Yes, I learned a lot here, but really, you can learn a lot anywhere you go. Learning depends less on the college and more on the student – obviously, the more work you put into your education, the more you’ll get out of it. I’m a freshman at Harvard, so I’ve only completed a semester so far. However, I feel like I’ve learned a lot because I’ve tried my best to do so and get decent grades. I feel that this criterion (“Learn a lot”) really isn’t specific to the university. No matter where you choose to go, you decide how much you want to learn. For instance, chemistry at Harvard is like chemistry at any other university; it doesn’t matter how you spin it, a nucleus will contain protons and neutrons. You’d learn it the same way as well – memorization, practice problems, etc. You know the works. What’s unique about Harvard is definitely the resources. Since it is a large university with quite a bit of money, it’s strong in all its academic fields, not just a few. I spoke about this with a friend who attended a smaller university. Although he loved his experience there, he did mention that the research laboratories lacked some more expensive, high-tech equipment. Rest assured that you will not encounter this or similar problems at Harvard.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I absolutely love it here. Part of Harvard’s appeal for me was the city setting. I grew up in a suburban neighborhood in Ohio, so Boston’s bustling atmosphere is very exciting and new for me. Harvard’s campus is mixed with the city, so I often have to walk along the streets to get where I need to go. There’s always plenty to do on Friday nights and weekends, since there are restaurants and malls within bus or subway distance. But the campus wasn’t the only reason why I chose the school, of course – I picked Harvard mainly because of the people. At Harvard, you’re surrounded by the best and the brightest from literally all over the world. My class contains students from every state in the US, as well as various countries elsewhere. It’s fascinating to meet these people randomly in the dining hall, share unique experiences, and become friends. My peers are not only from everywhere, but they are talented in so many areas. I love the opportunities I have to meet incredibly accomplished people, and to be a part of something greater than myself.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
You have to acknowledge that most of your money goes to the name. As I mentioned before, you learn the same material at other universities in the same fashion. If you choose to go to Harvard or other big name universities, you have to understand that the education you receive won’t be light years better than that from other colleges. So in that sense, for all the extra money you pay, the education really is not the “bang for the buck”. However, it’s the opportunities and the atmosphere that are different. A less prestigious university may offer an education that’s close in scope to that of Harvard, but can it also offer a talented, worldly student body? Can it offer the same level of enrichment and depth to the education it gives? Can it offer quality and variety in its subjects of study? Harvard has its advantages here – not only are there the resources, but the resources are present in all its subjects of study. As a liberal arts college, Harvard focuses on breadth and opportunity, and you, as a student, reap the benefits of this focus since you can choose any field and know you’ll receive a quality education. Other universities specialize in certain studies, and are quite strong within those limited areas. However, if you choose to go there and either change your mind on your major or wish for a more broad education, you may find the opportunities lacking. To me, Harvard is worth every penny of its very expensive tuition for these reasons – it combines a superb, expansive education with endless opportunities and incredible networking.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
As a Harvard student, everyone passes through the “oh my gosh what am I doing here” stage at some point in their college career. If you go to Harvard, you will feel overwhelmed. You’ll ask yourself, “what have I done in my life that could ever be as great as what some of my peers have done?” You’ll wonder whether or not you made the right choice in coming to such a prestigious school, and you will feel as if you have under-accomplished. Do not fret—this is absolutely normal, and the stage will pass. So if you’re a prospective student who’s been accepted, but you’re afraid of going because Harvard seems like an intimidating place to be, keep in mind that most everyone here has doubted at some point as well. A person becomes wiser by surrounding him or herself with the best, so if you have the choice, choose Harvard. As long as you’re willing to put in the effort to work hard and meet people, you can’t go wrong here.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
As goes without saying (but I’ll say it again anyway), Harvard is great for students who are hard working, dedicated, and self-motivated. Everyone can find a place to fit in here, but all students definitely need to be humble and grounded, and confident in their own abilities. You can’t come to Harvard and expect to be the top-dog in everything, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a possibility. Keep in mind where you are, and don’t lose confidence even if you aren’t doing as well as you did in high school. Generally, students who get into Harvard are used to being the best or near the best in what they do, but that might not be the case when you arrive on this campus. No worries—just never lose faith in yourself and your abilities, and you will be great in this university.
