justcallmebob

Hi, I'm a Harvard prefrosh wondering how to make the most of the overwhelming resources harvard has to offer over my four years. What are, in your guys' opinion, some of the most rewarding programs/extracurriculars/general-things-to-do that harvard offers? thanks.

icypineapple37

bump.........

Hanna

It's going to be different for everyone, but at a minimum, go to the IOP speakers whenever you can.

I don't know what form Let's Go is going to take in the future, but if it's still around, it's completely unique and beyond cool.

Even if you weren't planning to, think about taking a language class. They're amazing, and the number of choices is ridiculous.

kyzan

I second this thread. Anyone else have any advice for upcoming freshmen?

piccolojunior

Doesn't it depend on the person? For instance, I want to do chemistry club, research (later) and basketball, but that might not be someone else's plan.

White_Rabbit

How competitive are the squash, racketball, crew, or sailing teams?

justcallmebob

i'm just asking people to say what they personally found most rewarding - us readers can then judge for ourselves

kyzan

I played tennis in high school but had to quit due to injuries. I want to try another sport in college that's not extremely time consuming, but still fun and physically vigorous to keep me fit. Which sports would you guys recommend?

I'm thinking of water polo or kendo.

chronicidal

Making the Most of College by Richard J. Light

mathmom

I have fond memories of playing pinball. I regret not joining the Advocate (literary magazine earlier). I feel badly I didn't get involved in some of the Philips Brooks House activities - volunteering was a big part of my high school and post college life - I'm not sure why I took my college years off from it.

just_forget_me

Dick Light gives a pretty decent talk during freshman week... the two big takeaways I had were:
1. Whether college sucks or rocks depends on how well you manage your time.
2. Make friends with at least one professor each semester.

Try a bunch of different activities freshman year - both stuff that you've done before + things that are completely new. There's no need to narrow things down immediately (but I would recommend doing it eventually, being an officer of an organization is incredibly rewarding).

You may want to think about a smaller concentration - More discussion about that here: "Low Ranks for Large Fields"

Make the most of your summers -- talk to upperclassmen about what they've done, what they wish they had done (my advice - go abroad after your freshman year!). And more broadly, get to know some upperclassmen (through ECs is the easiest way). They can help you find good classes, fun parties, etc.

Get to know a bajillion people during the first few months. There's only a short period of time where you can sit down at a table in Annenberg with a group of people you don't know, and it won't be awkward.

aarongreenspan

Hi,

Everyone has their own interests, but for me one of the most rewarding activities was the Harvard Pops Orchestra. It's a great group that doesn't take things too seriously, which is a valuable attribute within an institution that features many groups that take things very seriously. Basically, just keep your eyes open for whatever you find interesting, and leave yourself some time to breathe as well.

Aaron '04-'05

coureur

^My daughter also played in Harvard Pops for the past three years. She loves it.

slots777

i hope to play in Harvard Pops (violin) but it seems like a very small group. how good do you have to be to get in?

guitars101

my son was also interested in the Harvard Pops, also plays violin but was concerned about how well the performers are. Are there auditions?