Hi there! I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a higher education consultant with over 15 years of experience advising students and families on the college admissions process. I've had the opportunity to visit hundreds of universities across the country, including Harvard, and speak with countless students and faculty members. So, I'm happy to share my insights on what "big" means in the context of a university and whether Harvard fits that description.

When students ask, "Is Harvard a big school?", they often have different aspects in mind. Let's break down the question:

1. Total Enrollment:

Harvard University, with its 10 undergraduate and graduate schools, has a large student body. The total enrollment hovers around <font color='red'>22,000</font> students. This might seem like a considerable number, especially when compared to a small liberal arts college with 2,000 students. However, in the realm of major universities, it's actually on the **<font color='red'>smaller side**</font>. For instance, universities like UCLA and NYU have enrollments exceeding 40,000 and 50,000, respectively.

2. Undergraduate Population:

If you're specifically curious about the **<font color='red'>undergraduate**</font> experience at Harvard, the number is significantly smaller. Harvard College, the university's undergraduate division, enrolls around <font color='red'>7,000</font> students. This makes it comparable in size to other prestigious private universities like Yale, Princeton, and Stanford.

3. Campus Size:

Harvard's campus, nestled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, spans across **<font color='red'>209 acres**</font>. While this might sound vast, it's essential to consider that the campus is integrated into the urban environment of Cambridge and doesn't feel overwhelmingly large. Furthermore, Harvard is divided into "Houses," a unique residential system, where students live and learn within smaller communities, creating a more intimate feeling.

4. Class Sizes:

One concern for students considering a "big" school is the potential for massive lecture halls. While Harvard does have some large introductory lectures, the university takes pride in its **<font color='red'>low student-to-faculty ratio**</font> of 7:1. This translates into ample opportunities for smaller seminars, discussion-based classes, and direct interaction with professors.

5. Student Life and Activities:

The size of Harvard University also translates into a vibrant and diverse **<font color='red'>extracurricular scene**</font>. With over 400 student organizations encompassing everything from political activism to a capella singing to Quidditch, there's a niche for everyone. The vast array of resources, from world-class research facilities to state-of-the-art athletic facilities, also contributes to a rich student life experience.

So, is Harvard a big school?

The answer is nuanced. In terms of **<font color='red'>total enrollment**</font>, it's on the **<font color='red'>smaller side**</font> compared to other major universities. However, its global reputation, prestigious faculty, and abundance of resources create a unique environment that distinguishes it from smaller liberal arts colleges. Ultimately, the "bigness" of Harvard lies not just in its size but in its **<font color='red'>legacy, influence, and opportunities**</font> it provides.

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Harvard University is a private institution that was founded in 1636. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,710, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 5,076 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. ... Harvard also has the largest endowment of any school in the world.read more >>