2024-2025 - Harvard Open Day

Start visit

Harvard Open Day

Welcome to the ...

Harvard Open Day

Scenario

In this activity, you are an American high school student, exploring your future in college. You take part in the virtual Harvard open day to discover college life. Explore this presentation and take detailed notes so that you can talk about your discoveries later with your classmates who are as eager and excited as you about college.

Stop number

Each number corresponds to a stop on the tour. Click on the numbers in the right order and follow instructions.

How to work?

Explore the map in the order of the numbers, take notes on what you learn and take a quiz after discovering a few stops.

Scenario

This button leads you to the scenario of each stop. Read it to dive into the story, then click on the stop number on this same page.

QUIZ

From time to time, you will have a quiz or game to complete to check and memorize what you've learnt.

THE END

When you reach the flag, you have arrived at the end of the tour. Read your notes again and prepare to share orally in class.

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

Click on the location you wish to visit

Your guided tour

The tour starts with a photo gallery of previous graduates and graduation ceremonies. It makes you think about which degree you wish to do in the future ... Lucky for you, there are teachers present to answer all your questions on the 4 main types of degrees.

The Graduates Gallery

Associate Degree

TYPES OF DEGREES (1/4)

Two-year colleges and a small number of four-year institutions grant undergraduate associate degrees, typically awarded after the completion of 60 semester credits. Associate degrees may represent a terminal degree in a vocational field or may prepare students to complete a bachelor’s degree at a four year institution.

Bachelor’s Degree

TYPES OF DEGREES (2/4)

The undergraduate bachelor’s degree is the most commonly awarded degree type, preparing students for most jobs that require a postsecondary degree and is a prerequisite for further graduate study. Although the traditional bachelor’s degree, which requires four years of full-time study, is in arts (BA) or science (BS), some colleges and universities award bachelor’s degrees that identify the specific area of concentration. This is especially true in the case of professional concentrations, such as the bachelor of education, bachelor of nursing, or bachelor of social work.

Master’s Degree

TYPES OF DEGREES (3/4)

The graduate master’s degree typically requires one or two years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree depending on the field. Master’s degrees usually include a long research paper, master’s thesis, or some other piece of original work, though this is not always the case for some professional degrees. Professional degrees often require, in addition to or in lieu of a major research project, a practicum (practical experience) in the field. In addition to the master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS), many degrees are awarded in education (MEd), business administration (MBA), nursing (MSN), and fine arts (MFA). The MFA is generally considered the degree in the field.

Doctoral Degree

TYPES OF DEGREES (4/4)

The graduate doctoral degree is the highest academic degree awarded by universities in the United States and is considered the terminal degree in most fields. In research fields, the degree usually awarded is the doctor of philosophy (PhD). This degree requires at least two to three years of course work beyond the bachelor’s degree and a major research project in the form of a dissertation (often called a thesis in other countries) that is an original contribution to the field. Doctorates are also awarded in medicine (MD), dentistry (DDS) and law (JD), but these degrees denote intense professional preparation rather than scholarly research skills.

You are walking along an alley and you meet Harvard students. You take this opportunity to ask all your questions on the different types of colleges that exist because you don't really know which one to choose yet ... It's a difficult decision!

Meeting students

The biggest difference between public and private institutions is that public colleges are funded by the government, while private colleges receive their funding through endowments, private donations, and tuition. You will often find that tuition costs are higher at private colleges and it may be more difficult to gain admission. Admission rates at private colleges, especially the Ivy League schools, are notoriously low, leaving many students wondering how to get into Princeton and other highly-selective schools. Public colleges tend to offer a broader range of college programs and might be slightly easier to gain admission. That said, while public colleges tend to have higher admit rates, there are still highly selective public schools like the University of California at Berkeley.

Public and Private Colleges

Types of colleges (1/5)

For-profit colleges operate to make a profit for their owners and shareholders. They are owned by private enterprises and operate like businesses. Tuition rates at for-profit schools are typically higher than public institutions, and many of them lack regional accreditation (recognition). Nonprofit colleges are more traditional institutions. The profits they generate are reinvested back into their academic programs and operations.

For-Profit and Nonprofit Colleges

Types of colleges (2/5)

Community colleges are public, two-year schools that offer certificate and associate degree programs. Tuition is generally more affordable, so many students complete two years at a community college and then transfer their credits to a four-year college or university to finish their degree.

Community Colleges

Types of colleges (3/5)

Also known as career or trade schools, vocational colleges focus on training students for a specific job by offering hands-on learning. Students often complete these programs in less than two years. Vocational colleges train students for careers as dental assistants, paralegals, veterinary assistants, electricians, pharmacy technicians, plumbers, welders, and more.

