Harvard University courses – even introductory classes – are phenomenal! You can tell that hundreds of years of experience have perfected their system - everything from how students select courses, to the way it is structured is perfect. The first week of every semester is called “Shopping Week” because students have the freedom of sitting in on as many classes as they would like without committing. This is not only a great way to ease into the rigors of each semester, but also get a good feel for the class material as well as the professor. There isn’t much competition for classes (except for the capped lotteried ones), but many classes will hire more Teaching Fellows if more students enroll than expected. I am a math and science-geared student so the majority of my classes are structured as so: a lecture (ranging from 30-600 students) by a professor a few times a week and then a section/discussion hour (10-12 students) with a Teaching Fellow/graduate student once a week, and perhaps a Laboratory class. Even though lectures can have hundreds of students, technology such as trivia-like answering buzzers have made the class very interactive. The professors usually have experience lecturing to a large crowd and have perfected how to entertain a large group. Since the discussion sections are so small, it is very intimate and all of the Teaching Fellows I have interacted with are more than willing to help you by holding extra office hours and/or answering emails extremely promptly. There is so much support from teachers as well as academic advisors that they ensure not only your academic, but also social success.
After taking six classes in high school, the four classes that Harvard mandates sounds like a breeze, but it definitely is challenging, especially on top of extra-curriculars like athletics or public service. In high school, teachers spoon-feed you knowledge, telling you what you will be tested on and what you are expected to learn. However, in ...
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
My transition to Harvard was definitely the most difficult thing I faced my first semester, but this was due mainly to personal issues such as a break up with my high school boyfriend and my grandmother falling ill. I was lucky to make strong connections with my peers early on; however, I still felt uncomfortable talking about family illness with my friends at Harvard and that was when faculty advisors became much needed helping hands. I found myself not only becoming close friends with my peers in my class, but everyone in the Harvard community - whether that was upperclassmen or faculty, it just seemed that we were all connected with this common Harvard thread and this network and these interpersonal connections are what made my first semester so amazing! Leaving my best friends at home was one of the most difficult - most tear filled nights ever, but knowing that my friendships in college would quickly supplement the relationships I had back at home provided me with a lot of needed comfort. I never really did understand diversity until I came to college and met internationals from parts of the world I didn't even know existed!
Second semester, I definitely took on the most challenging courses I've ever faced but I'm still able to say that it was a beautiful semester because I struggled alongside my classmates. I know many prefrosh are concerned about the cut-throat stigma, but this definitely is a misconception. I tend to go out of my way to help others, even if this means sacrificing the few hours of sleep I normally get; but, this is common because I know a handful of my classmates have done the same for me. We generally all want each other to succeed. I guess this is because we realize we all have different contributions we offer, and together, these contributions have a synergistic effect. Harvard definitely has a competitive atmosphere, but I'm confident when I say all of my friends are competitive with themselves more so than with others - it's more ...
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Several top tiered private schools advertise that their financial aid packages are amazing, but Harvard University is the only one that has supported their words with tangible proof. I received a more than generous financial aid package. They also have tons of unique financial aid programs such as a computer reimbursement program where the institution will reimburse up to $2,000 for a new computer and/or related gadgets. Depending on your financial situation, they will also give you money for winter clothes! Tons of grants are also available if you are interested in traveling/studying abroad or even if you would like to throw social events! The Office of Careers and Services, as well as other clubs on campus, will guide you along the grant application process as well!
The only downside is that they only allow you to apply $4,000 of outside scholarship money to your fees. This policy stems from their philosophy that their financial requests are very reasonable and therefore you should be able to meet their requests. Any outside scholarships you receive that exceed the $4,000 is put in Harvard’s bank to use as they see fit.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
I work closely with a few undergraduate admission officers and the application reviewing process is extremely personal. These admission officers basically “master” each applicant and present them to the admissions council, fighting like a lawyer for votes. A prospective student can make the job of an admissions officer easier by skillfully using the application to paint a detailed picture of himself/herself. Everything from writing style to activities is taken into account and the interview solidifies the perceived personality. Harvard is looking for genuinely intelligent AND kind people. I’ve heard of acceptances being rescinded because the students were rude to the office receptionist or student-host during a visit!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Harvard University is the perfect atmosphere for students truly interested in learning because it is essential for them to passionately pioneer their academic endeavors with the plethora of opportunities available.
