The US culture is quite young, it is difficult to compare it with the European one. At the same time, it is rooted in the latter, and therefore it is wrong to talk about its “immaturity”. The traditions in the field of higher education in this country were founded on the basis of the experience of graduates of European educational institutions. A good example of academic continuity in America is Harvard University. The city of Cambridge, home to the famed Alma Mater, is an "academic pilgrimage" for thousands of Americans and foreigners.
Youth and traditions
The history of Harvard University began a long time ago. This educational institution is not the oldest in the world, being founded in 1636, but still not young - it is over 370 years old. And such a term of "life" obliges - the mostcurious and ambitious. Alumni of this Alma Mater live in over 190 countries.
All students at Harvard University contribute to the common cultural background, while obeying the rules and observing traditions. The history of the name itself is interesting. It was given in honor of the preacher John Harvard, who donated his books and a fairly large amount to the newly founded university. There is a legend about a special symbol of the ancient Alma Mater - a shield with the inscription Veritas, which means "truth" in Latin. The shield itself was not found, but in 1836 several books with its image were found in the archives. In addition to honoring the shield, another interesting tradition with historical roots is the use of crimson. For the first time, it began to symbolize Harvard University at a regatta in 1858. At this event, crimson-colored scarves were handed out to representatives of the great Alma Mater so that they could be distinguished in a crowd of athletes. As for the color, there were debates for a long time (there were supporters of using bright red), but nevertheless the historically first symbolic color was approved.
Where is Harvard University?
The location of a well-known university is sometimes confusing. The great university is located in a town called Cambridge, which must be distinguished from the British university of the same name.
The town that sheltered Harvard is part of the large conglomerate city of Boston in Massachusetts. This place is quite expensive to live in,and tax rates here are among the highest in the United States. However, this is not an obstacle for thousands of people who want to study at the most prestigious educational institution in America.
Organization and structures within Harvard
In total, the university has 11 departments with the right to issue diplomas and award degrees. A kind of Mecca for future top managers is the business school of this Alma Mater, where you can get a certificate, which is denoted by three cherished letters - MBA. Another interesting organization is the continuing education school. Here you can study in the evening and online, or you can even receive credits in an independent mode and transfer them to other educational institutions. Many students try their hand and motivation to study a certain program (it costs 1200-2100 dollars per course), and then they switch to a full-time full-time study at Harvard University. Faculties also include the renowned School of Medicine, the Department of Future Teachers and Educators, the School of Design, and the Faculty of Science and Humanities. Yes, this is a single faculty, by the way, the largest in terms of the number of students, it consists of Harvard College (the department for students who want to get a bachelor's degree, the rest of the structure was originally intended for teaching masters and the faculty for continuing education) and the faculty for continuing education.
Must mention the Kennedy School of Government, School of Law, School for Future Epidemiologists, Harvard College proper. Back at Harvardthere are departments for training dentists, theologians, engineers (but there is another specialized university nearby - MIT, so Harvard does not get all the "stars"). There is also a special department named after Radcliffe, where they are mainly engaged in scientific work in the field of the humanities and social sciences.
From session to session teachers live fun
Scientists at Harvard University, in addition to serious work, entertain themselves with various interesting projects. For example, recently a study was published - from a scientific point of view - of the direction of Hip Hop. With pleasure, you can read about the study of such a phenomenon as a dream, and how exactly it affects people and pushes them to achieve goals. Scientists at Harvard University are certainly not without a sense of humor. For example, how do you like a workshop with a paraphrased quote "Geeks inherit the Earth"?
It is easy to guess that the lesson was about how computerization is changing the face of education, and the life of communities in general. But striking research is being conducted not only in the humanities. An example is a discussion on the topic “The possibility of the formation of planets similar to the Earth” with a Harvard lecturer. The participants in this conversation want to look beyond the cover of the universe. Commendable intent. You can take part in many activities without even being a student at Harvard University. The USA gives its citizens a huge number of opportunities, including this one.
About money
Harvard is definitely one of the richest American universities. Contribution to
financial well-being is brought not only by the children of we althy parents, but also by private donations from high-ranking people, and the help of graduates. In general, the institute of graduates (Alumni) in the United States is very well developed, such individuals are guidelines for young people. Students at Harvard University are very interested in them and seek the company of these people. However, this is not surprising - after all, throughout its history, Harvard has been the Alma Mater for more than 40 Nobel laureates.
And since the university is just a magnet for talent, the learning outcomes are impressive. Of course, the good development of educational technologies and the level of teachers also contribute. The budget of Harvard University is more than 9 billion dollars a year; no wonder this school can afford a lot.
The price of variety
In 2013, tuition itself cost $39,000 a year, but together with room and board, medical insurance - more than $56,000. And if you take into account the additional costs (up to $65,000), it becomes clear that Harvard can afford far the poorest students. Management is aware that it is very expensive. And the institution is depriving itself of many talented students whose parents simply cannot shell out such a sum. In addition, in the US, it is believed that the presence of students from different economic backgrounds provides a more stressful and interesting life. People from families of different incomes have different life experiences. And graduates from poor families are more likely to successfully fight poverty in the future. For students from poor families there are summer schools andorientation classes. However, a US student can get a loan or participate in a financial aid program. Foreigners are usually not given this opportunity. The exception is some nominal scholarships, but there are several for the entire Harvard.