Vocational colleges

Types of colleges (4/5)

Click on the logos on the left to learn discover the names and location of each school.

A group of eight private institutions in the United States known for their academic excellence and selective admissions. The Ivy League universities all have a strong academic reputation. As often happens, history plays a big role. Giving them a long track record that attracts the best students. Over a third of US Presidents attended an Ivy League school, and collectively they have an impressive share of Nobel laureates.

Ivy League Schools

Types of colleges (5/5)

10

The role of the federal government in higher education

This building looks very official and you are welcomed by men and women in suits. The man you speak to is a politician and he is well-informed on the role of the government in higher education. He looks serious but you have an interesting and lively conversation.

Next page

10

The role of the federal government in higher education

Unlike most national governments with ministries of education, the U.S. federal government does not exercise general control over higher education or serve as its primary funder. It does, however, provide resources in two critical areas: student financial aid and research and development. The U.S. Department of Education manages and oversees the use of federal funds distributed or used at postsecondary institutions.

Next page

The government's primary roles are :

The role of the federal government in higher education

10

Next page

10

In the U.S., all government functions not specifically designated as federal responsibility by the Constitution are the jurisdiction of the state governments. Education is among those functions. As a result, rather than the federal government, each of the 50 states is responsible for governing public colleges and universities. State systems include doctorate-granting universities, regional master's institutions, and in most states, community colleges. However, the degree of control by the states varies tremendously. In some states, a governing board appointed by the governor and/or legislature oversees all institutions, allocates funding, establishes accountability measures, develops policies, and approves new academic programs. In others, the state board plays only an advisory function and has little (= almost no) direct authority over institutions.

The role of the federal government in higher education

You have the great honour of meeting the 30th president of Harvard University, Claudine Gay. She was appointed very recently, on July 1st 2023. She is delivering a speech to various families present about tuition fees to give you a better understanding of how it works.

Meeting the President of Harvard University

11

11

Read before watching

Tuition fees are the money that you pay to be taught, especially in a college or university.In-state tuition is the rate students pay to attend a public or state college or university in their state of residence. Because public schools receive state funding to help supplement costs and lower the rates learners pay, students who attend in-state institutions often pay much less than out-of-state degree-seekers. University endowments are funds that colleges and universities receive from organizational and individual donors.

TUITION FEES

Info

What are tuition fees?

12

+ info

+ info

video

There are two main ways to finance your studies (other than paying for it yourself of course).

Financial aid

SCHOLARSHIP

Click below to discover the definition of scholarship

STUDENT LOANS

Click on the two buttons below to discover the definition of student loans and watch the video attached

13

The Dean of Admissions is the person responsible for recruiting future students into a university. You get the opportunity to have a chat with the Yale Dean of Admissions who shares some secrets with you ...

Meeting the Dean of Admissions

13

How to get in?

To learn the secret of how to get into college, click on the square on the right to reveal the checklist ... Warning! It is top secret.

Next page

Click on the pictures to learn more

Admissions from A to Z

Early admission

Personal statement

Standardised test scores

Regular admission

High school transcript

13

CLICK HERE

14

During your tour, you meet a student who testifies about the wide topic of ... minors and majors. You are so interested that you take notes during your exchange!

Minors and Majors

You take a detour to visit the campus and see what like on campus is like. You also meet some students who agree to show you their dorm rooms and give you a glimpse of their student life ... lucky you!

Visiting the extended campus

15

Scoll through the pictures and write down information on what you see and notice

15

Housing on Campus

On campus, students usually live in residence halls or dormitories, which are student apartment buildings that are often called "dorms." Among the options are dorms for men- or women-only, freshman-only, and academic-, language-, or theme-focused housing to support diverse student interests. Students usually share rooms, and the environment can be a great place to meet new friends quickly. Campus housing has on-site staff who are usually upperclassmen who know the campus well and serve as an information resource for all dorm residents.

Next page

Scoll through the pictures and write down information on what you see and notice

15

Housing on Campus

Students dine in cafeterias located on campus where they can find a number of food options to meet cultural and dietary needs. Student health centers provider basic medical services to the student population. Opportunities for recreation and club involvement help enrich the campus life experience. Academic, cultural, athletic and special interest clubs meet to socialize and explore common interests. The housing, support services, and extracurricular activities on U.S. campuses help students form a community within their campus.

This final step will happen in class, but you can prepare to share orally.

Finished?

Dining Hall

After a long day of virtual tour, you finally meet your friends in the dining hall with your notebook filled with information.

Click on the tables in the right order to discover what to do next...

This final step will happen in class, but you can prepare to share orally.

