Could Harvard be a good place for me?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>So, all along I've been looking at tons of LACS (WAS, W&L, Colby, Bowdoin, Davidson, Pomona, CMC, Grinnell, Middlebury), because I was interested in smaller colleges with an undergraduate focus, and a liberal arts college-curriculum.</p>

<p>Some time later, someone suggested I looked at Dartmouth because it fit my needs perfectly. I took a look at some stuff, and overall I did love it. So I kind of added Dartmouth to my list.</p>

<p>Then some time later someone mentioned I could like Princeton, Brown, and Harvard because it fit me well. So I started looking, and am currently looking at those, but these three are still a bit of a mystery to me.</p>

<p>Here's the jist of me</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I'm interested in a university with a great undergraduate emphasis. I guess it's a bit stupid for me to be saying this about a research university, but I don't want to just be taught by assistant professors/PH.D students, I want to work with world class professors whom don't just shun me aside for grad students.</p></li>
<li><p>I want an institution which has great business school placement.</p></li>
<li><p>I need a school that has great top-firm/business recruitment (since I believe they do scout you when you are an undergrad).</p></li>
<li><p>I desire a college which has a great career-center, as well as plenty of internship/job opportunities.</p></li>
<li><p>I definetly want small classes. I realize that there will always be some classes which have alot of students, but for the most part I desire smaller classes. Harvard has one of the, if not THE, lowest teacher:student ratio at 7:1 I think it is, so I hope this transfers over.</p></li>
<li><p>I definetly will be applying for financial aid. We have no significant assets to speak of, a sister is in a state school on no financial aid/scholarships, and my parents' combined income is 85-90,000</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Obviously I realize Harvard is a reach for everyone, so if I come off sounding as if I could get into it...or a top LAC, or another Ivy, I do not mean it. I am just asking if Harvard, by these criteria, could be a good fit for me.</p>

<p>if you need more information on me, please ask.</p>

2

<p>Yeah, by the looks of the “jist of you”, Harvard seems like a good place for you. Harvard has lots of undergraduate emphasis. There is a separate college and by what I have heard and read, the professors seem to care about their students. Harvard has a great business school. It is in fact, according tho Forbes Best Business School List… ([Best</a> Business Schools - Forbes.com](<a href=“Forbes List Directory”>Forbes List Directory))
…the third best business school in the country, just being beat by Stanford and Dartmouth. And since Harvard is so well known, it will be easy to get internships and jobs (of course depending on how good you are) because of the name of the school. </p>

<p>Also, Harvard is the #1 college (tied with Princeton), so you should have no problem there. And financial aid will be granted to you. I believe with your income, you will only have to pay about 10% of the income. </p>

<p>So, overall, yes, Harvard seems to be a great fit for you. I would apply to more than one school (but I am sure you already know that) and I would also consider Yale, for it’s great reputation as well as small class sizes. Hope I helped, and if you have any more questions, I will check back on this,so don’t hesitate to ask.</p>

3

<p>OP, if you visited Dartmouth and have done a lot of indepth research on the
likes of Dartmouth or Williams you may not like Harvard other than for prestiege
and the aid.</p>

<p>The emphasis in these 2 colleges is very different qualitatively than at Harvard.</p>

<p>I really liked Princeton until I visited after getting admitted and got a sense of the deeply ingrained
college spirit that seems to permeate the air. I understood the deep sense of
loyalty but found it stifling. You do not face that at Harvard.</p>

<p>Harvard is a place for individual excellence. The ‘individual’ and ‘excellence’ parts
are both key to Harvard. This is very different from the familial be-nice atmosphere
in Williams and Dartmouth.</p>

<p>Dartmouth gives excellent financial aid as does Princeton which has traditionally lead
the top schools in great aid policies. Depending on your income level Brown’s
aid may or may not be adequate.</p>

<p>Your freshman year if you are a science concentrator at Harvard is unlikely
to have small ratios of teacher to students.</p>

<p>Those are my opinions but you should form your own. From your list it looks
like Dartmouth would be a great place. Look into Williams as well.</p>

4

<p>At Harvard…</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Good luck with that…</p></li>
<li><p>Check.</p></li>
<li><p>Check.</p></li>
<li><p>Check.</p></li>
<li><p>Good luck with that…</p></li>
<li><p>You should be fine.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Basically, if you want close interaction with top professors - as an undergrad - and you want small classes, Harvard won’t provide you with those (some of the time, at least).</p>