Yes, I learned a lot here, but really, you can learn a lot anywhere you go. Learning depends less on the college and more on the student – obviously, the more work you put into your education, the more you’ll get out of it. I’m a freshman at Harvard, so I’ve only completed a semester so far. However, I feel like I’ve learned a lot because I’ve tried my best to do so and get decent grades. I feel that this criterion (“Learn a lot”) really isn’t specific to the university. No matter where you choose to go, you decide how much you want to learn. For instance, chemistry at Harvard is like chemistry at any other university; it doesn’t matter how you spin it, a nucleus will contain protons and neutrons. You’d learn it the same way as well – memorization, practice problems, etc. You know the works. What’s unique about Harvard is definitely the resources. Since it is a large university with quite a bit of money, it’s strong in all its academic fields, not just a few. I spoke about this with a friend who attended a smaller university. Although he loved his experience there, he did mention that the research laboratories lacked some more expensive, high-tech equipment. Rest assured that you will not encounter this or similar problems at Harvard.
I absolutely love it here. Part of Harvard’s appeal for me was the city setting. I grew up in a suburban neighborhood in Ohio, so Boston’s bustling atmosphere is very exciting and new for me. Harvard’s campus is mixed with the city, so I often have to walk along the streets to get where I need to go. There’s always plenty to do on Friday nights and weekends, since there are restaurants and malls within bus or subway distance. But the campus wasn’t the only reason why I chose the school, of course – I picked Harvard mainly because of the people. At Harvard, you’re surrounded by the best and the brightest from literally all over the world. My class contains students from every state in the US, as well as various countries elsewhere. It’s fascinating to meet these people randomly in the dining hall, share unique experiences, and become friends. My peers are not only from everywhere, but they are talented in so many areas. I love the opportunities I have to meet incredibly accomplished people, and to be a part of something greater than myself.
You have to acknowledge that most of your money goes to the name. As I mentioned before, you learn the same material at other universities in the same fashion. If you choose to go to Harvard or other big name universities, you have to understand that the education you receive won’t be light years better than that from other colleges. So in that sense, for all the extra money you pay, the education really is not the “bang for the buck”. However, it’s the opportunities and the atmosphere that are different. A less prestigious university may offer an education that’s close in scope to that of Harvard, but can it also offer a talented, worldly student body? Can it offer the same level of enrichment and depth to the education it gives? Can it offer quality and variety in its subjects of study? Harvard has its advantages here – not only are there the resources, but the resources are present in all its subjects of study. As a liberal arts college, Harvard focuses on breadth and opportunity, and you, as a student, reap the benefits of this focus since you can choose any field and know you’ll receive a quality education. Other universities specialize in certain studies, and are quite strong within those limited areas. However, if you choose to go there and either change your mind on your major or wish for a more broad education, you may find the opportunities lacking. To me, Harvard is worth every penny of its very expensive tuition for these reasons – it combines a superb, expansive education with endless opportunities and incredible networking.
As a Harvard student, everyone passes through the “oh my gosh what am I doing here” stage at some point in their college career. If you go to Harvard, you will feel overwhelmed. You’ll ask yourself, “what have I done in my life that could ever be as great as what some of my peers have done?” You’ll wonder whether or not you made the right choice in coming to such a prestigious school, and you will feel as if you have under-accomplished. Do not fret—this is absolutely normal, and the stage will pass. So if you’re a prospective student who’s been accepted, but you’re afraid of going because Harvard seems like an intimidating place to be, keep in mind that most everyone here has doubted at some point as well. A person becomes wiser by surrounding him or herself with the best, so if you have the choice, choose Harvard. As long as you’re willing to put in the effort to work hard and meet people, you can’t go wrong here.
As goes without saying (but I’ll say it again anyway), Harvard is great for students who are hard working, dedicated, and self-motivated. Everyone can find a place to fit in here, but all students definitely need to be humble and grounded, and confident in their own abilities. You can’t come to Harvard and expect to be the top-dog in everything, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a possibility. Keep in mind where you are, and don’t lose confidence even if you aren’t doing as well as you did in high school. Generally, students who get into Harvard are used to being the best or near the best in what they do, but that might not be the case when you arrive on this campus. No worries—just never lose faith in yourself and your abilities, and you will be great in this university.