Visiting Harvard
There are a number of ways for students to become acquainted with Harvard, but the best by far is to visit. For our current schedule please refer to our office hours. Our map indicates the most common destinations, including the Admissions and Financial Aid Office.
- Attend an hour-long group information session in the Admissions Office
No appointment or registration is necessary to attend. For our current schedule please refer to our office hours.
- Take a tour
For our current schedule please refer to our office hours.
- Attend a class
Our office can provide a list of meeting times and locations of courses held during the academic year that are able to welcome visitors. Because this guide is based on class enrollment, it is compiled and available four weeks after the start of each semester.
- Eat a meal with Harvard students
During the academic year, high school seniors are our guests for one meal in Annenberg Hall, the first-year dining hall, or in one of the House dining halls if accompanied by a House resident. Ask for a ticket when you visit the Admissions Office.
- Stay overnight in one of the residence halls
Our office can arrange for high school seniors to stay with volunteer student hosts for one night, Monday through Thursday, from October 15th through mid-March, while classes are in session. Overnight visits typically end the first week in December and resume the first week in February, just after the beginning of the second semester. We need to hear from you by phone or mail at least three weeks in advance for us to be able to confirm your stay with a host.
- Have an interview with a member of our staff
An interview in Cambridge is not a required part of the application process, but a high school senior who will be in the area may arrange an office interview from June through November. Because of heavy demand and a limited staff of interviewers, we are unable to guarantee an interview. Our group information sessions do not require an appointment and can be a better use of time than an interview, if you must make a choice, because you may benefit from questions asked by other prospective students in the information session.
- Speak with Harvard faculty and staff
Schedules permitting, faculty members, directors of extracurricular activities, coaches, and other staff members are often glad to talk to students who have specific questions about our programs. It is best to write ahead directly to the appropriate person or office to arrange an appointment. Our office can help you with names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
- Gather printed information about the University and its programs
The Admissions Office is well-stocked with materials covering a wide range of interests. We have maps of the University, information about academic and extracurricular programs, and an assortment of materials describing current University events and activities. You may also come to our office to watch an information video or ask questions of one of our staff.