Visit Report by just_forget_me (Member since August 19 2004 with 1453 posts) Visit Date - March 2004
Visit to Harvard University in March 2004 by just_forget_me (Student, HS Class of 2005)
Visit Activities:
Information Session:
Yes - Usually packed, and awfully bland! Some parents asked the usual ridiculous questions. Campus Tour:
Yes - Guide didn't have much personality. Some interesting anecdotes (i.e. "statue of three lies" - but don't rub the toe!). For a better tour, go to the information office in the Holyoake Center and get a Crimson Key tour. Classroom Visit:
Yes - Saw Dan Gilbert give an *amazing* intro psych lecture. Check out the big lecture halls (A,B,C,D) in the Science Center for classes to drop in on.
Harvard University Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 4 - Very Good -
All seemed nice, but not the place where people go out of their way to talk to visitors.
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 2 - Fair -
Admissions staff rather abrupt/businesslike.
Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent -
Gorgeous, of course. Make sure to walk along the Charles and check out the river houses.
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 4 - Very Good -
Buildings are old, but well kept.
Dormitories: 5 - Excellent -
Some of the best housing anywhere (space AND character)
Security/Safety: 3 - Good Overall Campus Impression: 4 - Very Good -
I sort of fell in love with the school!
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 4 - Very Good -
Lots of homelessness and overpriced food/stores, but also vibrant and diverse.
City/Town/Community: 3 - Good -
Most academics per capita, I think... is that what you like?
Campus Visit Notes for Harvard University:
Visit Description:
*Disclaimer* I'm currently entering my sophomore year at Harvard, so my recollection of my Junior visit might be tinted by rose colored glasses. */Disclaimer*
Send me a PM if you'd like me to answer any questions here.
Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:
The Charles, Inn at Harvard, Harvard Square Hotel, and the Sheraton Commander, along with various B&Bs.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
Bartley's Burgers on Mass Ave. Pinocchio's Pizza on Winthrop St (off of JFK). For breakfast, Zoe's Kitchen on Mass Ave (a 5 minute walk towards MIT). Also, try the Greenhouse Cafe in the Science Center.
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
Use the T, even though it's smelly. Boston cabbies are horrible, don't know the city, expensive, etc. Parking is a pain!
-
All seemed nice, but not the place where people go out of their way to talk to visitors.
-
Admissions staff rather abrupt/businesslike.
-
Gorgeous, of course. Make sure to walk along the Charles and check out the river houses.
