Harvard College

Harvard College is a highly selective school for a reason: those who earn their way into this Ivy enter a "dynamic universe" that is "academically alive" and teeming with possibility, as well as top-tier internship and employment opportunities, a strong alumni network, and a crimson pedigree for your résumé. Perhaps this is why one undergrad refers to his experience as "rewarding beyond anything else I've ever done." Academically, the breadth of courses astounds, with everything from the rise of machines and implications of AI to the relationship of Taylor Swift's lyrics to Romantic-era poets. Even better, at least once you're through some of the larger, less personable lectures of your underclass years (or you "go to office hours to get to know your big lecture class professors on a personal level"), you'll find them to be taught by some of "the brightest minds in the world." Indeed, "the level of achievement [of the faculty] is unbelievable." Even when students butt heads with a "reticent to change" administration, they acknowledge that the school "does a good job of watching over its freshmen through extensive advising programs," and students trust that their best interests are being kept in mind. The only thing that's impossible here, apparently, is the idea of "getting the most out of Harvard"-and that's "because Harvard offers so much."

"People find ways to make everything (especially clubs and even partying) competitive." Harvard students are, after all, high achievers oozing with talent and ambition. But this isn't a negative, and "Everyone is great for one reason or another." Certainly, most students are not afraid of a challenge and look to milk every opportunity presented to them. This sentiment is supported by another undergrad who notes that the average Harvard student "works really hard, doesn't sleep, [and is] involved in a million extracurriculars." Underneath this impressive drive, you're also likely to find compassionate individuals who enjoy interacting with and learning from their diverse peers. One undergrad elaborates, insisting that "there is a lot of tolerance and acceptance at Harvard for individuals of all races, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, lifestyles, etc." And given that 156 nationalities are represented among the student body, it's fairly easy to interact with people across a spectrum of ideologies, religions, and backgrounds.

Simply put, "boredom does not exist" at Harvard. The school maintains "a vibrant social atmosphere," one that provides "endless opportunities" and plenty of "passionate people to [pursue] them with." As one undergrad explains, "Basically, if you want to do it, Harvard either has it or has the money to give to you so you can start it." Of course, with more than 450 student organizations already in existence, it's almost a given you'll find something that excites you. Undergrads also love partaking in Harvard traditions like Yardfest, a spring music festival and attending "The Game," the annual football match with Ivy rival Yale. By and large, drinking does not seem to dominate the social scene. "Partying in a more traditional setting is available at Harvard, but is not a prevalent aspect of the school's social life. There is a pub on campus that provides an excellent venue to hang out and play a game of pool or have a reasonably priced drink." And, of course, a handful of parties happen on weekends at Harvard's finals clubs. However, there's no real pressure for students to partake if they're not interested, and with Cambridge and Boston right there, it's no surprise that you can always find students hitting the city to "go see a play, a concert...go to the movies, or dine out."