Harvard University Top Questions

In the application process, cast a wide net, since it's harder to get into school than ever. Don't be afraid to apply to a few reaches (you might get lucky, like I did), as long as you have some safeties. Don't be too hasty to rely on an out-of-school counselor, especially one who charges a lot of money. Much of this process is a crapshoot, and no one can predict who wins. If they claim to be able to, they are probably lying. College is the only time in life totally dedicated to indulging one's mind and spirit. I advise going some place a little far from home, really making yourself vulnerable. I've found one of the best things about college is that I no longer feel pressure to do things I'm not totally passionate about. So, pick the extracurriculars in which you truly wish to participate. Speak up in class, study abroad, read books for fun (and for class). See plays and concerts. Develop a taste for beer and not hard alcohol. Be safe, make enigmatic friends, and take time to write down your experiences, so you won't forget them.

I would tell students to visit colleges, read up on them thoroughly and make sure that whatever school they choose has a range of options , both academically and socially, that they're interested in. Working at the admissions office, I see too many students choose Harvard because of its name yet know nothing about it. First of all, a lack of passion for the school won't help you get into college but second of all, it won't help you love college. College is the last barrier between childhood and the real world. Enjoy it! Take it as what it should be, the first baby steps towards leaving your parents and entering the world as your own person. You want to be able to find yourself at college, grow into the person whom you want to be and you'll never do that at a place you can't call home. To parents, don't pressure your kids to go to the school with the loftiest name. Your interest lies not in seeing them succesful, but seeing them happy. So after they get into college, hug them, and then let them go off on their own.

It is extremely important to visit multiple colleges and interact with the students who are currently attending the college in order to see in what place you would feel the most comfortable. Ask what resources the college has to offer, question students about their professors and their favorite class, figure out what they do for fun over the weekend and in their free time--this information will allow you to see how you would fit into the academic and social scene. College is all about trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone. However, I feel that honesty has allowed me to really make the most of my college experience. Your parents are the ones who have always been by your side, through the good and the bad, and no matter how far you are from them, they will always be your constant support. I tell my parents everything that I do in college, including going to parties and drinking, which allows my parents to be included in my decisions and to voice their concerns and/or give me advice. I can really enjoy myself because I know that I am not doing anything behind my parents' back.

Parents, make sure your child is the person making the decision about where to attend college. Even though you are extremely excited and think you know what is best, your son/daughter may have a very clear idea of what he/she wants without being able to articulate this to you. Students, make sure you do the right research. It is definitely important to feel comfortable on the campuses of schools you are considering. However, it also important that the schools have great programs that cater to your interests. If you are interested in business, take a look at the university websites to make sure they have good pre-business programs! Also, talk to kids on the campus and decide whether you could see yourself being friends with them! Only listen to what you want! Good luck!

Do not discredit the chance that you or your child might find their way into the upper-tier of schools. For low-income families, these top of the line schools offer financial aid that can make it cheaper to go to the best school than to the worst. Also, choose schools to apply to not only because they are good schools, but because you would want to live in that town or city. Lastly, once in school, remember that even though you might be a small fish in a big pond, you are still worth something. Especially at large, top of their class Ivies, this is easy to forget. But, remember that these schools would not have admitted you if you were not special. If you remember this, you will succeed.

Go to the place where when you step onto the campus you think, "This is home"

I actually transferred to Harvard, and that experience was very helpful in understanding how to choose a college. You don't find out about a place by taking the campus tour and doing those things, although visiting is imperative anyway. The campus tours tell you how many books are in the library and what famous people lived where, not what life will be like during one's 4 years in college. Visiting is good, but more importantly, try to talk to and understand the lives of real students. Talk widely and broadly, since no two people's experience is the same. Ask: What is their balance between extracurriculars and academics? How have they found their academic experience? What is their most and least favorite thing about their college experience? What are their regrets? .... Second, once you're at a college, whether your first choice dream school or your safety school, make the most of it! I was at NYU and hated it, mostly because I didn't give it a chance. It wasn't my first choice, and I wouldn't let myself enjoy it , and although I successfully transferred, it's not a route I'd recommend for all.

If you can, spend time at the college and trust vague, general impessions you might have. Pay attention to students' comments about the administration and administrational procedures. At college, take advantage of where you are, with or without people you meet on campus.

talk to a variety of alumns

In three words: Visit The School. No matter how much research you do, no matter how many people you talk to, no matter how well you think you know a school, you can't really know whether a certain school is right for you until you immerse yourself in the campus life. Don't just do the standard admissions tour- mingle with the students, visit the dorm rooms if you can, eat the food, sit in on classes. Visualize yourself as a student there, and ask yourself if you can imagine this place being your new home for the next four years. Oftentimes, a school you thought you liked before visiting will turn out to be completely different from what you imagined, and you'll be glad you visited before making a decision. No Google search or conversation with an alum can replace a personal visit, because the little things you never thought would factor into your decision (i.e. the quality of the food or the size of the dorm rooms) can be the things that affect your quality of life the most. Spend a few days visiting, and you'll ensure a successful and happy four years.