Choosing the right college can be overwhelming. With thousands of options out there, each school seems to offer something great, making it hard to know where to start. If you’ve been thinking about Harvard, you’re probably wondering, why Harvard? It’s a totally valid question, and one that deserves careful consideration.
Why choose Harvard University over other Ivy League schools? After all, the Ivy League is known for its return on investment to students, so it can be tough to decide which one stands out. The good news is, there are plenty of reasons why Harvard might be the right fit for you. In this blog, we’ll be diving into these reasons as well as offer insights and advice on what you should do to attend this prestigious university.
- Top 5 Reasons Why Harvard Tops Other Schools
- How Do You Know If Harvard Is the Right School for You?
- Everything Else You Need to Know about Harvard
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Top 5 Reasons Why Harvard Tops Other Schools
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about the Ivy League in general. A lot of people assume that since all these universities are considered the best in the country, their offerings must be pretty similar. But that’s not necessarily true.
While schools like Yale and Harvard are both fantastic, they each have their own unique vibe and strengths. Understanding these differences will help you make the best decision about which Ivy League school is the perfect match for you.
So, why Harvard? It really depends on your academic goals, career ambitions, and personal preferences. Harvard offers an incredible array of opportunities, from its distinguished faculty to the countless resources at your disposal. The decision comes down to the kind of environment you want to be a part of.
If you’re looking for a place where you can push your boundaries and access opportunities you won’t find anywhere else, Harvard could be exactly what you’re looking for.
1. Harvard is the oldest higher education institute in the US.
Although all Ivy League universities are known for their rich histories and traditions, why Harvard? Well, Harvard stands out as the oldest university in the Ivy League, founded in 1636—long before the United States even became a country. The next oldest Ivy, Yale, wasn’t founded until 1701. But what’s even more impressive is that Harvard is the oldest university in the entire country. When you walk through Harvard’s halls and quads, it feels like you’re walking through a living museum.
Now, being the oldest university in the country is impressive, but does that really answer the question “Why go to Harvard University?” It’s about what that long tradition represents. Harvard has been able to maintain the highest level of academic quality over hundreds of years. From world-class offerings to top-rated professors and outstanding resources, Harvard has proven time and time again that it can meet the needs of its students while staying at the forefront of higher education. This track record speaks volumes.
2. Harvard has a worldwide reputation for being the best.
Ivy League schools are widely regarded as some of the top institutions for higher learning, and for good reason. But when it comes to why Harvard, the answer is clear—Harvard has always stood in a league of its own.
It’s often seen as the best of the best within the Ivy League, and many people consider it the top university not just in the U.S., but globally. The U.S. News & World Report ranks it the top university worldwide.While some of this is subjective, the mystique and reputation that surround Harvard have a real, tangible impact. After you graduate from Harvard, you’ll carry that title with you wherever you go.
So, why Harvard? Well, having a degree from this prestigious school opens more doors than you can imagine. Whether you’re seeking an internship, applying for a job, aiming for a promotion, or advancing your career in any way, the fact that you’re a Harvard graduate will immediately set you apart. It’s a mark of excellence that tells the world you’re capable, professional, skilled, and hard-working—qualities everyone will see in you. And that’s a pretty powerful reason to love Harvard.
3. Harvard has an ideal location.
When you think about why Harvard, its academic offerings and prestige are probably what come to mind first. But one big factor to consider is its prime location. Harvard’s campus offers the best of both worlds: it’s close enough to Boston, Massachusetts, for all the excitement of city life, yet located in the smaller town of Cambridge for those times when you want peace and quiet.
This mix of city and town life gives you the flexibility to enjoy both worlds. You’ll get the excitement and opportunities of a major city when you want them, but also have the calm of a smaller town to retreat to when you need to focus. It’s an important thing to think about, since not all of your time will be spent on campus or in classrooms.
Now, if you’re familiar with other Ivy League schools and their locations, you might be thinking, “There are plenty of other schools near big cities.” And you’re right. But here’s the thing—Harvard’s campus is technically in Cambridge, just outside of Boston, but it’s well-connected to the city by the subway, making it a quick and easy commute. Compare that to UPenn and Columbia, which are right in the heart of Philadelphia and NYC. That proximity to Boston makes Harvard accessible without the constant hustle and bustle.
4. Harvard receives the largest endowment compared to other schools.
As you’ve probably noticed by now, Harvard University is the school of superlatives—it’s the oldest in the country, the most popular among Ivy League universities, and it has the largest endowment compared to other schools. Harvard’s endowment fund, the world’s largest university endowment, grew to $53.2 billion in 2024. While these factors alone don’t necessarily guarantee benefits for students, they do at Harvard.
Another major benefit of having such a substantial endowment is how it supports students and families financially. Let’s be honest, Ivy League schools are expensive, and for many families, the tuition is simply out of reach. Attending Harvard comes with a price tag—its tuition and fees are $61,676. But with its large endowment, Harvard can admit students regardless of their financial background.
The university is more than willing and capable of providing financial aid to eligible students who need it. That’s just one more reason why Harvard stands out as a top choice for so many—because it’s dedicated to making its world-class education accessible to all.
5. Harvard boasts standout programs and resources for students.
You’ve probably already started to connect the dots—Harvard’s long history, massive endowment, Ivy League status, and prestigious reputation. But it’s still worth mentioning that the university is home to some of the best academic offerings in the country.
From world-class classes to top-tier professors and endless resources, Harvard has opportunities that will help you make the most of your time there. If you’re wondering, “Why go to Harvard University over other schools?” these exceptional academic offerings might just be the answer you’re looking for.
