So I'm doing some research before applications roll around and I was wondering if anyone could give me info about the size of Harvard's undergraduate student population? Did it feel too big or too small? Just trying to get a personal take on it since numbers may not always reveal the actual feel on campus.
Harvard University has a relatively medium-sized undergraduate student body of around 7,200 students. Those students are split across the College's various concentrations (what Harvard calls majors), with a diverse range of academic interests from the humanities to the sciences.
Many students feel like the size is just right - big enough to continually meet new people and have an array of activities, classes, and opportunities, but also small enough to foster a sense of community. Additionally, Harvard's residential college system, with students belonging to one of 12 Houses after their first year, helps cultivate smaller communities within the larger university environment.
At the same time, the busy campus life, bustling Cambridge area, and proximity to Boston ensure there's always something new to explore. So while the actual student body might not be exceptionally large, the opportunities certainly are vast. As with any institution, the feel of campus will depend on individual preferences and experiences, so it's great to reach out to current or former students to hear about their personal experiences.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.