Best wishes to all the new students and parents who will be starting the new year at Harvard. Please remember to ask questions or make comments on this thread. It’s been an extremely valuable thread for many.
@twinsmom15 It’s a 7 minute walk from Pennypacker to Annenberg; Matthews is 6 minutes, so it’s not like the dorms in the Yard are that much closer. I think she’ll survive. 
^^Yes, the House residents routinely walk farther distances to the river houses and Quad. She will get some needed exercise between classes and library time. It is a beautiful campus, the colors of the autumn leaves are fabulous, and she can espy the fauna–boys,girls and squirrels–as well.
Best wishes to everyone !! This forum has been great. Thank you ! How about Apley? It looks off campus. What are some pros and cons ? Thanks
It is not off campus. It is not in the Yard, but is centrally located. large rooms, large closets, very nice bathrooms.
I am wondering if there will be any official parent meetings during Move In day? Although my husband attended part of Visitas with my DD, I did not so I am feeling uninformed–so to speak.
^^ There are no parent meetings during move-in day. When your son or daughter picks up their dorm keys, you will receive a “Harvard Parent Class of 2019” T-shirt, but that’s about it.
@gibby - your information is not consistent with my experience last year. There were several events for parents, and I’m unaware that any parents received t-shirts…
@CoMoMom - last year there were several events specifically for parents, including an information session in Annenberg where many organizations affiliated with Harvard gave out information and answered questions, as well as a talk for freshman parents in Sanders Theatre. I’d highly recommend you attend both, if they are happening again this year.
@BldrDad: My information is dated, as my daughter was a freshman in 2009. I still have my Harvard Parent Class of 2013 T-Shirt, and back then, there were not any programs for parents on move-in day. I will defer to your more recent information.
Thanks very much. This is most helpful!
gibby, I experienced the same that you experienced. My son was a freshman in 2008 and there were no programs for parents on move in day. I also have my son’s Harvard Parent Class of 2012 t-shirt tucked away. They were giving these out in front of the science center. Wow, seems like such a long time ago…
Parents of the Class of 2017 received t-shirts during Freshman Parents’ Weekend.
Parents of the Class of 2020: if your child was accepted in the EA round, please request to join the closed Facebook group:
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. Would anyone like to update us on how your Harvard Graduate is doing these days? What are they doing since graduating? It might be fun to catch up with those from our CC past.
One semester shy of graduating Harvard, my daughter decided she wanted to go to medical school. Unfortunately she had spent 3.5 years on the humanities track at Harvard and had avoided all the hard-core science classes. So, her last semester, she took LS2 and aced it. After graduating, she enrolled at City College, here in New York and has taken most of her pre-med requirements. She’s got one more semester to go and will be taking the MCATS in April and applying to medical school in July. Hopefully med schools will be interested in a Harvard humanities student. We’ll see.
My son graduated from Yale this year, moved to his own apartment in Manhattan, which is within walking distance of his job, as data analyst at a well-known tech company. Although he’s only about 4 miles away, we see him only occasionally as he’s enjoying his post graduate life.
Heading to Junior Parents’ Weekend in a few days. Any tips from those who have attended?
Hey parents, first off congratulations on having such bright children! Really an accomplishment and these students couldn’t of done it without you all! Im a high school freshmen and I really wanna go to Harvard. I’ve read so much about it and love it- more than just the name. I could really see myself there! Is there any chance any of you would be kind enough to spare my some advice based on what your son or daughter did? Thanks!
Eastgrad, during Junior parents weekend we purchased our son’s class ring. There was a table set up at the Coop. with class rings styles and information. Of course, the rings are not necessary, but we did purchase one for our son. Lots of other goodies being sold during the weekend. It’s such a fun time for you and your student. Enjoy every moment. My son graduated in 2012 then attended Harvard Law and graduated 2015.
Jt128a, I know this sounds cliche, but be yourself. Seriously, there is nothing that you can do to prepare except be the person God made you to be. If you attend Harvard then great,but if not then where ever you attend you’ll be exactly where you belong. Best of luck to you!
Thanks, @guitars101. Congrats to your son, and thank you for starting this thread!
@Jt128a, I like @guitar101’s advice about being yourself. @Gibby, who is a frequent poster on the Harvard and Yale threads, often refers to an MIT admissions article about “applying sideways,” which has some great advice about how to think about college admissions. Here is the link:
http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/applying_sideways
Don’t get too hung up on Harvard. It is a great school, and our son is having a terrific experience. We feel lucky and grateful that he was accepted. There are lots of terrific schools out there, however. You have a lot of time to explore and decide where to apply and consider what might be a great fit. Keep an open mind. My guess is that there are 50+ colleges and universities you would love attending. Good luck!
Welcome Harvard Parents of the Class of 2020. Please PM me if you would like a link to the parents’ Facebook page.