Harvard Extension School - Admissions

Applying to College
1

I was researching the Masters programs at the Harvard Extension School. I like the program but have some questions and I can’t find the answer anywhere to it … The Extension School had no answers for me.

To get admitted to the Extension School program you need to get a B+ average in 3 of the admission courses. I was told once you’re accepted into the program the graduation rate is 96%. (great to hear!)

Unfortunately, I also read online that only 1/5 of one percent of people who take a course at the Extension end up with a degree. (1 in 500) I read that here:

<a href=“http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2013/09/did-i-really-go-to-harvard-if-i-got-my-degree-taking-online-classes/279644/”>http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2013/09/did-i-really-go-to-harvard-if-i-got-my-degree-taking-online-classes/279644/</a>

Therefore, the question is…What is the general probability of getting accepted into the program (B+ average in the first three admission courses)? My background is I went to Penn State University, my undergraduate GPA was 3.95, in Accounting and I was in their Honors Program as well.

Also, If you have an opinion give a good basis to support it…

Thanks!!!

2

With an honors degree from a Public Ivy school with a near-perfect GPA I really think you could do better than Harvard Extension. I would, anyway. My BS detector went up when I found out Extension courses don’t even transfer to Harvard University itself. The reason only 1 in 500 get a degree is that most are only taking a few classes, or lose interest. It’s like that with all online schools. Taking a class by watching videos on your laptop and emailing is extremely difficult.

3

I feel this makes lot of sense!! Thanks !!

4

Asker, you right. What is funny is I meet the requirements to get into a good masters program at several Ivy league schools. But I have a house am married and have a kid. Also I can’t quit my high paying office job. Therefore, that’s why I’m going with the extension school.