Do They Even Go Here?

It’s Visitas. The sun is shining, the Yard is crawling with prefrosh, and your calendar has 19 overlapping events. You’re sweaty, overstimulated, and suddenly in a 45-minute convo with someone named Aidan? Or maybe Andrew? And they're also from New York? Hmm. Before you ask them to join your spring 2026 blocking group, here are some foolproof ways to verify that your new BFF isn’t a 30-year-old social experiment in disguise or a ~pathological liar~ with a deep love for free tote bags and a vendetta against the admissions process.

The Lanyard

If your new friend is also proudly wearing the Visitas lanyard around their neck, congrats, you’ve met another bright-eyed prefrosh. Bonus points if they also look lost. Because honestly, who else would willingly wear a giant plastic name tag around their neck unless they, too, were seeking attention? The lanyard is less of a fashion statement and more of a cry for help.

Google Search

The most basic option: the good ole trusty Google search. If you’re anything like me (nosy), you’ve probably already done this. Just type their full name and "Harvard" into the search bar. If you find any of the following, you’re in the clear.

1. News articles about their college acceptance (bonus points if there’s a dramatic reaction video)
2. A post on their high school’s college admissions Instagram page, usually featuring a baby pic
3. Some kind of award listing that backs up their claim of being a national debate champ or whatever else they not-so-casually dropped into the middle of a conversation about the weather

LinkedIn Stalk

A (creepy and dedicated) step above the previous search, verify that they’re from where they say they’re from. Also, if their profile makes you catch a case of impostor syndrome, chances are, they did impress the admissions committee enough to be admitted. If their profile says “Incoming Harvard College Class of 2029,” you’re probably good. However, if it says “CEO at 17. Self-made. Believer. Dog dad,” be afraid. Be very afraid.

Ask to See Their Reaction Video

If your new friend is giving “I’ve already paid taxes” energy, ask to see their reaction video. We all filmed one. If they don’t have one or pretend they forgot to record it because they were “just so in the moment,” that’s a lie. Nobody was “just so in the moment.” We were all sobbing in front of a camera. Hysterically.

Honorable Mention: Profile Pic

If your new friend happens to have an obviously AI-generated profile picture, run.

Visitas is chaotic. It’s a blur of info sessions and random people asking you where you're from, what schools you got into, what you’re going to major in, and other equally thoughtless questions every five minutes. And while most people you meet are just as overwhelmed and excited as you, a few might be... freeloading imposters. So, next time you meet someone who seems a little too perfect, a little too mysterious, or just too good at navigating Annenberg, ask yourself the only question that matters: Do they even go here?

Read the rest of our Visitas 2025 feature here!