About

Prospective college students form opinions about higher education through information on social media platforms and the internet. At best, the internet’s sea of information can leave students feeling overwhelmed. At worst, it can give students the impression that they don’t belong at certain schools - or in higher education at all.

This problem also poses an opportunity to engage students more effectively and with a wider reach than ever before.

The Content Lab is a new initiative in the Harvard College Office of Admissions and Financial Aid that aims to address this problem by empowering students to tell their stories through digital media. Through sharing these stories, we aim to speak to prospective applicants and help them better identify with the backgrounds and experiences of Harvard students. There is a common perception of Harvard as an ivory tower. We can begin chipping away at that perception by creating media that illustrates the open, welcoming, and supportive community that Harvard truly is.