Is it possible to visit the Harvard campus as a prospective student?

Yes, prospective students are welcome to visit Harvard's campus in person! As of 2024, Harvard has reopened its campus for visitors after some earlier pandemic restrictions. The university offers guided campus tours—both in-person and virtual—so you can choose what works best for your schedule.

If you plan to visit in person, it's a good idea to register for an official campus tour through Harvard's admissions website. These tours are led by current undergraduates, which gives you a chance to ask questions about student life and the application process directly. If tours are fully booked, you can also do a self-guided tour; Harvard Yard is open to the public, and the admissions office provides digital maps and audio guides you can download to your phone.

Since you’re a few hours away, consider coordinating your visit with an information session—these often go hand-in-hand with tours and include details on academics, extracurriculars, and financial aid. If you're visiting during the academic year, you'll see students on campus, which gives a better sense of what daily life is like at Harvard.

To make the most of your visit, be sure to:
- Spend some time in Harvard Square to get a feel for the neighborhood and student hangouts.
- Explore libraries like Widener or Lamont (some may have restricted access, but you can often peek inside).
- Take notes about how the campus atmosphere makes you feel—this can help personalize your application essays later. For example, a student once mentioned in their essay how striking the sense of tradition felt in Harvard Yard compared to their high school campus.

Finally, check Harvard's visitor guidelines before you go, as policies may change throughout the year. Enjoy your visit and keep an eye out for Harvard’s unique traditions—sometimes witnessing little things like students rubbing the John Harvard statue’s foot for good luck can give you a story to tell in your application!