Harvard University - Academics - Student ReviewsCollege Prowler4.62
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Academics Grades:
Quick Stats
Student-Faculty Ratio
8:1
Faculty with Terminal Degree
99 %
Full-Time Retention Rate
97 %
Average Course Load
4 courses
Class Sizes
- Fewer than 20 Students - 69 %
- 50 or More Students - 13 %
“Unparalleled,” “world-class,” and “exciting” are just a few of the words used to described the constellation of academic stars you will find leading class discussions and lecturing on a huge breadth of topics at Harvard. The school’s unmatched resources and wide array of fields of study make it the ideal place to pursue nearly any academic interest. However, some students complain that professors are too far-removed from undergraduate life, and that in some cases, teaching assistants are left with too much responsibility. Most students are quick to indicate, however, that nearly everyone with any teaching duties is downright brilliant, important lecturers and overworked graduate students alike.
Despite a small number of complaints, Harvard University provides a fertile ground for intellectual growth. Renowned faculty, a treasure trove of resources, and undergraduate motivation all combine to make the Harvard a terrific place for higher education. Even if some students have trouble attaining “A” grades, the University passes with flying colors.
Filter:

random6789 Harvard '12 Biological Sciences May 29, 2010  |
It's Alright.
A-
Heavy workload. Decent faculty interaction. Great facilities and work opportunities. The student center does not exist though. |
jkc11 Harvard '11
May 07, 2010  |
That's What I Came for
A+
People already know that Harvard stands for academic excellence, but what most generally don't know is that the academic support system here is designed to make sure that you get the most out of your time here. Professors are not only the best in their fields, but most of them are more than willing to talk to you outside of class and work with you on independent projects. Beyond even academic and career advisers, not to mention a support network of deans and peer counsel groups, there's an entire organization called the Bureau of Study Counsel designed to help students with any school-related issue that might have, including battling procrastination, learning to read more efficiently, dealing with learning disabilities, and much more. |
jackson1372 Harvard '12 Philosophy and Religion Feb 21, 2009  |
The hardest part about Harvard is...
The hardest part about Harvard is getting in. Frankly, it's easy to get by in classes without doing the readings and or putting in the effort, and too many kids choose that path. |
Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?
Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics
|Online course options|Manageability of workload|Gen-Ed requirements|Curriculum flexibility|Course subject variety|Consistency in grading|Class availability|Academic advisers|0:|Very poor| | |Average| | |Excellent&chxtc=0,7&chd=t:6.25,6.50,5.50,3.50,5.00,6.25,6.50,6.75,4.75,6.50,6.00&chds=0,7&chxp=0,0)
Facts
Full-Time Student Population
16700
Part-Time Student Population
6100
Full-Time Instructional Faculty
2132
Part-Time Instructional Faculty
484
Average Faculty Salary
$146,331
Academic/Career Counseling?
Yes
Special Credit Opportunities
Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: No
Life Experience Credits: No
Dual Credit: Yes
AP Test Score Requirements
4 or 5 on AP Language Test exempts students from the one-year language requirement
Four AP test scores of 4 or 5 allow student to enroll in the Advanced Placement three-year degree program
IB Test Score Requirements
Advanced Placement for full IB diploma holders with 3 higher-level test scores of 6 or 7
Instructional Programs
Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: Yes
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
Degrees Awarded
- Associate degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Doctorate - Professional practice
- Doctorate - Research/scholarship
- Master's degree
- Post-bachelor's certificate
- Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
- Business/Commerce, General
- Foundations of Education
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other
Special Study Options
- Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Best Places to Study
- The myriad coffee shops around the square
The Harvard University library collection contains more than 14.6 million volumes. That makes it the second-largest library collection in the United States, falling behind only the Library of Congress.
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