What is the difference between top university like Harvard and typical universities

To original question, in addition to harder workload, I would add the fact that Harvard students “comp” for clubs and activities, so you may have to already be proficient in an area to belong. Ditto some classes. If you want to try something like, say, photography for the first time, it may be hard to get into a class because there are many who are talented and already accomplished. Not true for everything but it is an issue for some areas of study or EC’s. Also students need to be comfortable with extraordinary peers: it can be hard on self-esteem.

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