5

<p>Will you even get close contact with professors at the cutting edge of their field at smaller schools? You get access to professors, but they aren’t the best. Professors and students have competing interests.</p>

6

<p>"1. I’m interested in a university with a great undergraduate emphasis. I guess it’s a bit stupid for me to be saying this about a research university, but I don’t want to just be taught by assistant professors/PH.D students, I want to work with world class professors whom don’t just shun me aside for grad students.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I want an institution which has great business school placement.</p></li>
<li><p>I need a school that has great top-firm/business recruitment (since I believe they do scout you when you are an undergrad).</p></li>
<li><p>I desire a college which has a great career-center, as well as plenty of internship/job opportunities.</p></li>
<li><p>I definetly want small classes. I realize that there will always be some classes which have alot of students, but for the most part I desire smaller classes. Harvard has one of the, if not THE, lowest teacher:student ratio at 7:1 I think it is, so I hope this transfers over.</p></li>
<li><p>I definetly will be applying for financial aid. We have no significant assets to speak of, a sister is in a state school on no financial aid/scholarships, and my parents’ combined income is 85-90,000"</p>

<hr></li>
</ol>

<p>Well, if you can qualify physically and medically as well as academically, West Point fits all of your criteria. If the physical and medical is “iffy” you could still try the Ivy’s.</p>

<p>At West Point:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>individual attention from all your professors–yup</p></li>
<li><p>great business school placement–might have to wait a few years but very few business schools would turn down a West point Grad, let alone Fortune 500 companies.</p></li>
<li><p>ditto number 2</p></li>
<li><p>guranteed job with guranteed great responsibilites immediately after graduation</p></li>
<li><p>Small classes are how West Point teaches. Avg 18 or less</p></li>
<li><p>Get an appointment to West Point and the Army pays YOU throughout your 4 years there.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Plus, if you are able to graduate you will graduate with experience and leadership qualities far and above that of most college grads-- and you get to serve your nation. American business fall all over itself for West Point graduates–they are proven leaders under great stress. </p>

<p>Good Luck.</p>

7

<p>But do realize if you go to West Point, say bye bye to 5 years of life in the military. Unless that’s what you really want to do, but see how you’re into business…not sure if that will suit you very well.</p>

<p>Also in a sense, WP might be harder to get into than Harvard actually, especially if you have health conditions.</p>

<p>Also, </p>

<p>“2. great business school placement–might have to wait a few years but very few business schools would turn down a West point Grad, let alone Fortune 500 companies.”</p>

<p>…who rejects Harvard Grads? lol…
No hard feelings for WP =P</p>

8

<p>A number of top business schools want to see grads that go into the real world before they start trying to earn their MBA’s. 5 years of leadership experience (and yes you can go finance in the army) that is unmatched in the civilian world is invaluable when submitting that application.–But, HePlayer is right, getting into West Point and then being able to stay in would be much harder than a civilian school, both academically, mentally, and physically. The application process is rigorous and the standards (medically, physically, and academically) would keep most applicants out (not to mention the additional application process for a nomination). But, as a West Point grad you would already be a PROVEN leader under pressure should you decide to leave the Army and go into the private field. Not to mention the fact that you WILL graduate West Point in 4 years, because your courseload each semester will be FULL----something I don’t see a lot of any more.</p>

<p>Now you will have to be up early every morning, have to be in your own bed at night, wear the uniform, join formation for meals, participate in sports activities all 4 years, train during the summers, take physics, chemistry, engineering, and law (no matter what your chosen major is, be it chinese or sociology) and not get more than 2 or 3 weeks time off at any one time.</p>

<p>BUT–you will travel around the world, train to lead men and women at the number 1 leadership institution in the world (4 years spent living in a place where the history of the nation is all around you, is pretty special) , graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 4 years with no debt (actually you will have 20-30,000 in your bank account when you graduate if you don’t squander it away the last 2 years), have a job with REAL responsibilities, and you get to serve your country for 5 years (+3 years in the reserves), and you will leave West Point in the best physical, mental, and disciplined condition of your life so far. If you’re into the looks of the place, West Point is the most beautiful college setting I have ever seen. </p>

