I am currently a student at the University of Virginia and I am thinking about applying for a semester at Harvard. The idea is just really intriguing to me. What is the difficulty of getting into Harvard just for a semester?
Have you looked at these sites?
https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/visiting-undergraduate-student-program
https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/visiting-undergraduate-student-program/visiting-application-process
https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/visiting-undergraduate-student-program/visiting-tuition-fees
I have looked at those links but thanks! I guess what I am wondering if there was any acceptance rate information and any related admissions statistics.
^^ There are no acceptance numbers that I’m aware of for the visiting student program. You could contact Harvard Admissions and ask about the numbers.
So, to summarize, you started at Cal Poly, tried to transfer to any of about dozen name schools, you got into UVa and as soon as you start there you’re looking to go to Harvard for a semester. Makes perfect sense.
From 2002 article in Harvard Crimson newspaper:
"“Each year, the VUS admissions office receives around 90 applications from around the world—and from U.S. colleges, including next-door neighbors Wellesley and MIT—from students who want to spend a semester or year at Harvard, according to E. Marlene Vergara Rotner, director of the VUS program. Fifty-four candidates applied to study at Harvard this fall, and 17 were admitted and came. Out of those students, 10—a larger proportion than most years, according to VUS staff assistant Pia Setti—are international students.”
So, about a 30% acceptance rate back then. As more and more people have heard about the program and may want the Harvard experience, I might think that the acceptance rate has gone down. Also, the whole housing issue remains a pain, as I believe this year is the last year that VUS students may be offered on-campus housing.