Cambridge, MA
Harvard University

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.

Make sure to get a good group of friends at the beginning. They will be your support network and your lifeline. Make sure that they truly care about your well-being. Don't do *anything* sexual. You'll regret it for the rest of your life. Be open to ideas and be humble. You won't always be right, but at the same time, be willing to stick to your convictions. Love your friends back, by helping them do what's right and by protecting them from themselves. Ask them to do the same for you.

The school is overwhelmingly liberal. Being conservative makes you feel more alienated than being homosexual. People are fairly intolerant of political differences of opinion. For a school that promotes tolerance, it seems hypocritical that conservatives are almost entirely shut out. It does a disservice to the students to not provide them with good academic representatives from both sides of the aisle.

A person shouldn't attend this school if they are not highly self-motivated. Although the workload is easier than you might expect, you have to be prepared to buckle down. There is a lot of liberty in terms of how you spend your time, so if you're not careful and self-motivated, you can quickly fall behind and start to do poorly.

It is best known for being extremely prestigious, smart, and exclusive.

I wish I had known more about the Core program and time management.

Don't worry too much about which school you're going to get into. Make the most of your experience. Make sure your school has the extracurricular activities and programs you want.

Students take such pride in being Harvard students. They also study really hard, even on the weekends. The libraries are just great, and set up conveniently for students.

I would encourage students to spend a great deal of time researching colleges before and during the application process. Students should make lists of their priorities in a college; for example, while dining hall quality might be seen as trivial to some, it might be important to others! If you like to research from actual books, the quality of the library system and its ease of use will be crucial. Also, don't underestimate the importance of a strong, caring network of peer and faculty advisors, as college is confusing and advisors can help you make decisions. Once at college, be sure to take advantage of unique opportunities your school or surroundings offer! If you go to college in Boston, check out the North End's Italian restaurants, rather than ordering in Domino's, for example. Also, on a related note, don't feel pressured to spend, spend, spend. Set a "fun budget." Maybe go out to eat weekly, and save up for that. Check out the flyers around campus to help you find fun, cheap things to do over the weekend. Going to concerts, plays, etc. can be a great way to find culture and friends!

It is difficult for many freshmen to find a social network, or to really feel as though they belong.

One very important thing to remember is that there is no one college that is right for everyone. Every student beginning on this journey is going to follow a different path, and that's ok. Some students will know exactly what they want to do with their lives, and will be able to decide accordingly by choosing a school that is particularly strong in that subject. Other students won't be so sure, and would most likely do best at a school with many options. This allows the student to determine their interests and decide what path they want to follow. Even for students who believe they know exactly what they want to do, it's still a good idea to choose a school that will provide alternate options. Very few people know at 17 or 18 years old what the rest of their life holds. Of course, there are other considerations. Take into account the surrounding area, the extracurricular activities offered, and certainly the atmosphere on campus. All your time isn't spent in the classroom, and the college experience consists of much more than an academic program. However, it all contributes to the educational experience.

The best thing about my school is the amount of resources it is able to provide. It is a school with a very large endowment and very good alumni support, allowing it to supply a lot of money in financial aid and provide very many resources to its students. This, in turn, leads to a very diversified student body, which leads to an overall better educational experience.

Before coming to this school, I wish I'd really know that I'd need to work a lot harder than I have.