U. S. citizens can take advantage of reduced or no reimbursement for tuition fees at Harvard University. There are two approaches to reducing fees - financial aid for poverty and financial aid as an incentive for academic achievement. Banks are willing to open loans to talented students who are just entering this university, since a Harvard diploma is a guarantee of good earnings. Of course, not everyone can handle the load, so the standards are already very high at the entrance to protect those who are unable to live in the rhythm of said university.
Students don't get sad from session to session either
Studying at Harvard isn't just about hovering over books and preparing brilliant speeches for seminars. It is also a lot of cultural societies, sports sections, associations of interest. Those wishing to join other cultures participate in special groups of international interaction and receive first-hand knowledge about the world. One of the most anticipated events in cultural life is the "Rhythms of Culture": music, theatrical performances, national cuisine - all this allows Americans to meet people from different cultural Universes, and foreigners to feel accepted and make many new friends. Harvard graduates are usually verythey are close friends and help each other in business and personal affairs - stress brings them together, and studying at this university is really very difficult, despite the friendly and democratic attitude of teachers.
The scope and value of knowledge
Don't be fascinated by the vaunted democracy of communication. You can call a professor by name, respect him or love him, but his respect can only be won through serious work. The challenge of reading a large book in two days and remembering small details is the norm at Harvard, not the exception. Of course, modern technologies allow the university to present information with the help of video, but students receive the bulk of knowledge on their own.
Usually at lectures the teacher does not dictate to the record, there is a practice of incomplete notes - students have some of the necessary material in special manuals in abstract form, but they are required to listen carefully at the lecture and supplement.
But this does not apply to all faculties. There are almost no lectures at the business school, they mostly deal with specific cases - cases. That is, this training is very close to everyday business practice, and the graduate must make the right decision. No wonder proud Harvard MBA holders are worth their weight in gold and are well paid. Moreover, scientists have found that it does not matter what the average score was: both a mediocre student and an excellent student who managed to graduate from the university have very close earnings. However, this trend is inherent in all universities,not just Harvard. How to become a student of this famous Alma Mater? There are different requirements for applicants to the first and second stages of higher education.
For older age group
How can a graduate of another university enter Harvard University? In general, the famous institution was created, first of all, for people who have already received a bachelor's degree. Most of the students continue their education here. How are they received? Each department has its own rules. Most often, those who want to study here have to pass the international GRE test, demonstrate a high average score from the first university, and also provide 2-3 letters of recommendation from teachers. In addition, it is important for foreign students to prove that they are solvent. You can get a loan, but in the US it is difficult. The easiest way in this situation is for those people who have already shown serious results, having achieved this with the help of the first education. The bank is more willing to lend. In Europe, the situation is more favorable (in terms of loans for foreigners). To become a student at Harvard, one must be either a genius or a rich man, or even better - a combination of both qualities.
Junior applicants
For those who just want to get a bachelor's degree, Harvard College opens its doors. Young applicants will also have to work hard to get here. How to get into Harvard University? The application is submitted through the Universal College Application, which is common to many states. Those wishing to study must completea special questionnaire and write a letter. It briefly, vividly and impressively writes why the applicant chooses Harvard, and what he can give to the institution. If the balance seems right to the commission, and the personality is large-scale and interesting, then you have a chance. But that's just the ability to impress is not enough. You will have to take tests that are designed to assess academic ability in general. This is the general SAT plus the SAT in certain disciplines (two subjects are required for Harvard). For successful acceptance into the number of students, as well as seniors, two teacher recommendations will be required. Of course, they must be very non-standard. As a rule, students write them themselves, and then give them to sign their mentors. In addition, school grades are very important, as well as the so-called extra-curricular activities, that is, the participation of the applicant in the cultural, sports or social life of the school. Harvard needs stars, not just "nerds" or "nice guys."
And life does not jam
The dorms are quite comfortable, and yet it's almost impossible to get a single room. Most Harvard residents live together in one spacious room with a shared bathroom. On the same floor, there are usually only 20-40 students who have something to tell each other.
Of course, beautiful photos of people of different nationalities having fun talking to each other are staged. But the fact that here you can get acquainted with citizens of different countries is true. And these people will be very realized and bright - this is also true. Harvard provides its studentsthe opportunity to stay fit and feel attractive, because on campus there are a lot of different opportunities to play sports - for every taste, even the most demanding.
Harvard is a school for serious living. So many who got in through parental donations fail to study at the heart of US academic culture. Because not everyone has enough … he alth. Money problems are usually easier to solve than those with a lack of learning and self-control skills. The many temptations of Boston nearby do not contribute to the full concentration on study. However, many Harvard students manage. And live happily all year round, and not just from session to session.
