Harvard

Harvard, a part of the Ivy League, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S. It is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts and was established in 1636. The school color is crimson and Harvard's motto is Veritas which is Latin for truth.

This year Harvard accepted only 7 percent of it's total 29,112 applicants, making it one of the most highly selective schools. Harvard contributes it's record number of applicants to the new financial aid program that has been implemented. Students that never thought about attending Harvard in the past, due to the $48,868 tuition fee, are beginning to think it is possible. The 147 million dollar financial aid program offers students of families whose income is below $60,000 to be eligible for a full ride scholarship.

There is no academic formula for getting into Harvard. However, most students take four years of the core classes, including English, Science, Social Studies, and Math, and four years of a foreign language. Harvard looks for students who take full advantage of their high school and take the most rigorous courses available to them. Also, most students are in the top 10 to 15 percent of their class. Harvard students typically receive at least a 700 on the critical reading and math portions of the sat.

However, grades alone are not enough to get into Harvard. This year about 3,000 applicants scored a perfect on the reading and math portion of the sat and 3,700 students were ranked first in their high school senior class. Many of these applicants were rejected. Harvard looks for well rounded students who participate in a variety of extra curricular activities especially activities involving community service. Harvard looks to obtain a diversified group of students. These students should excel in one area whether it be academics or an extra curricular activity.

Harvard contains an undergraduate program, Harvard college, and also 10 graduate schools including the Harvard Business, Law, and Medical schools. A degree from Harvard, one of the most well known schools, almost guarantees one a job.