I’m wondering what my chances are at being accepted to Harvard as a non-traditional student? To give a bit of background, I am 24 years old. I graduated high school in 2012 with a 3.94 unweighted GPA, and a weighted GPA of 4.8. I ended up graduating 6th out of about 215. I scored a 2030 on the old version of the SAT (which I would plan on taking again if I do apply to college, to have a more updated test score to send in). Immediately after graduating high school I attended Johnson and Wales University and graduated with an associate’s degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. Since graduation from Johnson and Wales in 2014, I have worked full time at several different bakeries.
Now, here’s where my situation gets a bit confusing. A degree in Baking and Pastry Arts, I believe, is considered a vocational degree, as most of the credits are course specific, and as such are non-transferrable. On the Harvard website, it states that students who attended vocational schools aren’t eligible to apply as transfer students. So I suppose what I’m asking is: am I eligible to apply as an incoming freshman? If so, what do you think my chances really are? I know I would be at a disadvantage as I would be applying against several thousand high school seniors- the traditional college applicants- who haven’t taken any time off from school.
I know these are questions I can- and should- ask someone who works in admissions at Harvard. And I will, but first I wanted to get other opinions on whether it is even feasible or not.
One last thing to mention: I do consider Harvard a “reach” school for me. I do understand that I am at a disadvantage because I am a non-traditional student. I’m not going to be devastated if it turns out that I’m not at all eligible for admission. I just want to find out if I even have a chance. Going back to college to obtain a bachelor’s degree is something that is important to me, and I want to be able to get the best education that is available to me- just like any other student does.
According to Harvard’s FAQ page, as you already have a first degree from another university – even though it is in Baking and Pastry Arts – means you are ineligible for admission. (I’ve bolded the words you should pay attention to, but please call the Admissions Office and confirm what is on their website): https://college.harvard.edu/frequently-asked-questions
[quote]
QUESTION: I have a bachelor’s degree. May I apply to Harvard College?
ANSWER: No student with a bachelor’s degree or other first university degree from any other university, whether American or foreign, is eligible for admission to Harvard College.
I’m hoping that an associate’s degree- especially one that consist mostly of credits that will not transfer- will not count as a “first degree”. Considering the question was concerning a bachelor’s degree, and went on to suggest applying for graduate school (which I most definitely do not qualify for), I’m still holding out hope for my eligibility to apply. With that being said, I have taken all of your advice and contacted admissions directly. I’m hoping to hear back within a couple of days!
I don’t think your degree in culinary arts will necessarily mean you cannot apply to undergrad at Harvard. I think you would make a great contribution on campus.
That said, is Harvard really where you want to go? There are other schools where there are more non-traditional students than at Harvard. Would you enjoy living in dorms with kids who are much younger? The richness of campus life may make up for that but just wondering why Harvard is one of your first choices.
If you are female, check out the programs for non-traditional students at Wellesley and Smith,
I went to a selective college at your age and felt a little alienated because of my age and experiences. But maybe you could make it work. I felt better when I switched to a large state university known for its diversity, including age diversity!
While I believe Harvard wouldn’t count the degree against you, I --like others who’ve responded before me-- do think it’s quite an uphill battle to paint the picture you’ll need to in order to convince Harvard of your intellectual and academic merit. It strikes me as tough to do so, after having been outside of a traditional learning environment for quite some time. You might frankly have an easier time applying to a graduate school at Harvard than the College.