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.


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.