Looking for students' opinions

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Overall, how is your life at Harvard? Are you impressed with the resources you have? With your professors and overall education? Are you really learning things? Are you challenged? Are you interested? Are you happy? How is the food? Social life? Dorms? Parties? Is there anything you really don't like?</p>

<p>It may seem strange that I am asking these things, but I am really trying to get beyond the hype and prestige. What <em>really</em> makes Harvard better than any other school in America? (Not that I disagree.) I want better reasons than "it just is" or "because it's Harvard" or "because you can get a job anywhere with that degree". Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>(FYI, as a bit of a point-of-view, I'm an extremely poor - really, not kissing at all - white female in an economically depressed area, low level of "opportunities" at school and in area, six siblings [one other in college my first year, two my second], a filmmaker and writer [wrote a book last year, working on two movies and a screenplay right now], nearly aced SATs scores, 4.0 or more GPA, As and more (4s and 5s) in AP classes, third in class, founder of a film production company, have worked with professional theater company's educational program, editor of two literary magazines, went to New England Young Writer's Conference [Breadloaf], wanting to study English and film. I study hard and play hard. And I love Cambridge and Boston. This is not a chances thread. Please don't tell me that "Harvard is a reach for anyone". I know that; that's not the point. I gave the above info to give you an idea of who I am and if I might be happy at Harvard; it's not a lot, I know, just a general idea. Sorry if I sound crabby, I'm just looking for the truth instead of the hype and lipservice I get from my guidance counselor, college research websites, etc. From what I know about Harvard, I love it.)</p>

2

<p>To respond to you, I can't tell you exactly how my experience is because I have not arrived on campus as a student in the College yet (because I am in a gap year right now), but my visits told me that the people are the most amazing part of Harvard. The people in the College are some of the nicest, UNpretentious, funny, generous, and motivated people I have ever met. I am not surprised that many of my friends at Harvard tell me that the people at Harvard are what make Harvard Harvard. </p>

<p>Having taken courses at Harvard, I can say that the professors really know their stuff, and they are all excited about what they teach, and they bring it all to life. The food is also pretty good. To be honest, there isn't too much difference between Harvard and Yale/Princeton/other Ivies/top schools. Harvard does have an extremely international orientation though, with alumni all around the world willing to give anyone a hand went to their alma mater. Also, not saying that this isn't present at other comparable schools, but at Harvard, you are guaranteed to be surrounded by motivated people. And, along the same line, Harvard has every academic resource of which you could ever dream. It's crazy.</p>

<p>You seem like you would be great for Harvard, and Harvard would be great for you.</p>

3

<p>Thank you. A lot. I am interested to hear about the international side of the school. (I really want to spend a semester abroad in England or Spain.) Wow! I am so excited about this, just to get an impression from someone who actually has experience as a student, not just a counselor. Counselors at my school, I've noticed, seem to want to cover their butts so to speak. They don't want to encourage anyone in case it doesn't pan out - but without the support, we're less likely to succeed. It sucks. So thanks.</p>