Raising Harvard

Photographs by Walter Smith

When it comes to getting into Harvard, it’s a hypercompetitive jungle out there. Do you really want to know what it will take for your child to make the grade? Then read on. But be warned: Raising a Harvard-ready child requires planning, determination, discipline—and a lot of money.

by Pamela Paul
September / October 2007, Page 94

Unless you had hysterical parents, were neurotic, or both, you probably didn’t think much about college until the 10th grade, when the PSAT filtered into your consciousness or your parents started nagging you about life after the prom. But if you wait that long today, the door to Harvard will have almost certainly slammed shut. Last year, a record 22,754 students applied to the college. Harvard accepted just 2,124 of them, just over nine percent—one of the lowest acceptance rates in its history. And every one of those applicants, it seemed, had compiled achievements that would have shamed teens of prior generations. Such grueling competition isn’t going away. In fact, as Harvard sees more applications from abroad, chances are it will only increase. What to do? Well, you could accept that there are many fine colleges. Or you could follow this child-rearing guide for the 02138 parent—and see if you have what it takes to raise a Harvard child.

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Keywords:

• Admissions,
• Facebook generation