<p>My D is pretty much decided to go to Harvard even though many people here said Engineering at Harvard is not that strong, because she likes Boston and it is hard to give up the good FA. I've understood that some engineering concentration students can cross register at MIT. I'd like to know how many of them are actually cross-registering at MIT? Majority or a few? Does Harvard have enough classes for engineering students? I 'd love to hear from the students or parents who actually have experience with Engineering at Harvard. Thank you for your answer in advance.</p>
<p>There are so few Harvard Eng undergrads to begin with and so many drop engineering before they reach the upper level courses, that the number who icross register is likely to be imperceptibly small. It's clearly an available option however, particularly if you want to take advantage of the H financial aid, and will be easier when harvard changes its academic year. There is also an issue with how quickly the two programs bring the students along in the SEAS disciplines. From memory, for example, I believe Harvard Engs dont start physics until their 2nd year and at MIT basically all frosh take 2 terms of physics. But if you meet the prerequisites at MIT, it certainly multiplies the available course offerings.</p>
<p>My son asked when he was considering Harvard last year. The answer seemed to be very few. However in the past the academic calendars didn't line up at all. It should be easier now, but it still requires hopping on a subway to get to classes.</p>
<p>Very few engineers will cross register at MIT because you have so many requirements to get the bachelor of sciences in Engineering here that you only have 2 or 3 electives to spare (if you include the core, expos, and language).</p>
<p>Remember, there is a free M2 shuttle that drops you right off at MIT from Harvard Square. It takes like 15 minutes, tops.</p>
<p>If you want to get the BA in Engineering though, that's a different story</p>
<p>Didn't know about the shuttle, but you still wouldn't be able to take a 9 am class at Harvard and a 10 am one at MIT, would you? If the new curriculum distribution requirements are less onerous it may also become easier. Any word on whether they've made any progress there?</p>
<p>Practically speaking it's hard. Not just the commuting, the two universities course structures are very different. I believe that you can only do so starting from the junior year, therefore the likelihood of have the right prerequisite for a class is small. Not to mention the places have very different academic calendars. We looked into that when my child was deciding. I believe it's more appropriate for graduate students who do not have a packed course schedule.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your replies. It doesn't look like it is realistic to take classes at MIT. What is the main difference between BS and BA enginnering? Is there any place I can look up typical 4 year course plan for engineering concentration students at Harvard? Thank you again.</p>
<p>BS is ABET accredited, BA is not.</p>
<p>IMO, the BS is probably a better preparation for a career in engineering? Correct me if I'm wrong though.</p>
<p>FAS</a> Handbook for Students: Table of Contents will link you to the student handbook.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I believe that you can only do so starting from the junior year
[/quote]
Not sure what the poster was saying, but cross-reg is open to all years, as far as I know.</p>
<p>Also, calendar reform will happen 2009-2010. And I have a lot of friends who have cross-registered and taken accounting at MIT, but quite honestly, most of them don't go to class (it's a bit of a joke). Exams + the like haven't been a problem though.</p>
<p>Yea, cross-registering is extremely easy at MIT. What I meant is that most engineering students don't end up doing it, not because it's difficult to do so but because they only have 2 or 3 electives so they want to take them here at Harvard. For everyone who's not a S.B. concentrator in bio, it's wicked easy</p>
<p>just<em>forget</em>me:</p>
<p>Just went to back to check the handbook, I remembered incorrectly. Actually one can cross-register starting from sophomore year, not junior year.</p>
<p>I've cross-registered before. It's very simple and the commute is pretty easy too.</p>
<p>Thank you so much, mathmom! It is very resourceful.</p>