Crimson staff writer
Layla Siraj
Latest Content
Rock of Ages
Because of classical music’s long-standing history of assimilation within the academic structure at Harvard, small groups of classical musicians have networks of support and paths to performance, whereas no similar systems for musicians in other genres seem to exist.
On Her Toes
As a dancer in Boston Ballet II, Kiernan-Linn is in the studio weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.—a schedule that will only become more hectic as Boston Ballet begins its performances at the end of October.
Artist Spotlight: Mikko Nissinen
The Crimson spoke with the artistic director of Boston Ballet about his upcoming projects and the state of Harvard Dance.
The Creationists
The work produced by undergraduates who are awarded creative theses varies widely with regard to medium as well as subject matter. But these students are united by a belief that creative work is just as valid a way of demonstrating scholarly excellence as critical work.
Congratulations, Harvard Class of 2018
Amidst the excited yells, the hugs and congratulations, you'll find yourself thinking about your life here at Harvard. Maybe you're looking forward to "pahking yah cah in Hahvahd Yahd" as you arrive to move in to your new home and meet all the other freshmen just like you. You'll all be curious, perhaps a little scared, but excited to be starting a new chapter of your life at such a beautiful, historic, and prestigious place.
A Premature "Terminus"
Due to the early death of a compelling character, "Terminus" slowly loses its draw, which results in a novel that starts out a masterpiece but diffuses the reader’s interest in its overly dramatic exploration of what it means to be an artist and to love.
Boston Ballet an Unconventional Treat
A selection of dancers and choreographers from Boston Ballet brought their skills to a Harvard audience on Feb. 9, performing excerpts of “Close to Chuck,” a program composed of pieces by choreographers Jorma Elo and Jiři Kylián and the world premiere of José Martinez’s new ballet “Resonance.”
Should your main essay be the Common App essay or the college essay?
The main essay that is read by all colleges you apply to through the Common Application is your Common App essay, so be sure to make this very strong and broadly applicable. The Common App essay is typically something that talks about your personal experiences, something that has happened in the past that has influenced you, for example.
I will be visiting college campuses soon. Do I need to have on-campus interviews?
On-campus interviews are not required. In fact, there are a great deal of schools that do not offer them. Even those that do have on-campus interviews often do not have them year-round. In general, schools will contact you for alumni interviews in your area. Below is a list of some schools, broken down by whether or not they offer on-campus interviews:
How many people are accepted off the waitlist each year?
This number varies from school to school and from year to year—sometimes hundreds will be admitted, but sometimes none will. Harvard's dean of admissions, William Fitzsimmons, told The Crimson earlier this year that in recent years, Harvard has accepted between zero and 228 waitlisted students.
If I am planning on visiting a school, do I need to make reservations ahead of time?
Whether or not reservations are required varies by school—below is a breakdown of universities and their various policies regarding this topic. In general, it is important to look at the websites of universities you’d like to visit before you set foot on campus. Make sure that tours and information sessions are indeed being offered on the day that you are planning to be there—some colleges do not offer them every day of the week, and holidays might mean tours and information sessions are suspended.
What happens if I'm waitlisted?
After you have received all of your decisions, you should reflect upon the choices you have and decide a plan of action. It may be that you feel that the school(s) that waitlisted you are not worth pursuing; if that is the case, you should ask to be taken off the waitlist.
How to Choose a Teacher for a Recommendation Letter
It's always best to choose someone who really knows you, someone who has, perhaps, seen both your strengths and your weaknesses. Then, your teacher can attest to your strengths and maybe even write about times when you've overcome your weaknesses. If you choose someone who knows you on a superficial level just because you think they're considered to be the best teacher at your school, then you might not get the same in-depth recommendation letter that someone who knows you well can write.
Still a Man's World?
“The essence of a conductor’s profession is strength. The essence of a woman is weakness,” said Yuri Temirkanov, former music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. As women’s representation in many fields increases, classical music lags further and further behind, both in the wider music community and at Harvard itself.
Q&A: The Creative Supplement, Mental Health, and More
Is it risky to send in a creative writing supplement? If I have a mental illness, how should I factor that in when deciding what schools to apply to? What do Ivy League schools look for in an applicant other than grades and test scores?
