Facts About Harvard University

1) School Tradition: Each year, Harvard admitted students are invited to come spend a few days on campus. During Visitas, admitted students stay in first-year dorms and eat in the dining halls. They also take part in events, attend classes, and meet others who are considering Harvard. Visitas is a great way to experience life at Harvard.

2) School Tradition: The week before Spring Break, first-years learn their assignments for housing for following years. One of the most notable traditions at Harvard, Housing Day is sure to be a highlight of your first-year experience.

3) Popular Majors: Social Sciences, Mathematics, Biology, Physical Sciences, and History.

4) Firsts: The first printing press in British North America opened in the college in 1638.

5) Largest Library: Harvard University’s Widener Library is the second largest library in the U.S., with six floors above ground and four floors below. It is the largest academic library in the world.

6) Track and Field: Harvard has 42 intercollegiate sports and is in heavy rivalry with Yale University.

7) High Achievers: Harvard University holds a record number of honors and awards with 49 Nobel Laureates, 32 heads of state, 48 Pulitzer Prize winners and 7 US Presidents.

8) No Filming: Commercial filming on university grounds is banned at Harvard and it has been a no-film zone since 1970.

9) Notable Alumni: Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Matt Damon, Natalie Portman, Al Gore

10) Popular Professors: Katia Bertoldi (Applied Mechanics), Glenda Carpio (English and American Literature), Cassandra Extavour (Molecular Biology), Steven Pinker (Psychology), Michael Sandel (Government Theory), Lawrence Lessig (Law)