Harvard v/s IIT ft. @IqlipseNova - which is better?

Summary

In this lively vlog, the hosts discuss the intense competition between top-tier schools like Harvard and IIT Bombay, comparing their admission processes, ranking systems, and campus life. They delve into topics like grad school applications, the importance of extracurricular activities, and personal experiences at prestigious institutions. Highlighting the diverse backgrounds of students, the video also features insights about school fees, cultural aspects, and a bit of humor around the rivalry between universities. A resource called Yocket is introduced as a helpful tool for comparing grad schools, adding value for aspiring students.

Takeaways

• 😀 Harvard and IIT Bombay have highly competitive admissions processes, focusing on ranks and academic achievements.
• 😀 Harvard evaluates applicants holistically, considering not just marks but also extracurricular activities and personal experiences.
• 😀 In contrast, IIT Bombay primarily looks at exam performance and rank, especially for competitive programs like Computer Science.
• 😀 Yocket is a useful resource for students comparing grad school options based on acceptance rates, fees, programs, and rankings.
• 😀 College life at prestigious universities like Harvard offers a wide range of extracurriculars, including clubs focused on coding, robotics, music, and dance.
• 😀 Harvard's diverse student body includes individuals from various backgrounds, making it a culturally rich and inclusive environment.
• 😀 The cost of education at Harvard is significant, with tuition fees approaching $70,000 per year, but financial aid options are available.
• 😀 While Harvard doesn’t allow filming on campus for movies, the iconic social network scenes still capture the essence of student life at such institutions.
• 😀 Students in top universities often have intense academic and extracurricular schedules, balancing exams and club activities.
• 😀 Cultural diversity at Harvard provides students with exposure to people from all parts of the world, enriching their college experience.

Q & A

What is the main difference between the admission processes at IIT and Harvard?

The primary difference lies in the focus areas. IIT's admissions are heavily based on exam marks and ranks, especially for highly competitive fields like Computer Science. In contrast, Harvard also considers other factors like extracurricular activities, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation, making the process more holistic.

How difficult is it to get into IIT Bombay for Computer Science?

Getting into IIT Bombay for Computer Science is extremely competitive. One needs to rank under 100 in the JEE Advanced exam to be considered for admission to the program, which is one of the top engineering schools in India.

What role does rank play in admissions at IIT compared to Harvard?

In IIT, the rank achieved in the entrance exam (JEE Advanced) is a critical determinant for admission. At Harvard, while academic performance and rank matter, they are not the sole criteria; the university considers other factors such as extracurriculars, personal essays, and recommendations.

What is 'Yocket' and how can it help students applying to graduate schools?

Yocket is a platform that helps prospective graduate students compare universities based on acceptance rates, fees, programs, and rankings. It simplifies the decision-making process for those considering studying abroad by offering comprehensive information about various institutions.

What extracurricular activities are available at universities like Harvard?

Harvard offers a wide variety of extracurricular clubs, including those related to music, dance, astrophysics, mathematics, coding, and robotics. Students can join existing clubs or even create their own, providing a diverse range of opportunities to explore outside academics.

What are the challenges associated with getting into university clubs at places like Harvard?

Getting into some of Harvard’s clubs can be competitive and require a long, month-long application process. Certain clubs have intense selection criteria, making the process more challenging for students who want to participate.

How much does it cost to attend Harvard, and are there financial aid options?

The cost of attending Harvard is around $60,000 to $70,000 annually. However, Harvard offers substantial financial aid, ensuring that students from various economic backgrounds can afford to attend. In case students need additional support, education loans are also available.

What is the significance of diversity in the student body at Harvard?

Harvard boasts a highly diverse student body, with students coming from various global and socio-economic backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning experience, bringing in different perspectives and making the university environment dynamic and inclusive.

What are some of the financial support options available for students pursuing education abroad?

Students looking to study abroad can avail themselves of various financial support options, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans. For institutions like Harvard, there are also specific financial aid programs that can significantly reduce the cost of education.

What is the significance of the term 'fresher' in relation to student life?

The term 'fresher' refers to first-year students, and it is used to describe the experience of newcomers to the university, who are navigating a new academic and social environment. Different universities may use variations of this term, like 'frosh' at Harvard.