Can you visit Harvard before applying?
I’m a high school junior and I’ve been looking at Harvard as a possible option. I know that sometimes seeing a campus in person can really help you figure out if it’s a good fit, but I’m not sure how possible that is.
Are prospective students allowed to just go and visit the campus? Is there some sort of sign up or do you need to have any special permission? If so, what’s the process like, and do you have to be a senior or can juniors do it too?
Would love to hear from anyone who has visited Harvard before applying. Was it helpful in making your decision? My parents and I are thinking about planning a trip if it’s allowed.
Are prospective students allowed to just go and visit the campus? Is there some sort of sign up or do you need to have any special permission? If so, what’s the process like, and do you have to be a senior or can juniors do it too?
Would love to hear from anyone who has visited Harvard before applying. Was it helpful in making your decision? My parents and I are thinking about planning a trip if it’s allowed.
6 months ago
•
27 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 6 months ago
Advisor
You can absolutely visit Harvard before applying, and you don’t need to wait until you’re a senior—juniors, sophomores, and even younger students are welcomed as prospective visitors. In fact, visiting the campus before you apply can give you insight about whether it's the right environment for you and help you write a more genuine application.
Harvard offers a range of official campus visit options. The most popular is their campus tour, which is led by a current student and covers important spots like historic Harvard Yard, the Memorial Hall, and the Science Center. There’s also an information session where admissions officers will walk you through academic programs, campus life, and the application process. You don’t need special permission, but you will need to sign up online—just go to the Harvard College Admissions website and find their "Visit" page. You’ll see available dates, and you can register you and your family members for a spot. These sessions can fill up during busy times (spring break, weekends, or summer), so the earlier you sign up, the better.
If an official tour isn’t available during your visit (sometimes they pause during major holidays), you’re still allowed to explore the Harvard Yard and most of the public areas on your own.
A visit is not required or tracked in the admissions process, but it can help you clarify your goals and answer "Why Harvard?" more authentically in your essays. It also gives your family a chance to get to know the logistics and the feel of the area.
Harvard offers a range of official campus visit options. The most popular is their campus tour, which is led by a current student and covers important spots like historic Harvard Yard, the Memorial Hall, and the Science Center. There’s also an information session where admissions officers will walk you through academic programs, campus life, and the application process. You don’t need special permission, but you will need to sign up online—just go to the Harvard College Admissions website and find their "Visit" page. You’ll see available dates, and you can register you and your family members for a spot. These sessions can fill up during busy times (spring break, weekends, or summer), so the earlier you sign up, the better.
If an official tour isn’t available during your visit (sometimes they pause during major holidays), you’re still allowed to explore the Harvard Yard and most of the public areas on your own.
A visit is not required or tracked in the admissions process, but it can help you clarify your goals and answer "Why Harvard?" more authentically in your essays. It also gives your family a chance to get to know the logistics and the feel of the area.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years