Who Gets a Harvard ID? A Deep Dive Into the Iconic Symbol of Academia

I’ll never forget the first time I laid eyes on a Harvard ID. It wasn’t in some glamorous Hollywood movie. No, it was during a casual meetup with a friend who had just been accepted to Harvard. As he pulled his ID from his wallet, the little crimson card felt almost like a treasure—something that carried with it an undeniable weight of history and prestige. There was no mistaking it. That small piece of plastic wasn’t just a ticket to campus—it was an emblem of excellence. And, as I stood there, a part of me couldn’t help but wonder: Who exactly gets this ID, and what does it really mean?

The Weight of the Harvard ID: More Than Just Access

A Harvard ID isn’t just a key to getting into classes or the library. It's an entry into a world of academic legacy that spans centuries. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on one, you've joined an exclusive group of people who, in some way or another, have passed through the hallowed gates of Harvard University.

But let’s rewind a bit, shall we? Picture this: you're walking through Harvard Yard for the first time, the towering brick buildings surrounding you, students lounging in the sun. You’re surrounded by history—literally. In the early 1600s, this was all land that would eventually give birth to one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Over the years, Harvard has been a breeding ground for everything from U.S. presidents to global business leaders. It’s the real deal.

So, who exactly is given the honor of carrying a Harvard ID? Well, it’s not just anyone who wanders through those gates. To earn that card, you’ve got to be enrolled as a student, whether you’re a freshman undergrad, a transfer student, or even a grad student.

But here's where things get interesting: Not all students are created equal. There are layers to the Harvard ID, and depending on your role at the university, your ID can tell a story of its own.

Freshmen and the Myth of “Instant Access”

When I met my friend at that bar (you know, the one who had just received his acceptance letter), he was in the midst of a whirlwind of excitement. One of the first things he told me about was the whole ID process. You see, freshmen don’t just get their ID handed to them—they earn it. They have to register, go through orientation, get a photo taken, and have their official records cleared. After all, Harvard doesn’t just let anyone in; you need to prove that you belong.

As we talked more, he told me about the strange mix of emotions people feel the moment they finally get their IDs. Some feel like they’ve crossed an insurmountable hurdle, while others still can’t quite believe it’s real. One thing’s for sure: when that ID hits your hands, it feels like the culmination of years of work, a symbol that says, Yes, I made it here.

The Role of Graduate Students: A Different Kind of Badge

Graduate students, however, get a different flavor of that iconic card. While the undergrad ID is all about entering a world of tradition and age-old competition, the grad student ID is more about contribution—becoming part of a world that seeks to push boundaries, make discoveries, and contribute to fields ranging from law to engineering to medicine.

I met a grad student once at a coffee shop—she had just wrapped up a lab session in the bioengineering department—and when she flashed her Harvard ID, it was clear that it wasn’t just a student pass. It was an invitation to change the world. She spoke with a sense of purpose that was hard to miss, and it got me thinking about how different the Harvard experience must be for someone pursuing a Ph.D. or an MBA. Those IDs aren’t just keys to physical spaces; they symbolize an academic journey of discovery and, often, intense pressure.

Faculty and Staff: Gatekeepers of the Harvard Legacy

It’s not just students who hold Harvard IDs. Faculty and staff members—those who breathe life into the university every day—also carry one. A professor’s ID might not have the same glamour as a fresh-faced student’s, but it certainly carries its own kind of weight. I’ve had long conversations with a few professors who talked about what the ID meant to them. For some, it’s a reminder of their responsibility as educators. For others, it’s a more personal connection to the university's long history, one that has influenced generations of thinkers and leaders.

One conversation I had with a philosophy professor stood out. He told me that the moment he was handed his Harvard ID, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Not because it was a symbol of prestige, but because it represented an opportunity to inspire young minds, much like the professors who had inspired him when he was a student. In that sense, a Harvard ID is about more than access to the campus; it’s about continuing a legacy of knowledge.

Alumni: The Past and Future in One ID

The moment of receiving your Harvard ID isn’t necessarily the final chapter of your Harvard journey. As alumni, that same ID—well, it stays with you, in spirit, if not always in hand. Harvard alumni can access a range of benefits, from access to the library (yes, even long after graduation) to invitations to high-profile events and reunions. There's an undeniable pride in that ID, even if it's no longer actively used. You’ve crossed the threshold, and that tiny piece of plastic continues to remind you that, once upon a time, you were a part of something bigger.

I’ve spoken to several alumni who, years after graduation, still get emotional when they pull out their ID. One former student even told me, "It’s the smallest thing, but when I look at it, I’m reminded of everything I learned, every connection I made, and every challenge I faced."

Harvard ID’s Changing Meaning: Beyond Prestige

Now, here’s where it gets a bit interesting. Some people debate whether the prestige associated with a Harvard ID is all it's cracked up to be. The world has changed, and there’s more scrutiny around institutions like Harvard, with concerns about elitism and exclusivity. And while the ID may still open doors, it doesn’t automatically guarantee success. The debates rage on—Is a Harvard ID really worth all the hype? Does it open doors or just create a sense of entitlement?

Some argue that the world is shifting toward more merit-based recognition, where success isn’t just about where you went to school but what you’ve done with your opportunities. But then, I talk to some of those same alumni and current students who say, "It’s not just about the name on the card; it’s the community you get to be part of. The opportunities, the professors, the students. It’s a unique experience that you just can’t replicate."

And that’s the heart of it, right? Whether you're holding an ID as an undergrad, a grad student, a professor, or an alumnus, there’s something special about it. It’s a small card, but it represents years of hard work, community, and the pursuit of knowledge. Whether it opens doors in your career or just serves as a memory of a time when you were part of something extraordinary, a Harvard ID is a symbol, a reminder that you were once part of an elite academic tradition.

Conclusion: What Does It Mean to Have a Harvard ID?

In the end, who gets a Harvard ID? It’s not just about admission or status; it’s about a journey—one that involves struggle, triumphs, late-night study sessions, and personal growth. So, if you’re lucky enough to earn one, carry it with pride, whether you're just starting out or looking back at a journey you’ll never forget. And who knows, maybe one day, you’ll find yourself reminiscing over a drink, telling the story of how that little card came to mean so much.

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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

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Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

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Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.