Why didn't Mike Ross go to Harvard?

Asked by: Waldo Lemke  |  Last update: March 13, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (21 votes)

Mike Ross didn't go to Harvard because he was expelled from his undergraduate college after getting caught cheating (selling test answers) for money, and the dean reported him to Harvard, which rescinded his acceptance, blacklisting him from top law schools and making it impossible to get a legitimate degree without revealing his fraud and losing his job at Harvey's firm. He always had a photographic memory, making law school easy, but the initial expulsion and his subsequent high-profile career at Pearson Specter made attending any other school or getting a real degree unfeasible without exposing his secret.

Why was Mike kicked out of Harvard?

He was kicked out of u Seegars because of Trevor before he could graduate. He had been accepted to Harvard but since he was kicked out of his undergrad over the cheating scandal when Trevor sold the test to the dean's daughter, his Harvard admittance was null and void.

Did Mike Ross ever actually go to Harvard?

Despite not going to Harvard Law, or any other law school for that matter, Mike Ross was still able to practice law in Suits and there were several characters that made it possible.

Why is it a big deal that Mike didn't go to Harvard?

Technically speaking, it's not a problem, because he knows the law better than almost every Harvard lawyer that exists. The thing that makes it a big deal is that, no matter how good he is, the punishment for fraud on the scale thar Mike Ross is commiting, is very severe.

Did Mike actually get accepted to Harvard?

he got accepted years prior to telling rachel. he was kicked out of school (undergrad?) due to him selling the deans daughter a test - meaning he wasn't able to attend harvard even given the fact that he was accepted. so there was nothing to be said about it because it was already explained to viewers.

Why Mike Didn't Go To Harvard | Suits

19 related questions found

Does Mike eventually become a real lawyer?

Yes, in the TV show Suits, Mike Ross eventually becomes a legitimate lawyer by passing the bar exam after serving time for his fraud, though the process involved loopholes and his apprenticeship under Harvey Specter, ultimately allowing him to practice law legally in New York and later in Seattle. He passed the bar in Season 6 and became a junior partner at Pearson Specter Litt, solidifying his status as a real attorney.
 

What is Mike Ross's IQ?

Mike Ross's IQ isn't officially stated in Suits, but fans and analyses estimate it's extremely high (around 150-190+) due to his photographic/eidetic memory, allowing him to recall vast amounts of legal information, making him a savant in law despite lacking a degree, a trait often associated with exceptional cognitive abilities and fast learning. 

How accurate is Suits legally?

Its portrayal of legal practice may be far from real-world defense law. Still, it presents an engaging narrative that captures the imagination of viewers who might not be familiar with the intricacies of the legal system or how a defense lawyer must work within the rules.

Does Mike Ross ever get his law degree?

No, Mike Ross never went to law school in Suits; he was hired as a genius associate by Harvey Specter despite lacking a law degree, a secret that drove much of the show's early plot, though he later became a real lawyer by passing the bar in Washington state after his prison sentence.
 

Why did Rachel go to Columbia instead of Stanford?

Mike and Rachel undergo relationship troubles as Mike does not want her to go to Stanford, preferring that she go to Columbia University instead. Rachel decides to stay in New York and attend Columbia so that she can continue being with Mike.

Does Rachel become a lawyer?

Rachel Zane is a paralegal-turned-lawyer and the daughter of Robert Zane.

Can you take the NY bar without going to law school?

The applicant must study law in the law office for a period of four years under the supervision of an attorney who is admitted to practice law in New York . (Credit toward this four year requirement is given for successfully completed semesters in an ABA approved law school.)

Did Harvey go to Harvard?

Harvey began working in the mail room, went to New York University (NYU) for his undergraduate degree, and Jessica Pearson later paid for his tuition at Harvard Law, from which he graduated in 1997.

Why did Louis hate Mike?

After discovering Mike's fraud, Louis set out to destroy him before Jessica intervened. The two men eventually came to blows before Harvey intervened. Louis ultimately revealed that his actions towards Mike came out of a genuine hurt that Mike didn't trust him enough to tell him the truth.

Why was Mike removed from Suits?

Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) left Suits after Season 7 primarily due to actor Patrick J. Adams wanting to move on, feeling Mike's story was complete, and desiring more time with family, coinciding with co-star Meghan Markle's (Rachel Zane) departure for her marriage to Prince Harry, leading to their characters moving to Seattle for a new venture. Adams also revealed personal struggles with depression and drinking during that time, which influenced his decision to leave the demanding schedule.
 

Why did Suits end?

Why Suits Season 9 Only Has 10 Episodes Instead Of 16 - IMDb. Suits' short final season was due to creator Aaron Korsh's desire for a high-note ending, Patrick J. Adams' departure, and Meghan Markle's marriage. Season 9's abruptness resulted from six fewer episodes to wrap up storylines, with some left open-ended.

Do Mike and Rachel get married?

Yes, Mike Ross and Rachel Zane get married in the Suits Season 7 finale, "Good-Bye," a significant moment that serves as their send-off from the show as they move to Seattle to start their own firm, fulfilling their journey after Mike's legal struggles.
 

Did anyone in Suits date in real life?

Gabriel Macht Is Married to His "Suits" Love Interest in Real Life - IMDb. If you're just catching up on "Suits," you may have noticed the long-running series is packed with cameos connected to the cast in real life. One exciting appearance is by actor Jacinda Barrett, Gabriel Macht's real-life wife of almost 20 years.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
 

What is the hardest case to win in court?

The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, complex evidence, or specific defenses like insanity, with sexual assault, crimes against children, and white-collar crimes frequently cited as challenging due to juror bias, weak physical evidence, or technical complexity. The insanity defense is notoriously difficult because it shifts the burden of proof and faces public skepticism. 

Who has a 400 IQ?

No one actually has a verified 400 IQ; it's a mythical score, but Adragon De Mello is often cited with a projected 400 IQ after graduating college at age 11, though experts believe the highest measurable IQs are around 250-300, with William James Sidis and Christopher Hirata being examples of exceptionally high, though lower, scores. A 400 IQ is considered mathematically impossible and beyond the range of standardized tests, which usually top out around 225-250.
 

What is Snoop Dogg's IQ?

Snoop Dogg reportedly has an IQ of 147, a score that places him in the "highly gifted" or genius category, according to various sources. He himself expressed surprise at this high score, noting that he was a C-student in school, highlighting the contrast between academic performance and innate intelligence,. 

What actor has 180 IQ?

Celebrity Genius 5 - James Woods

Emmy Award winner James Woods is an Oscar-nominee and superstar has a whopping IQ of 180.