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Harvard University: The School That Needs No Introduction (But Here’s One Anyway)
Harvard. The name alone drips with prestige, old-school charm, and a touch of academic intimidation. Founded in 1636—which, fun fact, means it’s older than calculus, the steam engine, and most countries—Harvard has been setting the gold standard for higher education ever since.
With 450+ student organizations, 125 active service programs, and 400 students doing service projects every summer, Harvard students somehow manage to be brilliant, busy, and benevolent all at the same time. (Seriously, do they even sleep?)
Famous Alumni: A Star-Studded Ivy League Cast
Harvard’s alumni list is so overachieving it’s almost unfair. Some of the more recognizable names include:
Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale, the reason red cloaks feel ominous now).
John F. Kennedy & Barack Obama (casual reminder that Harvard has produced multiple U.S. Presidents).
Elle Woods (Legally Blonde—proof that Harvard Law is accessible to those with chutzpah and a killer bend-and-snap).
Matt Damon & Natalie Portman (Academy Award winners who somehow balanced Hollywood and Harvard).
Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook founder who, ironically, dropped out).
And, of course, it’s the place where you “pahk yah cah in Hahvahd Yahd.” (Except you can’t, because there’s no actual parking in Harvard Yard.)
Why Harvard? (Besides the Obvious Prestige and Gothic Buildings That Make You Feel Smarter)
1. Liberal Arts Philosophy: Think Big, Question More
Harvard encourages students to ask difficult questions, explore unfamiliar subjects, and challenge conventional wisdom—basically, to become the kind of people who argue for fun and make intellectual breakthroughs before breakfast.
2. Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Harvard’s campus is teeming with historical architecture, beautiful green spaces, and a library that looks like it belongs in a movie about geniuses. And if you ever need a break from all that brilliance, Boston is just across the river, offering Fenway Park, world-class museums, and an alarming number of Dunkin’ Donuts per square mile.
3. History and Tradition: So Much of Both, They Mention It Twice
Founded in 1636, Harvard is so old that Shakespeare was still alive when it was established. From the Hasty Pudding Theatricals (America’s oldest theater group) to the Harvard-Yale football rivalry, tradition runs deep. Harvard also has one of the most extensive alumni networks in the world, meaning you’ll likely never be more than five degrees away from someone extremely influential.
4. A Diverse and Global Community
Harvard is dedicated to building an inclusive and vibrant student body, bringing together people from all over the world. It’s a place where future world leaders, scientists, activists, and the occasional Broadway star share dining hall space.
5. Small Class Sizes, Big Brains
With a median class size of just 12 students, Harvard gives you direct access to world-renowned professors. It’s the kind of place where you could be debating philosophy with a future Supreme Court Justice or working on an AI project with someone who’ll win a Nobel Prize before they turn 30.
6. Financial Aid: Because Harvard Has Money (A Lot of It)
With an endowment larger than some national economies, Harvard can afford to be generous with financial aid. They offer student employment, scholarships, grants, and loans, making it possible for students from diverse backgrounds to attend without selling a kidney.
7. Endless Resources and Opportunities
Want to work with world-class faculty? Check. Join a varsity sport or student org? Check. Invent the next billion-dollar startup in your dorm room? Also check. Harvard’s state-of-the-art resources and individualized instruction make it the ultimate launchpad for success.
By the Numbers (A.K.A. Why It’s a “Dream School” for Many)
Acceptance Rate (Class of 2027): 3.4% (Yikes, but hey, someone’s gotta get in!)
Average SAT Scores: 755 Math | 750 Verbal (aka: basically perfect)
Average ACT Score: 32-35
Translation: You don’t just “apply” to Harvard. You strategize, perfect, and possibly summon ancient wisdom before hitting submit.
Here’s the link for admissions to learn more. https://college.harvard.edu/admissions Go Turkeys! Not a typo.
Feeling overwhelmed with the university admissions process? We can help. Check out our website and schedule an appointment with a counselor to see exactly how we can help you find your best fit school and make your application the strongest it can be.
Harvard Alum? Any insight into your experiences would be amazing. At Next Level College Application we do not have an agenda other than helping our clients find the schools that are the best fit for them.
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