This subreddit is for anyone who is going through the process of getting into graduate school, and for those who've been there and have advice to give.
Business
So yeah, I'm a current high school student and it is my dream to go to Harvard. But I have a lot of problems going on rn. I'm studying 5 things and also have to work cuz my family's income is low :c. I want to know if should I push harder and try to get into Harvard College. I mean I can try or should I just settle trying to get in there for grad school? Cuz one my my friends told me its easier to get into grad programs at these top colleges. :(
Sort by:
Best
Open comment sort options
Best
Top
New
Controversial
Old
Q&A
It's really not. I think the acceptance rates tend to be a bit higher, but that's offset by the fact that the applicant pool tends to be far more accomplished, self-selecting, and competitive than the undergrad applicant pool.
I would instead really encourage you to not just shoot for Harvard. There's a ton of universities that will offer you about equal prestige and opportunities as Harvard, and shooting to get into a good school, rather than just aiming to get into the most competitive educational institute on the planet, is a far more sustainable and achievable goal. You're setting yourself up for disappointment because, on a pure numbers basis, you will likely not be accepted to Harvard for either undergrad or grad school.
oh thanks. I know harvard isn't my main choice too, neither would I be dissapointed if i don't get in. But it's just a dream of mine so yeah. I will still work hard for it and try to achieve my goal :D
Grad school is a whole different ball game. Harvard isn’t Harvard anymore at those levels, instead the professor you work with during grad school matters much more
oo
I think this varies greatly depending on which of Harvard's grad schools you're applying to.
ohh thanks
If Harvard grad school includes all post-baccalaureate programs, I’d say yeah. It’s at least more straight forward for some of them. Law school would still be really hard to get into, but with a near 4.0 and 175 LSAT your odds are good. Those things are hard to get but they’re at least “doable.”
do harvard graduate admissions prioritize extracurriculars?
“Graduate admissions” just varies so much, but usually no. For PhD admissions it’s about research potential. For law and medicine it’s mostly GPA and test scores but work experience is becoming more important (but not necessary). “Extracurriculars” can be helpful for law if it’s related to future career potential but mostly they don’t care. Much more of a high school to undergrad thing.
i’m talking abt chemistry btw! i wanna get my masters
Haven't seen anyone mention this yet, but consider Harvard Extension School (HES) if you're really set on the Harvard name. It's a bit nontraditional (many/most) courses are online, but you do learn from Harvard faculty, and if you play your cards right, build important connections with profs/faculty/etc affiliated with Harvard.
I'm finishing my master's through HES, but they do have a 4-year bachelor's degree too. As far as I'm aware you get all the same privileges and perks as Harvard College students. Feel free to DM me if you want any clarification (:
omg yeah i heard of that i forgot haha. If u dont mind can I DM u? :D
yes of course! please do (:
It depends. For a masters they are much easier to get into as they are self funded. PhD's are a bit more competitive but much more self selecting. Harvard College gets all the prestige and that is where you meet the uber wealthy classmates and connections. (Other than an MBA i guess).
cool cool
It depends entirely on the graduate program.
For what it's worth, Harvard is just a school. There are many other excellent schools. If you go to some other school for undergrad, there is a strong possibility that by your senior year, you either a) won't be interested in grad school anymore, or b) will be interested in working with particular faculty who likely aren't at Harvard. Either outcome is fine. It's great that your excitement about Harvard is motivating you to do your best in school, and I wouldn't at all want to discourage that, but there are a lot of pathways to success and happiness in life that don't depend on attending one particular school.