Harvard University courses – even introductory classes – are phenomenal! You can tell that hundreds of years of experience have perfected their system - everything from how students select courses, to the way it is structured is perfect. The first week of every semester is called “Shopping Week” because students have the freedom of sitting in on as many classes as they would like without committing. This is not only a great way to ease into the rigors of each semester, but also get a good feel for the class material as well as the professor. There isn’t much competition for classes (except for the capped lotteried ones), but many classes will hire more Teaching Fellows if more students enroll than expected. I am a math and science-geared student so the majority of my classes are structured as so: a lecture (ranging from 30-600 students) by a professor a few times a week and then a section/discussion hour (10-12 students) with a Teaching Fellow/graduate student once a week, and perhaps a Laboratory class. Even though lectures can have hundreds of students, technology such as trivia-like answering buzzers have made the class very interactive. The professors usually have experience lecturing to a large crowd and have perfected how to entertain a large group. Since the discussion sections are so small, it is very intimate and all of the Teaching Fellows I have interacted with are more than willing to help you by holding extra office hours and/or answering emails extremely promptly. There is so much support from teachers as well as academic advisors that they ensure not only your academic, but also social success. After taking six classes in high school, the four classes that Harvard mandates sounds like a breeze, but it definitely is challenging, especially on top of extra-curriculars like athletics or public service. In high school, teachers spoon-feed you knowledge, telling you what you will be tested on and what you are expected to learn. However, in ...
My transition to Harvard was definitely the most difficult thing I faced my first semester, but this was due mainly to personal issues such as a break up with my high school boyfriend and my grandmother falling ill. I was lucky to make strong connections with my peers early on; however, I still felt uncomfortable talking about family illness with my friends at Harvard and that was when faculty advisors became much needed helping hands. I found myself not only becoming close friends with my peers in my class, but everyone in the Harvard community - whether that was upperclassmen or faculty, it just seemed that we were all connected with this common Harvard thread and this network and these interpersonal connections are what made my first semester so amazing! Leaving my best friends at home was one of the most difficult - most tear filled nights ever, but knowing that my friendships in college would quickly supplement the relationships I had back at home provided me with a lot of needed comfort. I never really did understand diversity until I came to college and met internationals from parts of the world I didn't even know existed! Second semester, I definitely took on the most challenging courses I've ever faced but I'm still able to say that it was a beautiful semester because I struggled alongside my classmates. I know many prefrosh are concerned about the cut-throat stigma, but this definitely is a misconception. I tend to go out of my way to help others, even if this means sacrificing the few hours of sleep I normally get; but, this is common because I know a handful of my classmates have done the same for me. We generally all want each other to succeed. I guess this is because we realize we all have different contributions we offer, and together, these contributions have a synergistic effect. Harvard definitely has a competitive atmosphere, but I'm confident when I say all of my friends are competitive with themselves more so than with others - it's more ...
Several top tiered private schools advertise that their financial aid packages are amazing, but Harvard University is the only one that has supported their words with tangible proof. I received a more than generous financial aid package. They also have tons of unique financial aid programs such as a computer reimbursement program where the institution will reimburse up to $2,000 for a new computer and/or related gadgets. Depending on your financial situation, they will also give you money for winter clothes! Tons of grants are also available if you are interested in traveling/studying abroad or even if you would like to throw social events! The Office of Careers and Services, as well as other clubs on campus, will guide you along the grant application process as well! The only downside is that they only allow you to apply $4,000 of outside scholarship money to your fees. This policy stems from their philosophy that their financial requests are very reasonable and therefore you should be able to meet their requests. Any outside scholarships you receive that exceed the $4,000 is put in Harvard’s bank to use as they see fit.
I work closely with a few undergraduate admission officers and the application reviewing process is extremely personal. These admission officers basically “master” each applicant and present them to the admissions council, fighting like a lawyer for votes. A prospective student can make the job of an admissions officer easier by skillfully using the application to paint a detailed picture of himself/herself. Everything from writing style to activities is taken into account and the interview solidifies the perceived personality. Harvard is looking for genuinely intelligent AND kind people. I’ve heard of acceptances being rescinded because the students were rude to the office receptionist or student-host during a visit!
Harvard University is the perfect atmosphere for students truly interested in learning because it is essential for them to passionately pioneer their academic endeavors with the plethora of opportunities available.