I just have to say that I don’t agree with characterizing the entire student body at Harvard as “arrogant” or “***holes”!
This kind of enduring prejudice seems to confuse talent with attitude.
A corollary prejudice is that every parent of a Harvard student is pushy.
The goal of admissions would appear to be to assemble a diverse, competent and interesting class- which would be hard to characterize because of its diversity.
They seem to succeed mostly. The hard part about being an undergrad there is also why it is reputed to be one of the best schools: everyone is pretty good at academics and often talented in something else too.
And yes many grads attempt to hide the fact that they went to Harvard because of the reactions of others. “You must be so smart” being the most common. People want it for the prestige but there is a downside to that.
For many, Harvard is a darn good experience but for others, a smaller more personalized liberal arts college works better.
To the original poster, try to find the schools that fit you best. And don’t think so much about college that it ruins your high school experience.