Harvard’s academic foundation lies in its commitment to liberal arts and sciences. Students are prepared to think critically, reason analytically, and write clearly. General Education courses connect studies with real-world issues like climate change, racism, and artificial intelligence.
With over 3,700 courses and 50 majors across the Arts & Humanities, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Sciences, and Social Sciences, students have many options. Many pursue an honors track or create special concentrations to meet unique academic goals with university approval. Here are the most popular majors at Harvard:
- Social Sciences
- Biology and Biological Sciences
- Mathematics
- Computer and Information Sciences
- History
Students with advanced standing can earn a master’s degree in certain disciplines during their fourth year. They can also cross-enroll in courses at Harvard’s graduate schools or other institutions in Cambridge or Boston.
Aside from these, Harvard’s Freshman Seminars are a standout feature. These seminars allow you to work directly with professors, not just graduate students, which is rare for first-year students. On top of that, Harvard offers a huge number of Degree-Granting Programs, also known as honors majors, giving you more choices than you might know what to do with.
And here’s a fun fact: Harvard boasts one of the country’s largest university libraries, the Widener Library. It’s just another example of the incredible resources available to students at Harvard.
How Do You Know If Harvard Is the Right School for You?
Just because you can easily explain why someone might choose Harvard University over other top universities doesn’t mean you know why you would pick it over other Ivy League schools.
While some objective factors can make one college stand out from another, don’t forget that the more subjective aspects should play a big role in your decision too. After all, you’re the one who will be attending the school. No matter how impressive a university looks on paper, if it doesn’t align with your personal interests, goals, and strengths, then it’s probably not the right fit. The reasons to love Harvard should only matter to you if they actually speak to what you’re looking for.
The best way to figure out why Harvard is right for you is to compare its offerings with your academic goals. If you see a strong match, then it might be worth considering. But if you don’t see much overlap, then all the accolades in the world won’t change the fact that it might not be the best place for you.
Everything Else You Need to Know about Harvard
Now that you’re familiar with the top reasons you should consider attending Harvard University, let’s explore some fast and fun facts about this esteemed Ivy League school.
Harvard University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,110 as of fall 2023, and its campus spans an impressive 5,667 acres. With a semester-based academic calendar, it’s designed to offer a balance of structure and flexibility for students.
Harvard University might be famous for its world-class academics, rigorous curriculum, and intellectually curious students, but it’s not all work and no play—it’s a fun university, too! When you’re not immersed in your studies, you’ll have endless opportunities to join extracurricular activities or get involved in intramural sports.
Harvard University boasts over 450 student organizations, offering a wide variety of extracurricular options. These clubs span interests such as academics, arts, culture, politics, social impact, sports, and more. Some of the most famous ones are The Harvard Crimson, which is Harvard’s independent daily student newspaper; The Hasty Pudding Theatricals, Harvard’s renowned theater group; and Harvard Business Club, which is a great resource for students interested in entrepreneurship and networking.
Of course, none of this comes easy. With a 3.6% acceptance rate, Harvard is one of the hardest Ivy League schools to get into. And even after you’re in, the challenge continues. Harvard’s rigorous courses are legendary, but that’s exactly what gives the school its unmatched reputation.
Instead of seeing the difficulty as a hurdle, think of it as an opportunity to sharpen your skills and grow academically. Add to that the intimate learning environment, with median class sizes of just 12 students, and you’ll see why Harvard is a top choice for students who want both a world-class education and a unique college experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Harvard so famous?
Harvard’s fame comes from its history, academic excellence, and global influence. Getting into Harvard is no small feat—it’s one of the most selective schools in the world with its 3.6% acceptance rate. But that exclusivity, combined with its long list of accomplished alumni like presidents, CEOs, and Nobel laureates, gives it unmatched prestige.
With the largest endowment of any university, Harvard has the resources to offer incredible facilities, generous financial aid, and endless opportunities for research and innovation.
2. Why is Harvard so hard to get into?
Harvard is tough to get into because so many exceptional students want a spot there. With tens of thousands of applicants and only about 2,000 openings, the competition is fierce. In 2024 alone, over 54,000 applications were submitted for just about 2,000 spots. To even have a shot, you need stellar grades, test scores, and impressive extracurriculars. But that’s just the beginning.
Harvard’s admissions process is holistic, which means they’re looking at your essays, recommendations, and personal qualities—not just your stats. They want students who bring something unique to the table and who can contribute to their community.
On top of that, Harvard’s reputation attracts the best talent from around the world, making the pool even more competitive. With such limited spots and so many outstanding applicants, it’s no surprise that getting in is one of the toughest challenges for any student.
3. What is the worst thing about Harvard?
The worst thing about Harvard University is its low acceptance rate. It’s a tough reality that applicants must deal with. Since tens of thousands of students apply to Harvard each year with a limited number of slots available, the school has to be highly selective. This makes for a challenging admissions process that students often dread. That’s why it’s important to work with a reputable college admissions counselor.
Takeaways
- Choosing the right college is a big decision, and if you’ve been wondering “Why Harvard?” you now know what sets it apart. With its top-tier academics, history, resources, and community, Harvard stands as one of the best universities in the world.
- Only you can decide if Harvard’s unique offerings align with your goals, passions, and vision for your future. If the answer is yes, then Harvard might just be the perfect place for you to write your next chapter.
- Now that you’ve got some solid answers to those big questions, it’s time to tackle the next one: “How do I increase my chances of getting into Harvard?” One of the smartest ways to boost your odds is by working with a specialized admissions counselor. That’s where AdmissionSight comes in. With years of experience, we’ve helped students just like you successfully get into some of the nation’s most competitive schools—including Harvard. Set up a free consultation today to learn what we can do for you!
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