With its liberal arts focus, Harvard provides the type of education that helps you to become a better thinker. You probably won't gain as much concrete knowledge here as you would at a non-liberal arts college, but I think this has more to do with the concept of liberal arts itself so it's not really Harvard's fault...
One problem that does appear to be Harvard's own is that many of its professors are renowned for their research, which means that they're good at research but not necessarily teaching. They all know their stuff; many just have trouble teaching it. This is not to say, however, that Harvard lacks capable professors. In fact, I've had the pleasure of attending the lectures of some of the most experienced, interesting, and enthusiastic professors on campus. The point I'm trying to make is that not ALL Harvard professors are great at keeping you awake during lecture. The good thing, however, is that they are all approachable people (even if they seem intimidating). Many students go to office hours to ask questions, which is usually extremely helpful. Remember: Harvard professors might not always be the best teachers, but they ARE very smart people who are generally willing to lend a helping hand.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Unlike many other schools, Harvard does not use a random process to determine housing arrangements for freshmen. I mean, where you live is random, but not the people you live with. The housing office staff tries their best to pair you up with people who are similar to you in terms of lifestyle but different enough to create an interesting mix. Although there are some cases of housing disasters, most people I know like their roommates and are close with others in the same dorm. Even better, you get to choose who you want to live with for the rest of your 3 years there. If that's not enough for you, there are PLENTY of clubs/organizations for you to join and meet people, and an endless amount of concerts/shows/dances/parties/other fun events throughout the year.
The work is, of course, difficult but definitely manageable if you know how to use your time wisely. Also, the fact that you're allowed to check out the classes before actually enrolling in them (known as shopping classes) definitely helps you to decide which ones to take. Basically, you get to sit in on the first lecture or two and give it a test-run before you decide whether to sign up for that class. Just when you think it can't get any better than this, there's also a very useful student evaluations website (the Q Guide) where you can read feedback from past students. If you read the Q Guide and shop the classes, the chance of you taking a class that you'll hate is substantially reduced. The real problem is having to choose from a myriad of interesting classes.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Harvard's financial aid is probably the best in the country. (I received a much bigger scholarship than I thought I would.) What's great is that the scholarships are need-based and Harvard does its absolute best to meet 100% of your need.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Join clubs early on so that you will have a chance of securing a leadership position by the time you're an upperclassman, but only be a leader of something you are passionate about. Ensure excellent academic performance and test scores, which do NOT need to be perfect but must still be high. Show that you can contribute to the community, whether through community service or a job. Make sure to establish good relationships with people who will likely end up writing recommendation letters for you. If you can, visit Harvard's campus to get a feel of whether you'd be happy/comfortable there -- does it feel right? If it does and you're ready to apply, then start the application (early). Make sure to follow up with the admissions office to ensure that ALL parts of your application have been received. Be well-prepared for the interview.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
With its liberal arts focus, Harvard provides the type of education that helps you to become a better thinker. You probably won't gain as much concrete knowledge here as you would at a non-liberal arts college, but I think this has more to do with the concept of liberal arts itself so it's not really Harvard's fault... One problem that does appear to be Harvard's own is that many of its professors are renowned for their research, which means that they're good at research but not necessarily teaching. They all know their stuff; many just have trouble teaching it. This is not to say, however, that Harvard lacks capable professors. In fact, I've had the pleasure of attending the lectures of some of the most experienced, interesting, and enthusiastic professors on campus. The point I'm trying to make is that not ALL Harvard professors are great at keeping you awake during lecture. The good thing, however, is that they are all approachable people (even if they seem intimidating). Many students go to office hours to ask questions, which is usually extremely helpful. Remember: Harvard professors might not always be the best teachers, but they ARE very smart people who are generally willing to lend a helping hand.
Unlike many other schools, Harvard does not use a random process to determine housing arrangements for freshmen. I mean, where you live is random, but not the people you live with. The housing office staff tries their best to pair you up with people who are similar to you in terms of lifestyle but different enough to create an interesting mix. Although there are some cases of housing disasters, most people I know like their roommates and are close with others in the same dorm. Even better, you get to choose who you want to live with for the rest of your 3 years there. If that's not enough for you, there are PLENTY of clubs/organizations for you to join and meet people, and an endless amount of concerts/shows/dances/parties/other fun events throughout the year. The work is, of course, difficult but definitely manageable if you know how to use your time wisely. Also, the fact that you're allowed to check out the classes before actually enrolling in them (known as shopping classes) definitely helps you to decide which ones to take. Basically, you get to sit in on the first lecture or two and give it a test-run before you decide whether to sign up for that class. Just when you think it can't get any better than this, there's also a very useful student evaluations website (the Q Guide) where you can read feedback from past students. If you read the Q Guide and shop the classes, the chance of you taking a class that you'll hate is substantially reduced. The real problem is having to choose from a myriad of interesting classes.
Harvard's financial aid is probably the best in the country. (I received a much bigger scholarship than I thought I would.) What's great is that the scholarships are need-based and Harvard does its absolute best to meet 100% of your need.
Join clubs early on so that you will have a chance of securing a leadership position by the time you're an upperclassman, but only be a leader of something you are passionate about. Ensure excellent academic performance and test scores, which do NOT need to be perfect but must still be high. Show that you can contribute to the community, whether through community service or a job. Make sure to establish good relationships with people who will likely end up writing recommendation letters for you. If you can, visit Harvard's campus to get a feel of whether you'd be happy/comfortable there -- does it feel right? If it does and you're ready to apply, then start the application (early). Make sure to follow up with the admissions office to ensure that ALL parts of your application have been received. Be well-prepared for the interview.
Driven, goal-oriented, disciplined, conscientious, flexible, open-minded.