It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
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Get to know Harvard University
Harvard University is a world-renowned Ivy League institution known for its academic excellence across the sciences, business, arts, and humanities. It is deeply committed to groundbreaking research, global leadership, and public service.
Overview
Established in 1636, Harvard University is a private Ivy League research institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It offers a diverse range of programs across its undergraduate and graduate schools, emphasizing a strong research focus, vibrant campus life, and competitive athletic teams.
Size
As of fall 2023, Harvard University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,110 students.
Acceptance rate
Harvard University has an acceptance rate of approximately 3%. Half of the admitted students who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1500 and 1580 or an ACT score between 34 and 36.
Cost
For the 2023–2024 academic year, Harvard University's tuition and fees amount to $61,676. As a private institution, Harvard charges the same tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. Approximately 72% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $61,801.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, Harvard University is ranked #3 out of 436 National Universities.
Academics
Harvard University offers over 50 undergraduate concentrations and numerous graduate programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The most popular undergraduate majors include Social Science Research Methods, Economics, and Computer Science. The university maintains a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, fostering close interaction between students and professors.
Traditions
Harvard University's traditions include the Housing Day, where first-years learn their residential assignments with fanfare, the Harvard-Yale Football Game, a historic rivalry known as "The Game," the Veritas Shield Ceremony during Convocation, the Primal Scream before finals, and the Class Day Exercises as part of Commencement Week.
Campus landmarks
Harvard University's best landmarks include the historic Widener Library, the iconic John Harvard Statue, Memorial Hall's Sanders Theatre, the scenic Harvard Yard, and the Harvard Art Museums, embodying the university's legacy and intellectual spirit.
Student body
Over 85% of Harvard University students come from outside Massachusetts, with significant representation from California, New York, Texas, New Jersey, and Florida, alongside a globally diverse international community from over 150 countries.
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Become a guideYour Harvard University questions, answered
What GPA do you need for Harvard?
Harvard’s average admitted GPA is 4.18, meaning you’ll need mostly A’s and a top class ranking to be competitive.
Is Harvard the #1 college?
Harvard is often ranked among the top universities globally and is considered #1 in reputation and prestige.
How much does one year at Harvard cost?
For the 2024–2025 academic year, Harvard’s tuition is $56,550, with total costs including fees, housing, and food reaching $82,866. Financial aid is available, and families earning under $85,000 are not expected to contribute.
Does Harvard have famous alumni?
Yes, Harvard has many notable alumni, including eight U.S. presidents, such as John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
What is Harvard's most popular major?
Harvard's top majors include Social Sciences, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, History, Physical Sciences, Psychology, Engineering, and Foreign Languages.
What careers do Harvard graduates pursue?
Harvard graduates work in academia, healthcare, biotech, business, law, government, policy, consulting, and writing/publishing.
Do Harvard students live in dorms all four years?
Yes, Harvard guarantees housing for all four years. First-year students live in dorms near Harvard Yard, while upperclassmen reside in one of 12 residential Houses.
Where do freshmen at Harvard live?
First-year students live in residential neighborhoods called Yards, located at the heart of Harvard’s campus.
How can I tour Harvard University?
You can take a guided campus tour by registering through Harvard’s admissions website, which includes a student-led walkthrough of key locations. Self-guided and virtual tours are also available for those exploring at their own pace.
Does Harvard offer private campus tours?
Yes, using SchoolScoops you can take a private campus tour of Harvard with a student of your choosing.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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