<p>Not a bad deal, if you can handle it.</p>

9

<p>Also, to tack on to my comments above:</p>

<p>If you are an academic stud, and stay in great shape you could find yourself with first pick in assignment (both duty and location). West Point ranks every cadet, every day, in every class. Each semester the cadets are ranked academically, physically, and militarily (and they always know where they stand). During the senior or “Firstie” year the highest ranked cadets chose their branch of service first. Then they are allowed to choose their posting location first. The cadet ranked last picks last from what ever assignments remain open. West Point is uber-competitive all 4 years. It is the over-achiever’s dream.</p>

<p>One of the biggest stumbling blocks initially for new cadets has to do with HOW West Point teaches. It is called the “Thayer Method”. Throughout their High School time students are used to being "spoon-fed’ their lessons. Teacher introduces them to the lesson, new concepts etc, then the student is assigned homework that night and turns it in the next morning and a new lesson is begun. At West Point, the cadets read and learn the lesson AND do the homework assignment the evening BEFORE class. During the class the next day the lesson is discussed and any questions are answered. It forces the cadets to problem solve on their own first and they come to each class far more prepared–the result is quite rewarding and effective for the cadet when they finally get the hang of it. Most cadets used to getting A’s all the time in High School get presented with their first B’s and C’s and D’s during that initial first semester–but they soon pick up the program. They learn life’s lessons rather quickly—because after college in the real world in many instances one needs to problem solve in the absense of easy or well layed out answers, and in the presence of great stress or workload.</p>

10

<p>Sorry one more comment and thenn Im gone lol</p>

<p>You will not skip class at West Point because that is not allowed. You will not be late for class because that is not allowed. You are expected to be where you are supposed to be at the appointed time. Self-Discipline and a sense of responsibility is something else West Point will teach that you just dont see at civilian schools—and prospective employers know this.</p>

11

<p>^ Plus if you are lucky enough to see another republican president elected around the
time you graduate, you could get real solid experience you would be unable to get
anyplace else as the country gears for another war in a new part of the world (India?
Uruguay? ‘X’ beksistan?) ;)</p>

12

<p>You will find that West Pointers are taught to be fairly apolitical----they follow the lawful orders of the commander in chief regardless of political party or their personal political leanings—one of the things that not only keeps the nation safe but the government stable. </p>

<p>You will find also that the people that wish for wars the least are the ones that actually have to fight them.</p>

<p>Final Roll Call of grads (men and women) who have given their lives in the War on Terror:</p>

