New criteria may be introduced to Harvard applications that has nothing to do with grades or testing.

Boston.com reports.

Harvard wants to revolutionize college admissions. Will it work?

For parents of burned-out kids, the recommendations of a new Harvard report sound like a fantasy world: No more endless extracurricular activities. No more juggling six honors classes, drama rehearsal, soccer practice and student council meetings with the hope of being accepted to an elite school.

And for low-income high schoolers who lack access to advanced-placement courses or fancy tennis lessons, the new parameters could help level the playing field.

The report released last Wednesday by the Harvard Graduate School of Education called for an admissions “revolution.” Instead of prioritizing high test scores and endless extracurricular activities, the report suggested admissions officials reward students who help out their families and strive toward the “common good”.

The broad, sweeping suggestions are great in theory. But are they realistic?

“Obviously we want human beings to be more caring and compassionate,” said Carol Barash, the founder of Story 2, an online educational company that helps students with college admissions essays. “But the intentions of leaders at elite institutions can’t change the fundamental issues that create a system that’s vastly unfair.”