Visitas
Fifteen Visitas Rumors
Imbibing alcohol during Visitas will result in a retracted offer of admission, but also you get an oversized cotton t-shirt reading: “Getting into Harvard is hard, getting kicked out is even harder.”
Be a Great Prefrosh Host
I was never a prefrosh at Visitas, I never officially hosted a prefrosh, and I don't even know what the word Visitas means (is it Latin or a pun?). I did however, own a dog, and I'm pretty sure that means I’m qualified to give advice on how to host prefrosh.
Undercover Prefrosh
Having tragically missed Visitas as an actual prefrosh, I felt as if I was lacking a fundamental aspect of the Harvard Experience. This past weekend, I finally got my chance (again). Taking advantage of my journalistic skills and one semester of seventh grade drama class, I went undercover to experience the life of a prefrosh.
Getting Directions
After attending a Lacrosse game, visiting mother and daughter from Connecticut take a break by shielding from the rain in Straus Common Room. They both decided to use this time to get acquainted with the area through one of the maps available in the room.
Visitas Weekend
Visitas Weekend welcomes the potential members of the class of 2016 from April 19 to April 22. Events were held around campus for the “prefrosh”, including Harvard Thinks Big, acapella performances, and free food.
Prefrosh Outing in the Square
To avoid the crowd at Annenberg Sunday Afternoon,visiting students Elizabeth Melamphy and Diana Cheng have lunch at Panera. Both girls went to high school in Dunsteable, Massachussetts and attended many events together over the weekend.
Harvard Thinks Big at Visitas
As part of the Visitas event formatted as a model of "Harvard Thinks Big," Professor Timohty McCarthy addresses visiting members of the class of 2016 in Sanders Theather. McCarthy's lecture was titled "Protest Nation:Tea Parties, Occupations and the Soul of America."
Parents Question Answer
During an event for parents of the class of 2016, a couple from California gets their questions answered by a freshman volunteering for the Undergraduate Admissions Council. The parents were looking to hear first hand strories about student life on campus to help their son make a decision after the visiting weekend was over.
Free Shirts for Hosts
The Undergraduate Admissions Office distributed t-shirts to undergraduates hosting admitted students to thank them for their contributions to Visitas Weekend.
Freshmen Hosts
The common room of a freshmen suite was used to host two visiting students from the class of 2016. The room residents; Lianna Llewellyn '15 and Camara Shaperson '15 were prepared to receive their two visitors with inflatable mattresses and a camping bed.
Visitas Back Packs
After attending different events in the Science Center, visiting students exchange phone numbers. All visiting students received a Harvard back pack filled with informative materials to guide them through the weekend.
The Upperclassmen Guide to Visitas
Enjoy awkward silences and endless introductions? We've compiled a list of the highlights of this year's Visitas weekend.
Prospective Freshmen Due To Visit Campus
Approximately 1,310 eager prefrosh will surge through Harvard’s gates this weekend for Visitas, Harvard College’s visiting program for admitted students.
Inside Look: Foma and Moma
Zoey A. Bergstrom '15 and Alex B. Miller '15 wait to enter onto the stage. They play the teleporting twin monks-in-training, Foma and Moma. The two meet many characters as they work to restore order and peace to the world.
Inside Look: Teddy Bear Therapy
Alexander G. Smith '15 is the role of King Zinder. He suffers from martial problems and the teddy bear acts as method of therapy. His wife, Queen Schlopa, is played by Angela S. Berkowitz '15.
Inside Look: Marty Jane
Rachel J. Stephens '15 plays Marty Jane, a tour guide who loves pot. She joins the pizza boy, John, and the teleporting twin monks-in-training, Foma and Moma, to save the world.
Inside Look: Sacrifice of the Freshman Musical
James E. Yoder Jr. '15 performs the role of the Llama Lord. He prepares to sacrifice the character Princess Shanara. She is played by Selina Y. Wang '15.
Inside Look: Freshman Musical Costumes
Rachel A. Gibian '15, costumer, makes final adjustments on the King Zinder costume of Alexander G. Smith '15. The assistant costumer is Angela J. Oh '15.
Inside Look: Freshman Musical
The cast and crew of the Freshman Musical: "Pizza Ex Machina: A Slice of Destiny" gather back stage and prepare for Wednesday's dress rehearsal. Opening night is Thursday at 7pm in the Agassiz Theatre. The musical extends into the weekend with performances on Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 2:30pm and 8pm.
Inside look: Set of the Freshman Musical
An exclusive look into the backstage area of the Freshman Musical. The sets were designed by Christina M. Rodriguez '15 and the props by Emily L. Chen ' 15.
Inside Look: Dress Reheasal
The Freshman Musical: "Pizza Ex Machina: A Slice of Destiny" was created exclusively by members of the class of 2015. The script was written by Tomi J. Adeyemi '15, directed by Joey J. Kim '15, and produced by Alexandra M. Kiley '15. This is an inside look backstage during the dress rehearsal on Wednesday evening.
Inside Look: Freshman Musical Band
All the music is performed by members of the class of 2015. The music director is Samuel R. Moore '15, composer is Gus G. Ruchman '15, and the lyrics are by Alice Abracen '15.
Prefrosh Poser
This weekend our campus will be invaded by swarms of disoriented high school students trying to pass off as 21 as they wander endlessly in search of Annenberg. But prospective students aren't the only ones who can lie about their identity this weekend. Current students can, too! Here are some tips to help you infiltrate the world of prefrosh (and perhaps retaliate) during their short stay.
Don't Be That Prefrosh
You've seen them before. Heck, once upon a time you even were one. Yes, the prefrosh will arrive this weekend. And, as expected, many of them will be anxious to see the world that is Harvard, scared that they might not fit in, yet hopeful that they'll be lucky enough to find some new friends. Before you hosts out there lose your new admits to the multitude of events and celebrations going on this weekend, you might consider laying some ground rules—you know, so your prefrosh doesn't slowly morph into that prefrosh. High school seniors, take note: here's how to avoid being the talk of the town before you even enroll.