<p>Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) William E. Bowers USMA 1979
Colonel James W. Harrison, Jr., U.S. Army USMA 1981
Lieutenant Colonel Dominic R. Baragona, U.S. Army USMA 1982
Colonel Brian D. Allgood, U.S. Army USMA 1982
Colonel Theodore S. Westhusing, U.S. Army USMA 1983
Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. McMahon, U.S. Army USMA 1985
Mr. Douglas B. Gurian USMA 1986
Lieutenant Colonel Paul J. Finken, U.S. Army USMA 1989
Lieutenant Colonel James J. Walton, U.S.Army USMA 1989
Major Curtis D. Feistner, U.S. Army USMA 1990
Major William F. Hecker III, U.S. Army USMA 1991
Major Guy Barattieri, U.S. Army USMA 1992
Major Stephen C. Reich, U.S. Army USMA 1993
Major Jason E. George U.S. Army USMA 1994
Captain Bartt D. Owens, U.S. Army USMA 1994
Captain James F. Adamouski, U.S. Army USMA 1995
Captain John F. Kurth, U.S. Army USMA 1995
Captain Joshua T. Byers, U.S. Army USMA 1996
Captain Matthew J. August, U.S. Army USMA 1997
Captain Philip T. Esposito, U.S. Army USMA 1997
Captain Michael J. MacKinnon, U.S. Army USMA 1997
Captain Mark C. Paine, U.S. Army USMA 1997
Captain Eric T. Paliwoda, U.S. Army USMA 1997
Captain Ian P. Weikel, U.S. Army USMA 1997
Captain Stephen W. Frank, U.S. Army USMA 1998
Captain Ralph J. Harting III, U.S. Army USMA 1998
Captain Christopher B. Johnson, U.S. Army USMA 1998
Captain Dennis L. Pintor, U.S. Army USMA 1998
Captain David A. Boris U. S. Army USMA 1999
Captain Douglas A. Dicenzo, U.S. Army USMA 1999
Captain Brian S. Freeman, U.S. Army USMA 1999
Captain Benedict J. Smith, U.S. Army USMA 1999
Captain Corry P Tyler, U.S. Army USMA 1999
First Lieutenant Leif E. Nott, U.S. Army USMA 2000
Captain Benjamin D. Tiffner, U.S. Army USMA 2000
First Lieutenant David R. Bernstein, U.S. Army USMA 2001
Captain Andrew R. Houghton, U.S. Army USMA 2001
Captain Joe F. Lusk II, U.S. Army USMA 2001
Captain Andrew R. Pearson, U.S. Army USMA 2001
First Lieutenant Michael R. Adams, U.S. Army USMA 2002
First Lieutenant Todd Bryant, U.S. Army USMA 2002
Captain Brian M. Bunting, U.S. Army USMA 2002
Captain Mark A. Garner, U.S. Army USMA 2002
Captain James M. Gurbisz, U.S. Army USMA 2002
Captain Drew N. Jensen, US Army USMA 2002
First Lieutenant Kevin J. Smith, U.S. Army USMA 2002
Captain Torre R. Mallard, U.S. Army USMA 2002
Captain Timothy J. Moshier, U.S. Army USMA 2002
Second Lieutenant Leonard M. Cowherd, U.S. Army USMA 2003
First Lieutenant Derek S. Hines, U.S. Army USMA 2003
Captain Rhett W. Schiller , U.S. Army USMA 2003
First Lieutenant Laura M. Walker, U.S. Army USMA 2003
First Lieutenant Garrison C. Avery, U.S. Army USMA 2004
First Lieutenant Benjamin T. Britt, U.S. Army USMA 2004
First Lieutenant Amos “Camden” R. Bock, U.S. Army USMA 2004
Captain Michael A. Cerrone, U.S. Army USMA 2004
Captain John R. Dennison, U.S. Army USMA 2004
Captain David M. Fraser, U.S. Army USMA 2004
First Lieutenant Robert A. Seidel III, U.S. Army USMA 2004
Captain Adam P. Snyder, U.S. Army USMA 2004
First Lieutenant Dennis W. Zilinski, U.S. Army USMA 2004
First Lieutenant Jonathan W. Edds, U.S. Army USMA 2005
First Lieutenant Matthew C. Ferrara, U.S. Army USMA 2005
First Lieutenant Jacob N. Fritz, U.S. Army USMA 2005
First Lieutenant Thomas M. Martin, US Army USMA 2005
First Lieutenant Phillip I. Neel, US Army USMA 2005
Second Lieutenant Emily J. T. Perez, U.S. Army USMA 2005
First Lieutenant Timothy W. Cunningham USMA 2006
First Lieutenant Nick A. Dewhirst, U.S. Army USMA 2006
Second Lieutenant Michael R. Girdano, U.S. Army USMA 2007
First Lieutenant Daniel B. Hyde, U. S. Army USMA 2007 </p>

<p>“Well Done - Be Thou at Peace”</p>

13

<p>So Op, I am curious with shoguns reminder of what you can do for your country
do you think WP fits in your short list?</p>

14

<p>wow, a service academy never even crossed my mind. I can definetly see tons of benefits from it, but I dunno if I’d be cut out physically. And from the sounds of it, West point sounds like it wouldn’t be a good fit for me. I mean, just taking law, physics, engineering, and chemistry sounds like that would kill me mentally. And I can imagine how brutal the physical education would be.</p>

15

<p><i>Posted by Synth on 8/23/09:
^ Plus if you are lucky enough to see another republican president elected around the
time you graduate, you could get real solid experience you would be unable to get
anyplace else as the country gears for another war in a new part of the world (India?
Uruguay? ‘X’ beksistan?)
</i></p>

<p>I dunno Synth. I’d say the current guy is doing a pretty good job of keeping us at war. Clinton sent a bunch of brave men to Somalia to die. Bush 1 had the Gulf War; Reagan had Beirut. You have to go back pretty far to find a Commander-in-Chief in either party who did not command in a time of direct armed conflict.</p>