Cambridge, MA
Harvard University

Exactly how difficult the classes were and how much work and dedication is involved to achieve a high grade.

I would definitely have taken an easier courseload freshman fall and not participated in as many extracurriculars. At a school like Harvard especially, the courses can be extremely demanding and time consuming, and they require much more work and thought than even the most difficult advanced placement courses in high school do. I definitely would not underestimate the difficulty of classes, and would have dedicated much more time to getting this skillset hammered down. Once coursework management has been handled it is ok to proceed with plunging in the world of extracurriculars, employment, etc...

The research and funding opportunities, extremely challenging classes, and the networking opportunities available.

I would suggest reflecting upon your high school experience as a whole. Ask yourself what aspects of high school you enjoyed the most and why you enjoyed them. Also reflect upon different extracurricular, academic, and social experiences you had in high school and evaluate what interested you or what you felt were rewarding experiences. Part of going to college is realizing who you are and the self-identity that you want to create for yourself. You start with a fresh, clean slate. In college, you get to choose what academic area to focus on, what activities to pursue, and what kind of people you want to be friends with. Also, recognize that this is true for everyone entering college. It is a shared experience, the excitement, nervousness, and experimentation of developing your "new life". Consequently, this environment helps your ideas and ambitions flourish as you and your classmates support each other. In brief, entering college is a unique opportunity to discover and define yourself, where your personal goals can become a reality. Having thought about what kind of life you want to lead in college, you will enter college with more confidence and excitement to begin your new experience.

With so many research, extracurricular, and club activites available, some students feel like they are not achieving enough or doing enough. Almost all students are involved in at least one activity, but many want to do more. However, homework and studies demand a large time commitment, so it is very difficult to squeeze in everything you want to do in your time-restrained schedule. Although students recognize that their time is being well spent in studies, there is a bitter-sweet feeling about not being able to do other things that may seem equally rewarding.

The motivation at this school and the learning environment are incredible. Students are enthusiastic about academics and subject material. In addition, the classrooom environment is attentive, respectful, and focused on understanding the new material introduced or participating in topic discussions and debates. No one feels out of place trying to be a good student. In fact, being the best student you can be is encouraged and applauded. There are no limits to academic ambition.

Harvard students are generally intellectual, diligent, goal-driven individuals who are not afraid to go up to professors to ask questions or to just chat.

Someone who has good work ethics, time management skills, and confidence.

Learn time management skills while you are in high school. College life, unlike high school life, has a very loose structure, in the sense that you no longer have the same set schedule as you did in high school where you go to school at a certain hour and return home at a certain hour. Classes in college are often spread out over the course of the day, so you end up with blocks of spare time in between classes. If you cannot manage those blocks of time wisely, you will inevitably end up wasting the majority of your day. It?s important to learn to use every minute of your time as effectively as possible.

My classmates tend to be extremely bright, engaged, analytical, and hard-working, and they have an incredibly wide variety of experiences and interests.

It's important to understand that there is a big world out there outside of your high school and even outside the college you will attend. There will be things that feel incredibly important -- some days it will feel like everything is crashing down around you, and other days will feel like you're on top of the world -- but always keep in mind that life goes on after high school and after college. Work hard (and for goodness sake, try to do all the reading!), but take care of yourself and your friends, because those things will be the most important.

Especially during sophomore year, students often feel isolated and overworked -- they call it the "sophomore slump" -- and it's tragic to see people suffer but think that they're alone (and therefore not seek help).

The weather in New England is so much colder than I expected...

The diversity of the student body is great. Also, student organizations are usually well run, which opens up so many doors.

I would encourage myself to 1) pay more attention in my math and science classes because it really helps out in the intro level courses, 2) read more recreationally because the required reading load in college makes it nearly impossible to read for fun, 3) improve as much as possible in whatever extracurricular activity that I'm doing (instrument(s), sports, etc) because being skilled at something comes in really handy in college where everyone else will come with some special skill other than academics up their sleeves, 4) say you'll keep in touch with current friends and teachers and MEAN IT because you never know when you'll need their assistance somewhere down the road.

They are a group of diverse, driven, talented (some boast about it, others you'd never know it), and overall wonderful people.

Do not choose this place because of its name. And do not choose it because it is the "gold standard of American higher education." Because in truth, it is not. There are places, particularly small liberal arts schools, which in reality may give you a better education in the classroom. Do not choose it because the professors have big names. Take into account how far it is away from home...you do not know how difficult travel is until you have a 6-hour delay trying to get home for Christmas. Choose this place if you want to do research, if you want more extracurricular opportunities than you know what to do with, and if you want peers that challenge, inspire, and yes, at times compete with you. Choose this place if you are incredibly self-motivated and willing to seek out your demigod professors in their office hours. Choose this place if you want to be among some of the smartest most talented people in the world--and don't mind putting up with some of the arrogance you'll inevitably encounter from a few of those people along the way.

I wish I had known that is it okay to give yourself a break here. Everyone seems to pretend that they are studying ALL the time, but they are not, and it is easy to get sucked into this "worker harder than everyone else" mentality. Relax.

Harvard students are very motivated, but also kind. The cattiness and meanness of some schools does not really apply to Harvard. Harvard students will work hard to succeed, but they will not do it by tearing others down.

Harvard has so many resources, both in research and library material. The amount of historical information owned by the university is completely unique. Most students will never get to experience such a high level of access again.

I would advise myself not to be so fearful of the opinions of others. During my first days at college, I refrained from acting how I wanted to because I was afraid of rejection. I have learned in college that being oneself is probably the most important ingredient to enjoying the college experience. Pretending to love partying when you don't, or acting as if you like people just because you are afraid of being alone is not the way to go. Accept who you, embrace it, and only then will you find your true friends and your favorite extracurriculars. College is so diverse. There is a place for everyone. Don't try to fit into a group that is not something you truly enjoy; instead, try to find the place where you belong.

While obviously very academically-oriented, Harvard is surprisingly a very good place in every other sence--including socially.

The work load at Harvard is very intense--most professors assign a very heavy load of readings and other assignments, making it very difficult to balance a successful academic life and time for friends and outings.

Considering how quickly time passes, it is really a shame to not fully devote oneself not only to his or her studies but to helping others and being conscientiously involved in the world--all for the hopes of a better future.

Its unbridled sense of opportunity. Once you arrive here, you feel as though anything is possible in your life. This spirit pervades every aspect of the University--from its professors, to your fellow students.

Don't worry so much, you get into Harvard--the rest is easy.

The lack of advice when you first get to Harvard. It's like you've grown up in this remote country and, moving into this mammoth and complex city, have no idea of how best to assimilate yourself and take advantage of all of the opportunities around you. By the time you understand the "ins and outs" of the University, you are about to graduate.

The opportunities and resources.

I wish I knew more about the social scene and how Harvard men think they're superior.

Be yourself. Don't let the college atmostphere get to you, which can easily happen. You just have to remind yourself daily of the person you are.