{shortcode-a706c9b9eb651d38ee1c66020b09241da5d2b6ad}Congratulations on making it this far and getting into Harvard! This is a whole new chapter in your life and the perfect opportunity to start anew. Here, you can leave behind any baggage or unmet expectations that have been plaguing you since you didn’t get the lead role in your fourth grade play. For those of you who might find this fresh start daunting or in case you’re feeling a little uninspired, here are some ideas for the new identity you can take on, whether for the weekend or for the next four years.
1. Direct descendant of John Harvard
Tell everyone that you are the great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandchild of John Harvard. You took a 23andMe test to prove it, but unfortunately, since they’re going bankrupt, you can’t provide the receipts. However, everyone who sees you says the resemblance is uncanny — you look straight out of the 30s. The 1630s. But you worked just as hard as, if not harder than, everyone else to be here, and you don’t believe in freebies. Ignore the bulging complimentary tote bag full of free merch.
2. (Rumored) CIA agent
Carry around a personal paper shredder, have an AirPod in your ear at all times, and give vague answers in response to small talk questions. Soon, rumors will start spreading that you’re actually a CIA agent going undercover for a top-secret mission. It’s not that you don’t want to grab a meal, it’s that for their safety, you shouldn’t. It’s not that you are undecided about your concentration, it’s that it’s classified information, and they don’t have the clearance.
3. Genovian royalty
What do you mean, Americans don’t believe Genovia is a real country? If it’s not a real place, then how come you’re the heir to the throne of Genovia? Anne Hathaway? Who’s that? Julie Andrews? Never heard of her. All you’ve ever wanted in life is to be a normal teenager having the quintessential American college experience. You promise you’re, like, really down-to-earth and humble, so you don’t want anyone to treat you differently — even though you’re royalty… like, heir to the throne of Genovia… like, did you mention that you were real royalty… like, the heir to the throne… of Genovia, which is a real country.
4. PhD candidate
As a new admit, you know what it takes to achieve big things. That’s why you’re on a mission. You’re not satisfied with just a bachelor’s degree — you need more. You’ve already researched professors and are ready to collect recommendation letters like Pokémon. Now, all you have to do is convince them that you have been working under them for the past few years. Sneak into their lab, make sure you’re in PPE (iykyk), and act natural. When you “coincidentally” run into the PI, let them know you’ll email them updates by EOD. If they question who you are, act really offended, and congratulations! You’re on your way to a PhD, no bachelor’s degree necessary.
5. Be yourself… no, seriously.
Remember the person you applied as? The one that founded two nonprofits, volunteered at the local animal shelter every weekend, AND won a gold medal at the most recent Olympics? Yeah, you set the expectations really high for yourself so now you have to live up to them. You thought you could rest after getting into Harvard? This is just the beginning. Oh, and you’re pre-med? Sure you are. Maybe you’re feeling a little bit of imposter syndrome? Don’t worry, you’re not special. Everyone is just trying to be the best version of themselves. Maybe it’s not a fake identity after all. You really do care about those nonprofits.
In all seriousness, you’ve already done the hard part by getting into Harvard. Take Visitas as an opportunity to relax, reap the fruits of your labor, and meet a bunch of new people, whether as yourself or someone completely different. No matter where your future takes you, remember that you can always fake your identity be whoever and whatever you want to be.
Read the rest of our Visitas 2025 feature here!