Top 10 Fun Facts about Harvard University

When you think of Harvard University, you probably picture historic buildings, world-class professors, and some of the brightest minds on the planet. But did you know this Ivy League giant also has its fair share of quirky traditions, hidden secrets, and unexpected history? That’s right—there’s more to Harvard than just academics!

Whether you’re a future student, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good trivia session, these fun facts about Harvard will surprise you. Get ready to explore the lighter, weirder side of one of the world’s most prestigious universities with this blog.

• What Are Some Interesting Facts about Harvard University?
• A Quick Overview of Harvard University
• How to Get into Harvard University
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are Some Interesting Facts about Harvard University?

Aspiring to study at Harvard? Here are some interesting facts about this Ivy League school that you should know:

1. The statue of John Harvard is a lie.

You’ve probably seen photos of the famous John Harvard Statue in Harvard Yard, with tourists rubbing his foot for good luck. But the truth is—the statue isn’t actually of John Harvard!

Since there were no known images of him, the sculptor used a random student as the model. Even more misleading, John Harvard wasn’t the founder of the university—he was a benefactor who donated his library and half his estate. This has earned the statue the nickname “The Statue of Three Lies” for its historical inaccuracies.

2. Harvard was founded before calculus existed.

Harvard University was established in 1636, making it the oldest higher education institution in the United States. But what’s even more surprising? At the time of Harvard’s founding, calculus hadn’t even been invented yet!

The mathematical discipline was developed in the late 1600s by Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. So, the early Harvard students didn’t have to worry about derivatives and integrals—lucky them!

3. The Houghton Library is known for housing a book that is bound in human skin.

Harvard’s Houghton Library is home to one of the most eerie and controversial artifacts in academia—a book bound in human skin. The book, titled Des Destinées de l’Âme (Destinies of the Soul), was written by Arsène Houssaye in the 1880s and later bound in the skin of an unclaimed human body.

While the practice, known as anthropodermic bibliopegy, was once considered an oddity in bookbinding, Harvard has since acknowledged its disturbing history and confirmed the book’s authenticity through scientific testing.

4. Widener Library was built because of the Titanic.

Harvard’s Widener Library, one of the largest university libraries in the world, has a tragic connection to the Titanic.

It was built in memory of Harry Elkins Widener, a Harvard graduate and book collector who died aboard the doomed ship in 1912. His mother, Eleanor Elkins Widener, donated money for the library under one condition—no structural changes could ever be made.

This led to an interesting challenge: When Harvard needed disability-accessible ramps, they had to construct them outside the original structure to honor the agreement.

5. Harvard is home to the largest academic library in the world.

Harvard’s library system is massive—it boasts over 20 million volumes, making it the largest academic library system in the world.

The flagship Widener Library alone houses more than 3.5 million books and its underground levels stretch four stories deep. It’s so big that if you spent just one minute per book, it would take you over 38 years to go through them all—without breaks!

6. Harvard has a secret tunneling system.

Beneath the historic buildings of Harvard lies a network of underground tunnels, some dating back centuries. While originally built for utilities like steam pipes, these tunnels have also been rumored to be used by students for secret passageways—especially during Boston’s brutal winters.

Although most tunnels are off-limits, stories persist about daring students sneaking through them on late-night adventures.

7. Harvard’s prank wars are legendary.

Harvard and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) have long been friendly rivals, but their history of pranks is legendary.

One of the most famous pranks occurred in 1994, when MIT students installed a giant, fully functional police car on top of Harvard’s Great Dome overnight. The stunt was so well-executed that Harvard authorities were left baffled, and it remains one of the greatest college pranks of all time.

8. The Harvard Bridge is measured in “smoots.”

In 1958, as part of a fraternity prank, MIT students measured the length of the Harvard Bridge using the height of freshman pledge Oliver R. Smoot (5 feet 7 inches) as a unit of measure. They determined the bridge to be 364.4 smoots long, “plus one ear.”

The markings have been maintained over the years and are recognized by local authorities, sometimes even used in police reports to indicate locations on the bridge.

9. Harvard has produced U.S. presidents more than any other school.

If you dream of becoming U.S. President, Harvard might be your best bet. The university has produced eight U.S. Presidents, more than any other institution. These include John Adams, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama.

Given Harvard’s strong political influence, it’s no surprise that many of its graduates go on to hold high-ranking government positions.

10. Harvard’s Lampoon Castle is a campus landmark.

The Harvard Lampoon, the university’s legendary humor publication, operates out of a castle-like building in Cambridge. The club is famous for its wild antics, including elaborate heists.

Over the years, they’ve stolen the Sacred Cod (a historical fish sculpture from the Massachusetts State House) and even managed to temporarily “steal” the Batmobile from the set of Batman & Robin (1997).

