lackadaisy

First of all, WELCOME. We're thrilled to have you. Second, I want to urge to come to Prefrosh weekend--it's a terrific time. I was stuck between Harvard and Yale for a long time last year, and that was what swayed me.

But mostly importantly, I'm sure you're dying to know what life at Harvard is like. And I guess I can't speak to that, being only one person with a very particular set of classes and activities that doesn't reflect anyone else's, necessarily. But I can tell you a little bit about what I've been involved in during my freshman year, and I hope you have as good an experience.

I became involved in political activities from the very beginning. The Institute of Politics is a fabulous resource--the most ridiculously famous and important people come to Harvard, most through the IOP: the foreign minister of Israel, Maureen Dowd, Andy Card, Meaghan O'Sullivan, Stephen Colbert, Elizabeth Edwards, producers of the Wire, innumerable Nobel Laureates and experts,
I can't begin to explain--every DAY, if not twice a day, famous people come to Harvard, and the IOP is where you find them.

That being said, though, I really found my niche as someone who loves politics (though I was hardly involved at all in high school) in the Harvard Democrats. Harvard is a place where someone will always need your help, your skills, and your time--if you search out opportunities, they will always be there. I spearheaded the revitalization of the Dems' magazine (THE BLUE LINE | Harvard’s Liberal Standard) as a freshman; I design the Harvard Political Review as a freshman; I've met dozens of presidential candidates, scholars and celebrities--as a freshman.

My case is pretty typical of many here. When we talk about "opportunities" we don't just mean a few people do amazing things, we mean everyone has chances to do amazing things. If you want more information, just let me know.

gagilord

So I got in. What now? I gotta choose. Harvard or Yale. The million dollar question. I would really appreciate it if you shared what aspect of Harvard really grabbed your attention and persuaded you to go there. I realise I may be shifting the discussion in a way that wasn't intended and I apologize.

In addition, what feel for the people do you get? You see I'm an international and there is no way I can afford to come for the Admits Weekend. Do people excel in one area or are they developed as general personalities? Is it more of a depth rather breadth feel?

lackadaisy

I made that same choice. It's a great position to be in. For me, it was the opportunities--the Institute of Politics, the Crimson--and, of course, the city environment. Harvard has Cambridge, a yuppie shopping district, and Boston, a cultural gem of a city, all linked with public transportation (the T). Yale has... well... Yale. With the exception of a few streets of college-catered businesses (which Harvard has as well), New Haven is not the very best city to explore. Tweed-New Haven airport, which I flew into when visiting, is one room. I am not kidding.

These are, of course, two small reasons. I felt more "at home" at Harvard than at Yale, and I guess that surprised me because in no way did I have a less enjoyable time at Yale--I met fantastic professors, heard amazing lectures, took part in engaging discussions and debates with fellow prefrosh.

Don't judge a place on "the people" or their "friendliness." Honestly, people at Yale were extremely friendly. They were too friendly, like they were trying to hard--I kept wondering when their exams were. And the fellow prefrosh I roomed with at Yale were absolutely horrible. I didn't let that affect my perception, recognizing that Yalies are not all shallow, vapid ditzes; similarly, I would never say all Harvardians are forceful lesbians or retiring Chinese premeds.

gagilord

Thank you so much for your response lackadaisy!

Well, being in such a position isn't actually much fun lol Anyway I'm an international and visiting any of the schools is pretty much out of the question so I rely on forums and people who've attended both schools to give me their judgements. Once again, thank you

Jen98

I share your sympathies as another who couldn't attend the pre-frosh weekends, but I did have the opportunity to visit these last few days, so I'll share my insights.

Yale is amazing. The students are friendly, the architecture is spectacular, the campus is bustling, academics are stellar (obviously), and everyone seems happy.

Harvard is amazing. The students are friendly, the architecture is spectacular, the campus is bustling, academics are stellar (obviously), and everyone seems happy.

If you just experienced de já vù, so did I. I visited these schools back to back, and sure, each has its own quirks, distinct histories, different surrounding environments, etc. But for everything that will really matter in a college education, they're virtually identical. I finally came to the conclusion that I would be equally happy at either institution and probably wouldn't look back.

If you're curious, I submitted my affirmative reply to Harvard today. It really came down to some superficial things: their financial aid was better, I had a chance to talk with a computer science professor (cs is my intended concentration), and it's been my dream school since I was about five. But I'm still convinced that had the coin landed the other way, I would have no regrets.

piccolojunior

Lol you know how pretentious it sounds to say you need a lot of time to make this "difficult decision" right....

I'd never want to go to school in that "great city" (LOL) of New Haven. Probably explains why I didn't apply to Fale.

lackadaisy, did you see wu tang 2 weeks ago?

Admiral

That's rather rude.

piccolojunior

The first part is true, the second part is a joke...relax.