Harvard College

Harvard College
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Caption	N/A
Motto	N/A
Established	1636
Type	Private
Principal	N/A
City	Cambridge
State	Massachusetts
Country	United States
Campus	Urban
Website	N/A

Harvard College is the undergraduate liberal arts college of Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Harvard College is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and its history of producing influential alumni.

History

Harvard College was established in 1636 by vote of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was named after its first benefactor, John Harvard, a young clergyman from Charlestown, Massachusetts, who upon his death in 1638 left his library and half his estate to the institution. The college was originally created to train clergy for the new commonwealth, but it quickly expanded its curriculum to include a broad range of subjects.

Academics

Harvard College offers a liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad understanding of the world. Students can choose from over 50 concentrations (majors) and have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary studies. The college follows a semester system and offers a wide range of courses across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.

Core Curriculum

The Harvard College Core Curriculum is designed to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education. It includes courses in expository writing, quantitative reasoning, foreign languages, and ethical reasoning. The core curriculum encourages students to explore diverse fields and develop a comprehensive understanding of various disciplines.

Research Opportunities

Harvard College provides numerous research opportunities for undergraduates. Students can work with faculty on cutting-edge research projects, participate in independent studies, and access resources at Harvard's numerous research centers and libraries. The Harvard College Research Program offers funding and support for student research initiatives.

Student Life

Harvard College has a vibrant student life with over 400 student organizations, including cultural groups, academic clubs, and service organizations. The college's residential system is central to student life, with students living in one of 12 residential houses after their first year in Harvard Yard. Each house provides a supportive community and offers various social and academic activities.

Athletics

Harvard College is a member of the Ivy League and has a strong tradition of athletics. The college fields 42 varsity teams and numerous club and intramural sports. The Harvard Crimson teams compete in a variety of sports, including rowing, football, basketball, and track and field.

Admissions

Harvard College is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 4-5%. The admissions process is holistic, considering academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. Harvard is committed to need-blind admissions and provides generous financial aid to ensure that all admitted students can afford to attend.

Notable Alumni

Harvard College has produced many notable alumni, including eight U.S. presidents, numerous foreign heads of state, and countless leaders in business, science, and the arts. Some of its distinguished alumni include John Adams, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama.

Also see

• Harvard University
• Ivy League
• Liberal arts education
• John Harvard (clergyman)
• Cambridge, Massachusetts