A Quick Overview of Harvard University

Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university in the U.S. and has built a reputation as one of the most prestigious schools in the world.

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, right across the river from Boston, Harvard is home to over 7,000 undergraduates and offers 50+ majors (concentrations), from economics to neuroscience. The university’s need-blind admissions and generous financial aid make it more accessible than you might think—about 55% of undergraduate students receive aid!

Beyond academics, Harvard has a rich tradition of quirky traditions, intense rivalries, and an alumni network packed with U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates, and industry leaders. Whether you’re drawn to its cutting-edge research, legendary libraries, or just want to experience the famous Harvard Yard, this school is the place for ambitious minds.

How to Get into Harvard University

Dreaming of Harvard? You’re not alone. With an acceptance rate hovering around 3-4%, getting in is no easy feat. But with the right strategy, it’s possible. Let’s break down what you need to stand out.

1. GPA & class rank

Harvard looks for students at the top of their class. To be competitive, you’ll want at least a 4.2 GPA and a course load packed with AP, IB, or honors classes. If your GPA isn’t perfect, strong extracurriculars and essays can help balance it out.

2. SAT & ACT scores

Harvard has brought back its standardized testing requirement starting with the Class of 2029, so you’ll need to submit SAT or ACT scores when applying. This is a shift from the temporary test-optional policy during the pandemic.

Strong test scores can definitely boost your application. Historically, admitted students get SAT scores around:

As for the ACT:

To ensure your spot, aim for the higher end of these ranges. For the SAT, aim for at least a 1550-1560, and for the ACT, aim for a 35-36.

3. Standout extracurriculars

Harvard isn’t just looking for students with perfect grades—they want leaders and changemakers. Some extracurriculars that align with Harvard are:

• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
• Math Honor Society
• National Honor Society
• Model United Nations (MUN)
• Amnesty International

4. Nail your essays

Harvard’s essays let you tell your story. Focus on:

• Authenticity. Share your real passions and experiences.
• Impact. Show how you’ve made a difference.
• Personality. Make it memorable—this is what helps you stand out!

One of the prompts for 2024-2025 is: “Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are (max 150 words).”

For this prompt, show a side of yourself beyond grades and test scores. They want to know what you do when you’re not in class—how your hobbies, jobs, family responsibilities, or cultural experiences have shaped you.

Don’t just list activities—explain why they matter. If you were in the robotics club, don’t just say you built cool stuff. Show how it sharpened your problem-solving skills or taught you teamwork. Harvard wants to see growth and self-awareness, not just achievements.

5. Letters of recommendation

Harvard wants glowing, detailed letters. Harvard requires two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation. Ask teachers who know you personally and can highlight your intellectual curiosity, leadership, and character.

6. Interview (if offered)

While not required, interviews can make a difference. Expect questions like:

• “Why Harvard?”
• “What’s a challenge you’ve overcome?”
• “What excites you academically?”

Think of your interview as a conversation, not just a Q&A session. It’s your chance to learn more about Harvard while showing genuine interest.

Come prepared with thoughtful questions—ask about campus life, unique opportunities, or even your interviewer’s own Harvard experience. Not only does this make a great impression, but it also helps you figure out if Harvard is truly the right fit for you.

7. Application deadline

When applying to Harvard, staying on top of deadlines is crucial. Take note of the following:

If Harvard is your dream school, start early, aim high, and showcase what makes you extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Harvard’s acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, Harvard’s acceptance rate is just 3.6%. This makes Harvard one of the toughest schools to get into worldwide.

2. How much does it cost to attend Harvard?

For the 2024-25 academic year, the total cost of attendance (tuition, housing, fees) is $82,866. However, Harvard’s financial aid is super generous, and most students pay way less. Families earning under $75,000 a year might not pay anything at all.

3. What is Harvard’s motto?

Harvard’s motto is “Veritas,” which means “truth” in Latin. It represents the university’s commitment to the pursuit of truth through education, research, and inquiry.

4. Which celebrities went to Harvard?

Harvard University has produced numerous celebrity alumni across various fields. Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman and actor Matt Damon both attended, though Damon left before graduating. Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg famously dropped out to build his social media empire. Comedian and talk show host Conan O’Brien, as well as actress and writer Rashida Jones, also walked Harvard’s halls.

Takeaways

• Harvard is a place full of fascinating history, quirky traditions, and unexpected surprises.
• From its mysterious tunneling system to its statue of lies, there’s always something interesting hiding behind its Ivy-covered walls.
• Whether you’re dreaming of attending, curious about its legacy, or just love fun trivia, these facts about Harvard are as intriguing as the university is prestigious.
• Want to be a part of Harvard’s history? Given how competitive the admissions process is, working with a college admissions consultant can help sharpen your application strategy and increase your chances of getting into Harvard.