I can’t access the article posted at the top of this thread. If it was a grad student, that is not relevant to the (erroneous in my opinion) reputation which is based on undergrad grading.
I really get tired of Harvard-bashing. There are,um, a lot of bright students at Harvard who earn good grades. In decades past, it was more aristocracy than meritocracy and “gentlemen’s C’s” were more common.
Harvard has extraordinary financial aid, and 70% of students receive some kind of aid. Students whose families make $65k or less go for free, and families with income up to $150k pay 10%.
As for arrogance, it’s tough to stay arrogant on a campus with so many talented students.
There is indeed a lot of kindness on campus, from staff and faculty as well as peers.