Flexibility of classes + Joint concentration?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I'm interested in applying to Harvard, but if I were to go, I would choose a rather unique joint concentration of East Asian Studies and Physics. In order to joint concentrate, I know you have to do the honors track of both programs, and the course requirements are about 13-15 half courses each. If my calculations are correct, that leaves a lot of space for other classes, which surprises me— I was wondering if anyone who has done a joint concentration or has planned it out before sees that my observation is accurate? That flexibility is really ideal but I want to make sure it exists before deciding on which schools I want to apply to. </p>

<p>I see myself as sufficiently qualified to get into Harvard and I think any comments claiming that this is irrelevant to think about now when I "probably won't get in anyway" are a waste of time. Thank you!</p>

2

<p>gallifrey,</p>

<p>My son declared a joint concentration in physics and classics, so I assume East Asian Studies and physics can be done, too.</p>

<p>Nailing down the details, however, and getting all parties to agree, is time-consuming and not guaranteed of success. He had to go ask, to persist, to persevere, to make appointments, to do the legwork, to repeatedly make phone calls, visits and e-mails. But my son found a lot of good will in both departments to help him navigate to his ultimate goal, even though he had to repeatedly ask for that assistance. </p>

<p>As well, I don’t know whether you’re aware of it, but undergraduates at Harvard typically take four courses per semester, and thus graduate with 32 one-semester courses. There are also a set of required courses apart from those required for one’s concentration. You can take a fifth course, if you can hack it, but many students find their load suffiicently-heavy with four courses. I don’t know whether you’ve factored these things into your calculations.</p>

3

<p>“If my calculations are correct, that leaves a lot of space for other classes, which surprises me.”</p>

<p>Harvard requires students to complete 8 general education requirements, in addition to taking expository writing, which leaves little room for electives for those opting for joint concentrations. See: [Homepage</a> § Program in General Education](<a href=“http://www.generaleducation.fas.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do]Homepage”>http://www.generaleducation.fas.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do)</p>

<p>I’m assuming you’ve checked out:
<a href=“http://harvardealc.org/EAS%20Handbook.pdf[/url]”>http://harvardealc.org/EAS%20Handbook.pdf&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic772486.files/Physics.pdf[/url]”>http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic772486.files/Physics.pdf&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;

<p>“I see myself as sufficiently qualified to get into Harvard and I think any comments claiming that this is irrelevant to think about now when I “probably won’t get in anyway” are a waste of time.”</p>

<p>You certainly have the ego for the place and would live up to that old adage: “You can always tell a Harvard man . . . but you can’t tell him much.”</p>

4

<p>

</p>

<p>Then you are certainly qualified to do your own Google searching.</p>