How hard is Harvard academically and socially?
I’m starting to get stressed about college choices and Harvard keeps coming up in conversations with my parents and counselor. Everyone talks about how prestigious it is, but I’m worried about the reality if I actually end up there.
If anyone is currently at Harvard or knows people there, how tough are the classes and the workload? Do students have any time to relax or keep up with hobbies and friends, or is it nonstop studying? I’m really curious about how intense the environment is and how people deal with the pressure. I just want to make sure that if I apply (and somehow get in), I won’t be in over my head or constantly anxious about keeping up with everyone else!
If anyone is currently at Harvard or knows people there, how tough are the classes and the workload? Do students have any time to relax or keep up with hobbies and friends, or is it nonstop studying? I’m really curious about how intense the environment is and how people deal with the pressure. I just want to make sure that if I apply (and somehow get in), I won’t be in over my head or constantly anxious about keeping up with everyone else!
1 week ago
•
7 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 1 week ago
Advisor
Harvard's academics are definitely rigorous, and students there are surrounded by exceptionally driven peers, but it’s not as overwhelming as a lot of media makes it sound. Classes are challenging because professors expect students to engage deeply with the material and keep up with readings, projects, and frequent assignments. Still, most students are able to find a balance once they figure out what study methods and time management strategies work best for them.
Socially, Harvard offers a lot of opportunities to relax and have fun, but can also be a bit challenging or exclusive. Many "lower-intesity" and less selective clubs and organizations exist. Intramural sports, language exchanges, even a rapping club are some of the groups that don't require a high-level of commitment and offer a great way to socialize and unwind. There are also lots of opportunities to volunteer at homeless shelters or working with local youth.
However, many other clubs and organizations are considered "prestigious" and sometimes treated as vehicles for resume padding, while others are often considered gateways to more exclusive social circles and social events. Examples include the Harvard Crimson (the student newspaper), the Lampoon (the humor magazine, and the source of many SNL alums), the Harvard Undergrad Consulting Group, and many club sports (distinct from intramurals). Many of these clubs and organizations involve an audition or tryout process.
That isn't to say that there are no less exclusive professionally/academically oriented organizations. In particular the IOP offers houses various group and activities focusing on things like policy and activism which don't require as much of an audition process.
Socially, Harvard offers a lot of opportunities to relax and have fun, but can also be a bit challenging or exclusive. Many "lower-intesity" and less selective clubs and organizations exist. Intramural sports, language exchanges, even a rapping club are some of the groups that don't require a high-level of commitment and offer a great way to socialize and unwind. There are also lots of opportunities to volunteer at homeless shelters or working with local youth.
However, many other clubs and organizations are considered "prestigious" and sometimes treated as vehicles for resume padding, while others are often considered gateways to more exclusive social circles and social events. Examples include the Harvard Crimson (the student newspaper), the Lampoon (the humor magazine, and the source of many SNL alums), the Harvard Undergrad Consulting Group, and many club sports (distinct from intramurals). Many of these clubs and organizations involve an audition or tryout process.
That isn't to say that there are no less exclusive professionally/academically oriented organizations. In particular the IOP offers houses various group and activities focusing on things like policy and activism which don't require as much of an audition process.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years