Finished?

Dining Hall

After a long day of virtual tour, you finally meet your friends in the dining hall with your notebook filled with information.

Click on the tables in the right order to discover what to do next...

Fantastic job! You are ready to join an American university!

Harvard University

Located in Massachusetts

How long? 2 years.Where? Community colleges or technical schools.What for?

• Learn basic skills for a job.
• Start college and later continue to a Bachelor’s degree.

Examples of jobs: Assistant, dental hygienist, or technician.

Associate Degree

Two of your classmates are foreigners and you are American so you speak English of course!

• Discuss and share what you've learnt step by step
• Since you probably missed some information, complete your notebook as you go
• You don't like attracting too much attention so you make sure not to monopolize speaking time - everyone shares and has enough space to share + it's a conversation, no reading

Time for sharing

You finally meet your classmates again and they are as astonished as you were about the amount of information you learnt today!

Many schools require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores, which are usually sent by the testing companies. Colleges often ask students to submit two to three letters of recommendation. Students should seek out recommenders – often they have to be teachers or counselors – who know them well and can comment not just on their academic abilities but also their personal qualities and achievements

Standardised test scores

What is a scholarship?

Need-based scholarships are awarded based on a student's financial need, as determined by their family's income, assets, and other factors. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on a student's academic, athletic, artistic, or other achievements, regardless of their financial situation.

What is a student loan?

A student loan is a type of financial aid that must be repaid, often with interest, used to finance education expenses. What Is a Pell Grant? The Pell Grant is a form of need-based federal financial aid awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to help eligible low-income students pay for college costs, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other educational expenses.

How long? 3-7 years after a Master’s degreeWhere? UniversitiesWhat for?

• Become an expert in your subject.
• Do research or teach at a university.

Examples of jobs: Scientist, professor, or doctor.

Doctoral degree

Final Touches

With the help of the Arts Department, you put some final touches on your poster. Remember it must be informative, coherent, structured and include some written parts.

Cornell University

Located in the state of New York

Students can also choose to apply by a school's regular decision deadline, which is typically Jan. 1. Students who apply regular decision generally hear back from schools in mid-to-late March or early April. This is the most common way students apply to schools.

Regular admission

University of Pennsylvania

Located in Pennsylvania

How long? ' years.Where? Universities or colleges. What for?

• Study a subject in detail.
• Learn general subjects (math, writing) and one specialty (like business or biology).

Examples of jobs: Teacher, business manager, or designer.

Bachelor's degree

Colleges also ask for an official high school transcript, which is a record of the courses students have taken and the grades they have earned.

High school transcript

Getting together

You meet up again after individual time and exchange your work. Give one another feedback and correct mistakes if necessary.Then, decide on the final layout of your poster and choose your images if you wish to ask the Harvard printer to print some for you. Ask them through your teacher.

Columbia University

Located in the state of New York

• Start by selecting the most important pieces of information.
• Organise your thoughts and map out your poster.
• Divide and conquer: assign work to each member of your team.

A common project

When discussing your findings, you realised that you all wished you had had access to it earlier. You decide to help future students at your high school (mostly juniors and sophomores) so that it is easier for them. You will create a poster for them, synthesizing what you've learnt today in the virtual tour.

As part of the application process, most colleges require students to submit at least one writing sample: the college essay. This is sometimes referred to as a personal statement. There's usually a word limit of around several hundred words for a personal statement. The main essay should be around 650 words.

Personal statement

First are early decision deadlines, usually in November. ED (early decision) admissions decisions often come out by December. However, students should be aware that ED acceptances are binding, meaning an applicant must enroll if offered admission.

Early admission

• Include all (but only) necessary information
• Be efficient in the way you present the information (select precise vocabulary and structures)
• Write out some parts of your poster, like a testimony, to make it impactful
• Use a dictionary if necessary but no translator of course

Work on your own

You know work on your own on the part assigned to you. You take it seriously because you really wish to help future generations of students when they apply to university. Remember to:

FEDERAL vs STATE GOVERNMENT

The U.S. has two levels of government: the federal government, which manages the entire country (e.g., defense and national laws), and state governments, which handle local issues (e.g., schools and police). Federal laws are stronger, but states can make their own rules if they don’t conflict. This system, called federalism, balances power.

How long? 1-2 years after a Bachelor’s degree.Where? UniversitiesWhat for?

• Study your subject in more detail.
• Get better jobs or become a specialist.

Examples of jobs: Engineer, psychologist, or manager.

Master's degree

Yale University

Located in Connecticut

Princeton University

Located in New Jersey

Dartmouth University

Located in New Hampshire

Brown University

Located in Rhode Island