Harvard University Reviews

"Faculty are not very dedicated to graduate student development. Financial aid is unstable; a selling point when I was recruited was that I'd have many years to pursue my interests and write a dissertation, while being funded by teaching positions. This turned out not to be true."

"A truly second to none program. Quite challenges, but even more rewarding."

"HBS is one of the most elite business schools in the world, and I feel privileged to be a part of the community here. While the cost of attending is very high, the benefits one earns over a lifetime are extraordinary."

"pros: -excellent study environment cons: -living expenses"

"The scientific community is supportive, collaborative, and inspiring."

"Pros: flexibility to decide research projects/travel/study abroad, availability of funding to grads, encouraging admin staff and faculty, ability to be co-advised with other professors, high quality education, numerous resources and collaborations between other schools and labs allow for even more resources, fantastic location, huge amount of social activities, general happiness within the department. My department really supports their grad students and provides resources for whatever we might need. Cons: sometimes too much freedom can be a bad thing and depends on your advisor --organizing your time effectively is critical to accomplishing tasks. Classes can take up a significant amount of time, but are required...just means research has to be put on hold or done at other times. There aren't really any cons to the department. The workload is significant, but enjoyable. The faculty challenge you but are very encouraging. It's a great environment."

"It is definitely a great program for those interested in evolutionary biology. it brings access to great professors and resources, and great fellow grad students to share ideas with. Cambridge is a great area to live in, with lots of things to do. Unfortunately, living costs are also very expensive year and the long and cold New England winter is definitely something to consider. Financial aid is among the best I have ever heard for grad school in evolution, with 6 years with guaranteed support, 3 of them with no teaching requirements. The value of the stipend is also good enough to live well in the area. Most of the professors are really busy and somewhat hands-off, so to succeed you need some degree of independency and be willing to work a lot. Also, there is not a lot of guidance in terms of required coursework, and you need to take only a few classes to fulfill degree requirements. It is a good place for those who like to focus on their research. If you get to get some free time, there is always some cool activity to join, most of them promoted by the Dudley House (the grad student center on campus)."

"Unbelievable education with phenomenal faculty and students."

"Harvard offers a generous funding package and a supportive and active graduate student community. Research and teaching is top notch, though the atmosphere is intense..."

"Faculty who are willing to serve as mentors are integral to successful graduate programs. Unfortunately, there aren't enough faculty who can serve students in this capacity. Many do not have time to fully support students."

"Living in Cambridge is a great opportunity both socially and intellectually. People in the department are among the best in their fields. Only downside is that there are not many chances for grad students to socialize besides in between classes and talks."

"The Harvard School of Dental Medicine is welcoming, provides students with cutting edge information and many opportunities outside the classroom to learn, volunteer, and connect with others. My experience has been very positive! Of course, I also appreciate that we have a health professional dorm which is very affordable."

"HGSE provides a fantastic educational experience that combines research, practice and policy. Student-faculty relationships are invaluable and can be easily cultivated."

"The program has all the funding and opportunities one could ask for. One only has to be proactive enough to seek them out since the university is very decentralized."

"Fantastic education, and everyone ends up with a reasonably good job, but leaves a lot to be desired socially. Further, for the amount of tuition we're paying, it would be nice to see some of that money put back into making a difficult three years more comfortable . . . , and the on-campus food situation sucks."

"The program is challenging but offers a good opportunity to learn more about the languages and policy making of the Middle East."

"Very good program overall. Very quantitative. You learn a lot from your peers. Boston is an awesome city, albeit expensive."

"The AM program really pushes its students to evaluate what they want and become better thinkers. The vast extra-curricular activities offer students opportunities to develop their minds and careers."

"I am extremely grateful for the resources and faculty at Harvard Divinity School, and I feel each member of the community seeks to uphold the values of the university and provide the best experience for each individual student. However, the main factor preventing me from reviewing my institution with a 100% satisfaction review is that HDS is created for students with traditional religious backgrounds who are seeking a traditional religious ordination track. I am of a minority spiritual practice in the United States, and I interpret my ministry as the facilitation of healing. This has required me to seek my own interpretations of many of the exceptional, yet sometimes exclusive, resources of HDS. In general, however, the university has shaped my life in ways I will be forever grateful."

"Harvard is great in that there is so much support for students. There are tons of grants for student and as Harvard has connections to institutions all over the world, you will be able to pursue whatever you passion may be. In terms of academics, Harvard has amazing professors. They are the top of their field in the world. While not all professors are willing to mentor students, you can find those who are truly passionate in teaching and mentoring. All you have to do is seek them out. I loved studying regenerative biology and was mentored by Dr. D M, one of the greatest mentors in Harvard. All the students are unique, have great life experiences, and have something to offer you. You might end up learning more from your own colleagues."