Weekend recommendations:

 The Harvard College admissions committee clearly thinks that you're a great fit for Harvard. Now its you're turn to check us out and decide whether we're right for you. After many weeks of tossing and turning, we here at HarvardOpen say that you do your best to turn every stone before you make your decision, but at this weekend just be sure that you have a good time. You will always be free to learn more about academic departments, the core program, the requirements structure, and all other nitty-gritty details, but this is the one opportunity for you to see your life in a nutshell. The fact is that while a Harvard education provides a fantastic opportunity, it is the people at Harvard who make this the great institution it is. And I'm not saying judge the university based on your host; believe me, there are many more sorts of pigeons than there are holes on this campus, but everything from the campus houses to the college setup results in a lifestyle or feel -- for lack of a better word -- which truly defines the institution. This is something you will never be able to perceive through the internet or over the phone.

Bottom Line: Don't be absorbed with university policies. This is your one chance to meet, greet and live with those who define the Harvard College experience.

 So if you're looking to live it up and savor your weekend while learning about the intangibles of Harvard, we recommend that you do your best to interact with as many prospective students, current students, and student groups as possible. At Harvard, many students are defined by the extracurricular activities they choose to pursue. Here, the purpose of membership of many clubs (not all, though) extends well beyond the typical resume padding. For instance, there are many-an-editor working 40 hours a week, week after week at the Crimson. Others spend dozens of hours acting in the Pudding. Atheletes are no less, with Varisity football found practicing 20-30 hours a week! This is your chance to get out and learn about these fine clubs and the people that live and breathe them, night after night.

Bottom Line: Attend as many of the club events as possible.

Parties at Harvard are quite different from many other schools. Because of the 99% of students living in the college housing system, there are next to no house parties beyond those thrown in Finals Clubs (a small number of entities unique to Harvard which are a cross between secret societies and fraternaties). Thus, the majority of “raging” takes place in our homes. Historically, the larger rooms throughout campus have been tagged as “party rooms”, with the understanding that their residents will be open to throwing parties in their homes quite often. While such parties may not seem appealing due to their limited size, a benefit is that there are typically a good number taking place throughout campus, and it does become more of a personal affair. There is no fear of getting lost in the crowd or fighting for access to drinks. Furthermore, with a mere 50 people together, it is possible to create a great atmosphere. In addtion of room parties, there are a number of events held in house dining halls, which are akin to the common college party scene. Such are events either held by the houses themselves, or by student groups. These large parties can be quite exciting. For instance, a tradition is Mather Lather, this year on April 28th, a once-a-year dance where Mather House fills its entire dining hall with Lather. Yes. Soap foam.This weekend, the dining hall party to attend is the “80s Dance” in Leverett on Saturday.

Bottom line: We HIGHLY recommend that you attend at least one room party, one dining hall party (definitely the 80s Dance), and a finals club to see the spectrum of partying at Harvard.