In the Media Center on January 21, Caroline Ferner spoke to a group of juniors about her journey to Harvard. Ferner graduated from Page with her International Baccalaureate Diploma in 2017, and is now a representative for the Harvard Admissions Offices as well as a sophomore studying neuroscience as her major. First, Ferner talked about getting into the school. “It’s a stressful project, but it’s going to work out,” Ferner stated. As a high school senior, she decided to apply in October so that she would find out if she was accepted in December. When students apply at this early time, it is called Early Action. Ferner recommended to apply early and to take at least two subject tests for the application. She said it was best to take the test directly after any Advanced Placement exams to get everything over with without having to study twice. When Ferner was interviewed, she went to Panera with her interviewer and answered “painless” questions. She said not to worry about this part of the process, because many interviewers will invite you to a relaxing environment as opposed to a daunting office.

Next, Ferner told the group about her freshman year and getting adjusted. One good experience for her was having random roommates. Harvard students are required to stay on campus for their four years, but they can choose their roommates from their sophomore year to their senior year. Ferner chose to stay with her roommates that she was placed with her freshman year after becoming good friends with them. As for the school, Ferner explained a little bit about Harvard being a liberal arts program. Along with this, she said that Harvard is “very involved extracurricularly.” This year, Ferner was a part of the Women in Business program, and said that almost every student is part of at least one activity with some students participating many more. “If money is a problem, don’t be deterred…” Ferner said. She explained that there are many financial aid programs at Harvard and at many other schools. Ferner told the students, “Always an application is a good idea.” Even if you are unsure of whether you are interested in college or not, or if you are on the border of going to a specific school or not, it is always good to apply. Ferner had never dreamed of going to a school like Harvard. Instead, she pictured going to rivalry football games as opposed to a “more academically structured school.” However, Ferner decided to apply in case she changed her mind, and, today, she is a successful student! She decided that Harvard seemed like the place for her after participating in a student-led informational meeting, doing research, and visiting the campus. In her freshman year at Harvard, she was shocked at the incredible diversity. Her Spanish teacher asked a classroom of about ten students if any of them have dreams in Spanish, and about seven students said raised their hands as a yes.“It really is a special place,” said Ferner.

During her time at Harvard, Ferner has stumbled upon many opportunities. “There’s just funding all over the place,” she claimed. As a medical student, she traveled to Uganda to participate in a medical program that was paid for by the school. She is currently applying for other summer programs this year. Before going to Harvard, Ferner shadowed doctors in Argentina with the Projects Abroad program. This program provides teenagers the opportunity to travel across the world to be a volunteer or intern. As a high schooler, Ferner also built up her resume by volunteering locally, and she even had a job. Ferner left the students off with a major tip from her experience. She said, “Don’t do stuff just for the resume…Do service that you are passionate about.”