<p>I am increasingly curious at how Harvard decided to have an extension program. Curious on how it is viewed by students here at Harvard and Alumni? </p>
<p>Thanks guys/gals for the replies ahead of time.</p>
<p>I'd like to know too. I'm in an extremely unique situation, and I may have to give up a dream of going to Tufts. Harvard ES is my best alternative, and it just came to me a few moments ago (serendipity strikes). Hopefully we hear something.</p>
<p>Well I would not view it as being any less important than Harvard College, but from what I understand it is intended for continuing education. You wouldn't be spending a lot of time living/working with people your own age, and I'm not sure if that's something you would want to give up just for the harvard name.</p>
<p>I know neither of you is aware of this, but just as a quick disclaimer I'll tell you that this is quite a hornet's nest here on the board and there's a good chance that you're thread will be hijacked (although I very much hope it's not). </p>
<p>Harvard set up the extension school because it recognized that there are those for whom a traditional college education is not a possibility, though they may be no less 'deserving' than traditional undergrads. Believe it or not, Harvard does take its mission to educate very seriously, and is uncomfortable with the number for whom a Harvard education is totally out of reach (the current over-crowding which is being alleviated was all caused by the ad-office being unwilling to reject so many good candidates and figuring we'd 'work something out'). The extension school is an excellent option for non-traditional candidates and serves its purpose quite well.</p>
<p>Where you start running into issues is with the people who are just using Harvard for its name (and I am NOT saying that this is the majority of the the Extension schoolers, so plz no flamz). The Extension schoolers have every right to say that they go to Harvard (even though this may be misleading to some), put "ALB in _____ from Harvard class of 20__" on their resume (even though many employers don't know the difference between ALB and BA/AB), and use Harvard's Office of Career Services to help find jobs and placement. This is a powerful draw that lures in some traditional HS students who are not qualified for Harvard College but could get past the somewhat less rigorous standards of the Extension School and are willing to put up with the lack of campus and lack of true community. These students give Harvard ES a bad name, don't be one of them.</p>
<p>In general, Harvard ES is used for continuing education (as represented by the relatively low 'graduation' rate). Depending on your situation, it may or may not make sense to pursue the ALB degree there, and if you get into the program that is your right and your privilege. If you don't have an alternative situation though, going to Harvard ES will not be looked upon as favorably by your peers or any future employers who know the difference.</p>