During the time when Albert Einstein would have applied to Harvard University as an undergraduate, which was in the late 19th century, there were significant biases and discrimination against Jewish individuals in various academic institutions and other areas of society. Anti-Semitism was prevalent in many parts of the world, including the United States.
However, it is challenging to provide a definitive answer as to whether Einstein would have been excluded from Harvard specifically due to his Jewish background. Admissions decisions are influenced by numerous factors, including academic qualifications, personal achievements, and extracurricular activities. While anti-Semitic sentiment could have played a role in some cases, it is also possible that other considerations, such as academic merit or financial circumstances, would have affected the outcome.
It is worth noting that Einstein did face discrimination and obstacles in his academic career, particularly in Europe. For example, he was initially unable to secure a teaching position in Germany due to anti-Semitism, which ultimately led him to take a job at the Swiss Patent Office. However, Einstein's intellectual contributions and scientific achievements eventually garnered recognition and respect, leading to his appointment as a professor at the University of Zurich and subsequent positions at other esteemed institutions.
It is important to acknowledge and learn from the historical context of discrimination and biases that individuals like Einstein faced, but it is challenging to speculate on specific outcomes for his hypothetical application to Harvard as an undergraduate.