Harvard University

A degree from Harvard puts you in a league with the likes of John F. Kennedy, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. But Harvard isn’t all about V-neck sweaters, khakis, and stuffiness. Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Natalie Portman, and even Conan O’Brien call themselves alums.

Aside from being one of the most famous universities in the world, there are plenty of other things that set Harvard apart. Good and bad.

Some of the best things about Harvard:

Access to the best professors and minds of our time.

The opportunity to pursue literally ANY interest you might have.

The city of Boston provides the perfect backdrop for college social life.

Harvard housing is among the best in the nation—you’ll realize how important this really is once you are there.

It’s Harvard, and whether you like it or not, it garners respect from friends, family, and employers alike.

Some of the worst things:

People often focus too much on future careers and making money, and sometimes lose track of enjoying the present.

Classes are difficult, and it is impossible to do all the work for a given class, so you must choose wisely when deciding how to structure work time.

Liquor laws in Massachusetts are tough, and bars are 21 and older, so developing a full social life that involves drinking can be difficult if you don’t have a fake ID or have friends who do.

Even though you beat the odds by getting accepted, rejection still runs rampant through student organizations. Many hold “comps,” processes in which students are selectively chosen to join the organization, while others are asked to try again next year.

It’s Harvard, and along with its prestige comes a certain level of disdain from non-Harvard students, who think everyone at Harvard is an arrogant jerk and will be happy to let you know just how they feel.

Find out if Harvard truly has something for you, straight from the students’ mouths. Visiting campus isn't enough.

Read our Harvard University insider’s guide and discover what it feels like to be on campus for 4 years.

Discover if Harvard is Right For You.