About

See what students say:

Academics

Harvard College students describe the school as a “dynamic universe” and an “amazing irresistible hell” that pushes them to the extremes of their intellect and ability. Unsurprisingly, the legendarily “very difficult” school attracts some of the country’s most promising youth, who rise to the occasion in almost every aspect of their life on campus, not just the classroom. Harvard’s recent financial aid enhancements have increased the number of applications by a landslide, but even after getting past the admissions hurdle, “people find ways to make everything (especially clubs and even partying) competitive.” Happily, this streak is more of a “latent competition,” as there are more than enough opportunity and resources to go around. “It is impossible to ‘get the most out of Harvard’ because Harvard offers so much,” says one student. Much like the students, the professors at this “beautiful, fun, historic, and academically alive place” in Cambridge, Massachusetts, are among “the brightest minds in the world,” and “the level of achievement is unbelievable.” Some of the larger introductory classes are taught by teaching fellows (TFs), meaning “you do have to go to office hours to get to know your big lecture class professors on a personal level,” but once your figurative underclass dues are paid, the access to “incredible” and “every so often, fantastic” professors is perfectly within reach. Top it off with Grade-A internship and employment opportunities, a good old alumni network, and a crimson pedigree for your résumé, and you may just end up agreeing with the Harvard student who refers to his experience as “rewarding beyond anything else I’ve ever done.” Though the administration can be “waaaaay out of touch with students” and “reticent to change,” it at least “does a good job of watching over its freshmen through extensive advising programs,” and students all have faith that their best interests are being kept in mind.

Student Body

Much as you might expect, ambition and achievement are the ties that bind at Harvard, and “Everyone is great for one reason or another,” says a student. Most every student can be summed up with the same statement: “Works really hard. Doesn’t sleep. Involved in a million extracurriculars.” Diversity is found in all aspects of life, from ethnicities to religion to ideology, and “there is a lot of tolerance and acceptance at Harvard for individuals of all races, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, life styles, etc.”

Campus Life

Cambridge and Boston are nothing if not college towns, and students never lack for options if they just want to “go see a play, a concert, hit up a party, go to the movies, or dine out.” Students quickly learn when to hit the books and when to hit the streets, so “studying becomes routine.” “There is a vibrant social atmosphere on campus and between students and the local community.” As one student puts it, “Boredom does not exist here. There are endless opportunities and endless passionate people to do them with.” “Basically, if you want to do it, Harvard either has it or has the money to give to you so you can start it.” “Partying in a more traditional setting is available at Harvard, but is not a prevalent aspect of the school’s social life. While there is a pub on campus that provides an excellent venue to hang out and play a game of pool or have a reasonably priced drink,” and parties happen on weekends at Harvard’s finals clubs, there’s no real pressure for students to partake if they’re not interested.

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Address
Harvard College Admissions
86 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

Phone
617-495-1551

Email
college@fas.harvard.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Widener Library
Harvard Yard
Fogg Museum
Annenburg/Memorial Hall
Science Center

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Harvard Square
Faneuil Hall/Quincey Market
Museum of Fine Arts
Freedom Trail
Boston Commons and Public Garden

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday and some Saturday mornings
9am-5pm
617-495-1551

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: No
Dates: Varies
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
Yes

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Six days per week

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
contact the faculty member or coach directly

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Academic Year

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Limitations
Available for seniors only;1-night stays Mon-Thurs only mid-Oct-mid-March, except exam and reading periods and breaks

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Logan International Airport is 5 miles from campus. The least expensive way to get to campus from the airport is the subway MBTA (the T). Taxis and rental cars are also available. Amtrak trains and Greyhound and Mass Transit buses serve Boston. From the train and Mass Transit bus stations, go to MBTA's South Station and take the Red Line subway toward Alewife. Go 6 stops to Harvard. The campus is a 3-minute walk from Harvard Square. From the Greyhound station, go to the Arlington MBTA station and take the Green Line subway inbound to Park St. (2 stops). Transfer to the Red Line outbound toward Alewife. Go 4 stops to Harvard. The campus is a 3-minute walk from Harvard Square.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From I-90 (Massachusetts Tpke.), take the Cambridge exit and turn left immediately onto Storrow Dr. West. At the second light, cross the bridge (Anderson) and drive straight into Harvard Square. For Byerly Hall, turn left at the third traffic light onto Brattle St. and get into the right lane, bearing right immediately at the traffic island. The Radcliffe Yard is 2 blocks north on the right side of the street.

Admissions

Applicants: 42,749
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Average HS GPA: 4.18






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