<p>I just went on a visit, and I loved it for the most part. The only thing that I had qualms about is how no one talked about classes, or the learning environment. They were enthused about life in general and their extra-curriculars, but classroom learning was rarely talked about or harolded. Is Harvard an intellectual school? Will a nerd like me, who just plain and simple LOVES to learn about anything (and I have few ECs that compete with learning), fit in? Thanks for any comments.</p>
<p>Actually, you will very likely be astonished by how much most Harvard students have already learned and are eager to discuss. My daughter says that one of the very best things about Harvard are the many conversations she has with her amazingly witty, knowledgable, and articulate roommates and friends.</p>
<p>I think that there may be a problem with the way you have put the question, as it seems to suggest that “Harvard kids” all care - and don’t care - about the same sorts of things. From what I can tell (as the father of a soon-to-be sophomore), “Harvard kids” come in all types. Virtually all of them seem to care very deeply about *something<a href=“if%20not%20many%20things”>/i</a>, but their interests and passions seem to be all over the place. For some the great driving passion may be their classes. For others it may be writing for the Crimson. For others it may be organizing a conference on an issue concerning international affairs. </p>
<p>Will you find deeply “intellectual,” “nerdy” kids at Harvard? Without a doubt. Will all the students fit that description? No. Part of what makes the Harvard campus buzz the way it does, I suspect, is the fact that the students don’t all fit any particular mold. If you’re looking for a place that has a clearly defined dominant atmosphere (whether “intellectual” or something else), Harvard might not be the place for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a place that’s teeming with extremely energetic and passionate students whose energy and passions take them in all kinds of different directions - many of which, no doubt, you would never have encountered before - it might be just the right place. There is no one Harvard; there are many.</p>
<p>Wow. Epistrophy pretty much nailed it.</p>
<p>yeah and I know so many harvard students that are thrilled with intellectualism and discussion and ideas. if your #1 characteristic for a prospective school is intellectualism, I wouldn’t imagine matriculating at Harvard disappointing you.</p>
<p>Please do not go to a Harvard for bookish knowledge. It is a side benefit. Heck there is no need for even college to earn money.</p>
<p>Attend H for connections, personality development, taking chances and meeting person who has passion to do different things. To whom you can debate late at night at three AM and discuss national/international policies etc. </p>
<p>That is what a H is worth. Outside the classroom where the real difference is. Ivy education is worthless without scoical development and outside the classroom intellectual development.</p>
<p>You have to answer a question what do you bring to Harvrad which makes you different than rest of the people. It has to be either a suerstar genius or a person who contribute to the college in a unique way.</p>
<p>Stockmarket, I agree that much of what Harvard offers happens outside the classroom. However, a huge part of the magic of my experience so far has happened inside the classroom with amazing, world-renowned professors that have learned my name and pushed me to change the way I think and what I value. There are great classroom experiences at many schools, but the classroom also contributes to the uniqueness of the Harvard experience. As was said earlier, there are many Harvards, which is beautifully true and what happens inside the classroom is one facet of what makes it so unique, and in my case, so wonderful. </p>
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<p>I’d disagree with that. I absolutely know people that fit both of those categories and the magic of Harvard is that you find your own path that can include either, neither, or both of those components.</p>
<p>Lindsey:</p>
<p>You are right many kids (based on prep school kids going to HYP) come to Harvard who have hooks like $$$$$$$$, recruited or similar level athletes, URM and other things. </p>
<p>And kids can have a combination of qualities you mention.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about dorkiness at Harvard. </p>
<p>After getting my facebook, I’ve realized that there are a LOT of DORKS at Harvard, and I-- a geek who reads philosophy and science books during her free time – can actually find people who are scary-mad like me.</p>