Most people you meet will tell you that college is "what you make of it," and Harvard is no exception. So why should you come here?
1. Amazing people: from brilliant professors and faculty to awesome peers to even the friendliest Housing staff, Harvard's biggest assets are without a doubt the people who reside here. Of course, there are a few of the stereotypical snots, but you will find on the whole that 95-99% of the people you meet are well-rounded, friendly, cool, and passionate about the things they learn and do. Take the initiative to ask a professor of your large lecture class a question. Hang out with your proctor or dormmates. Say hello to the folks who work in Annenberg or in the Houses. Take an hour off from studying to have a meal + conversation with a friend. It will make your time at Harvard that much better. Trust us.
2. The resources here: you can take classes in all kinds of topics, do research in labs as freshmen, join (or start!) all kinds of student organizations, hear/meet/see "famous people" on a weekly or daily basis (recent visitors to Harvard include Nancy Pelosi, Vera Wang, Bill Gates, Wyclef Jean, Kid Cudi, Yo Yo Ma, etc.), travel around the world on Harvard fellowships...basically, if you want to do it, Harvard has the means for you to do it! You just have to figure out which resources will help you accomplish your goal best!
3. The surrounding area: although you should be careful to differentiate Cambridge from Boston, another great thing about Harvard is that it is quite easy to find new places to explore and people to meet. In Harvard Square itself, there are a ton of restaurants, book shops, and window-shopping places; and the square is ALWAYS great for people-watching. Boston is just a $1.70 T-ride or bus ride away. Harvard students don't take enough advantage of the fact that there are 50+ other colleges in the area! Take some time to get out of the Harvard bubble (although, we admit it, it's a great bubble) and check out Boston!
4. Residential life: guaranteed housing all 4 years (and pretty sweet rooms, we must say), up to 99 meals per week from the d-halls, advising, brain break, free wireless Internet anywhere on campus, gyms, common rooms, kitchens, laundry, libraries...what more could you want?
5. History: the prestige of the Harvard name is pretty cool. No one would argue that. But even more fascinating is Harvard's history. When you move in, you'll get a list of all the people who lived in the room before you. Ask upperclassmen, professors, etc. about Harvard traditions and stories. Look at inscriptions on gates and in buildings. Everything from the academic departments to the architecture to student organizations has a legacy that now you can consider yourself a part of. Woot.
Good luck making your decision!
