Summer programs that are appealing to Harvard

ridethewave
Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:34:50 +0000

Well, bbccpp, the point that we adults keep trying to make is that the stress and worry is counterproductive. And we keep making it because we hope that, just maybe, someone will pick up on the message. Why I would think that when my own children routinely ignore me is another question altogether.

But the issue is important enough to me that I will keep repeating it. Why go through life making decisions based on what one thinks some other entity – parents, colleges, potential lovers, random bystanders – will like? In the long run, that only will create misery, frustration and resentment. I think most people would be happier doing what they love and accepting themselves as they are.

Look, I’ve interviewed a lot of applicants. The majority of them, when I ask “Why Harvard?” say “Because it’s Harvard!” or “Because it’s the best!” The former is no reason at all, and the latter is not even necessarily true. You will not be happier, you will not suddenly become better-looking, if you attend Harvard instead of some other very-good-but-not-world-famous school.

You (hypothetical “you,” here) will be happiest at a school that is a good fit for you. You will be happiest spending your summers and your free time going after those things that matter to you. Do what you love, be who you are and not what you think someone else expects you to be. If the thought of math camp leaves you sleepless with excitement, go for it. If however, you really would rather be writing a play, why not do that, instead?