Introduction
Harvard University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. Known for its top-notch academics and alumni who have gone on to become some of the most successful and well-known figures in history. However, there are some famous figures who attended Harvard that you might not have heard of. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 famous figures who attended Harvard University that may surprise you.
Section 1: Barack Obama
One of the most well-known figures on our list is President Barack Obama. He attended Harvard Law School in the 1980s and received his degree in 1991. This was a pivotal moment in Obama’s life, as it helped shape his political ideology and set him on the path to the presidency.
Section 2: Ted Kaczynski
While not as well-known as Obama, Ted Kaczynski certainly made a name for himself as the infamous Unabomber. Kaczynski attended Harvard in the 1950s and went on to earn a PhD in mathematics. Unfortunately, he later became a domestic terrorist who sent a series of mail bombs that killed three people and injured many others before being caught in 1996.
Section 3: Matt Damon
Matt Damon is a well-known actor who has starred in many blockbuster films over the years. However, many people don’t know that he attended Harvard from 1988 to 1992. He never graduated, as he left to pursue his acting career, but he did receive an honorary degree from the university in 2013.
Section 4: Bill Gates
Bill Gates is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in history, having co-founded Microsoft and becoming one of the richest people in the world. He attended Harvard briefly in the 1970s but dropped out to start his own company. Interestingly, he received an honorary degree from the university in 2007.
Section 5: Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt is a well-known blues singer and guitarist who has won multiple Grammy Awards over the course of her career. She attended Radcliffe College, which was the women’s college associated with Harvard at the time. Raitt was inspired by the many musicians who performed in the area while she was attending college.
Section 6: Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman is an actress who has starred in many successful films, including Star Wars and Black Swan. She attended Harvard from 1999 to 2003 and received her degree in psychology. Portman has since gone on to become an advocate for many causes, including environmentalism and women’s rights.
Section 7: Amy Poehler
Amy Poehler is a comedian and actress who is best known for her work on Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation. She attended Boston College, which is near Harvard, but she also took classes at the university. Poehler has since become an influential figure in comedy and a role model for women in the entertainment industry.
Section 8: Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg is the co-founder of Facebook and a prominent young entrepreneur. He attended Harvard in the early 2000s and dropped out to start his own company. Facebook has since become one of the most popular websites in the world, and Zuckerberg has become one of the richest people on the planet.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the most famous Harvard graduate?
A1: One of the most famous Harvard graduates is John F. Kennedy, who went on to become the President of the United States.
Q2: What percentage of Harvard students are international?
A2: As of 2021, about 20% of Harvard students are international.
Q3: How many Nobel Prize winners attended Harvard?
A3: As of 2021, more than 150 Nobel Prize winners have been affiliated with Harvard University.
Q4: How much does it cost to attend Harvard?
A4: As of 2021, the cost to attend Harvard is around $75,000 per year, including tuition, fees, room, and board.
Q5: Can anyone attend Harvard?
A5: Anyone can apply to Harvard, but admission is highly competitive and based on a variety of factors, including academics, extracurricular activities, and personal essays.
Q6: What is the acceptance rate at Harvard?
A6: As of 2021, the acceptance rate at Harvard is around 4.9%.
Q7: Is Harvard the oldest university in the United States?
A7: No, Harvard is not the oldest university in the United States. The oldest university is Harvard’s rival, the College of William & Mary, which was founded in 1693.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many famous and successful figures have attended Harvard University throughout its long history. From President Barack Obama to entrepreneur Mark Zuckerberg, these individuals have made their mark on history in a variety of ways. Whether you’re interested in politics, entertainment, or technology, there’s no denying the influence that these figures have had on our world. If you’re considering attending Harvard, remember that the university accepts students from all walks of life, regardless of their background or interests. Who knows, you may even become the next famous Harvard graduate.