When was Harvard College founded and why is its founding important to its reputation?
I've been researching different colleges for my applications, and Harvard keeps coming up as the oldest college in the U.S. I know it's super prestigious now, but I'm not completely clear on when it actually started and how its history affects how people view it today.
Is there a specific year when Harvard College was officially founded? Also, does knowing that date actually matter for the way the school is perceived by colleges, students, or admissions officers? I'm asking because my history teacher mentioned a "founding year essay" question and I want to make sure I don't get it wrong.
Is there a specific year when Harvard College was officially founded? Also, does knowing that date actually matter for the way the school is perceived by colleges, students, or admissions officers? I'm asking because my history teacher mentioned a "founding year essay" question and I want to make sure I don't get it wrong.
1 week ago
•
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Luis Nario-Malberg
• 1 week ago
Advisor
Harvard College was officially founded in 1636, making it the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Its establishment predates the founding of the United States itself, which adds a layer of historical significance to the school's identity.
Harvard’s early founding contributes a lot to its reputation. Being established so early means Harvard has played a key role in American education and culture for centuries. The college was founded by the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and was intended to train clergy and leaders for the new colony. Its longevity has allowed it to build up a vast network of influential alumni, a deep tradition of academic excellence, and a global reputation that few other institutions can match.
Prospective students, parents, or admissions officers often view Harvard’s age as a symbol of tradition, stability, and prestige. A university that’s been around since 1636 has not just survived, but thrived and adapted across centuries. That’s a big part of why it continues to draw attention and respect worldwide. When you hear that it was founded in 1636, you're reminded of all the historic events and societal changes that Harvard has witnessed and been part of. For example, every U.S. president who attended college before the American Revolution went to Harvard, which strengthened its ties to national leadership early on.
If you see a college essay or prompt mentioning Harvard’s founding year, it’s important to remember the date—1636—and why it matters: it speaks to Harvard’s long-standing role in shaping education in America. Highlighting this detail in an essay can show a deeper understanding of institutional legacy. More importantly, using its history to connect something personal or relevant to your interests (like a passion for historical scholarship, admiration for tradition, or interest in how institutions evolve) would help you stand out.
A quick example: if answering a prompt about Harvard’s founding, you might reference how its early start positioned it at the center of American academic innovation and then tie that to your own desire to be at the forefront of new ideas or to join a centuries-old dialogue. Just make sure you get that year right: 1636!
Harvard’s early founding contributes a lot to its reputation. Being established so early means Harvard has played a key role in American education and culture for centuries. The college was founded by the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and was intended to train clergy and leaders for the new colony. Its longevity has allowed it to build up a vast network of influential alumni, a deep tradition of academic excellence, and a global reputation that few other institutions can match.
Prospective students, parents, or admissions officers often view Harvard’s age as a symbol of tradition, stability, and prestige. A university that’s been around since 1636 has not just survived, but thrived and adapted across centuries. That’s a big part of why it continues to draw attention and respect worldwide. When you hear that it was founded in 1636, you're reminded of all the historic events and societal changes that Harvard has witnessed and been part of. For example, every U.S. president who attended college before the American Revolution went to Harvard, which strengthened its ties to national leadership early on.
If you see a college essay or prompt mentioning Harvard’s founding year, it’s important to remember the date—1636—and why it matters: it speaks to Harvard’s long-standing role in shaping education in America. Highlighting this detail in an essay can show a deeper understanding of institutional legacy. More importantly, using its history to connect something personal or relevant to your interests (like a passion for historical scholarship, admiration for tradition, or interest in how institutions evolve) would help you stand out.
A quick example: if answering a prompt about Harvard’s founding, you might reference how its early start positioned it at the center of American academic innovation and then tie that to your own desire to be at the forefront of new ideas or to join a centuries-old dialogue. Just make sure you get that year right: 1636!
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years