Curious about the viral “Pretending I Got Into Harvard” TikTok trend? This comedic sensation has taken over For You pages on the video-sharing platform, parodying dramatic college acceptance reactions with hilarious twists. But what’s the story behind it?
Here’s everything you need to know: how the trend started, its viral moments, and why it’s captured TikTokers’ attention.
Meaning of ‘Pretending I Got Into Harvard’ trend on TikTok explained
The “Pretending I Got Into Harvard” trend has captivated TikTok users with its comedic spin on emotional college acceptance videos. In it, participants stage exaggerated reactions to receiving a fictitious acceptance letter to Harvard, mimicking the high emotions typically seen in authentic acceptance announcements. The trend humorously satirizes the intense, dramatic displays associated with such milestones.
This trend began in December 2024, gaining momentum when TikTok user @_angelomarasigan posted a video titled “Pretending I got into Harvard because we’re bored.” The video amassed over 33 million views and set the tone for the trend. Many creators followed suit, producing similarly exaggerated skits.
Here’s the video shared by Angelo that went viral:
These videos often feature a mashup of “Latch” by Sam Smith and “7 Years” by Lukas Graham. They continue TikTok’s tradition of pairing emotional content with evocative soundtracks. Besides, the trend took a creative turn when users began involving pets, particularly dogs, in their skits.
For example, a video by @aubreygavelloo features a 13-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Meanwhile, another video by popular creator @mmmjoemele showcases a chicken “accepted” into Harvard. These humorous pet-based parodies have quickly gained popularity, amassing millions of views.
This phenomenon originates from a long-standing tradition of sharing emotional college acceptance reactions online, which dates back to the mid-2010s. Initially heartfelt, the format has now become a source of parody on TikTok, with Harvard’s iconic status making it an easy target for humor.
As the trend evolves, it highlights TikTok’s influence on reshaping cultural narratives through satire. By mocking the seriousness of academic achievements, the “Pretending I Got Into Harvard” trend encourages users to find humor in life’s milestones, creating a shared sense of amusement.
