious delays for students planning to start classes this summer or fall. With limited time before the next academic term, any prolonged pause could derail travel and enrollment timelines.

Universities, especially those already grappling with budget constraints, could also feel the impact. Many institutions rely heavily on international students—who often pay full tuition—to offset reductions in federal research funding and other revenue shortfalls.

If the freeze continues into peak visa season, colleges may face an unexpected enrollment crunch, and students may be left scrambling for alternatives.

Source: AP News – US stops scheduling visa interviews for foreign students while it expands social media vetting

The post Visa Interview Pause Disrupts Plans for Foreign Students Heading to U.S. appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.