Does Harvard Worth It?

Question

I watched a YouTube video about the most viral reactions to Harvard College acceptance. People were crying, and I don't get it. Does going to Harvard make someone smarter, inventors, or lead to getting a well-paid job?

resters · Accepted Answer

Most of the ROI is due to networking and the brand reputation of Harvard. You will find a small percentage of truly brilliant people there, but in general most will be around as bright as those at any of the top private or public universities in the US.
However more of them will have been wealthy or well connected prior to attending Harvard.
In Hogwarts terms, Harvard is Slythryn with a few Ravenclaws sprinkled in for the occasional prize winning research.
It is extremely rare to encounter a Harvard graduate who does not let you know with absolute certainty that they attended Harvard (often described humbly as "Boston").
Harvard is a professional signaling course for those already better than most at signaling.
(I didn't get in)

sp332 · Answer

Does it make you smarter? Well they actually have tutors who will help you understand subjects if you are struggling, so yeah.
Does it make you a better inventor? The labs are better resourced than most, so maybe.
Does it get you a higher paying job? Heck yes, in addition to generally better networking opportunities, there is an Office of Career Services that will not only hook you up directly with employers looking for Harvard grads, but will continue to do so through your whole career.

bradley13 · Answer

AFAIK, it's mostly about the networking. Lots of politically connected people go through Harvard. If you can hitch your wagon to the right people, you may get on the gravy train.