Harvard Extension School?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

I just finished junior year of high school and I’ll be applying to colleges soon.

I recently heard about the Harvard Extension School and was wondering how I would get into it since I heard its much less selective than Harvard itself, and if I even can get into it right after graduating high school or its only for current undergrads at other colleges? Also how is it different from regular admission into Harvard if I still live on campus and take college courses? Lastly, when can I transfer to Harvard after attending the Extension School?

Thank you so much! :slight_smile:

2

At the top of each forum, directly opposite the orange “New Discussion” button is a magnifying glass. If you click the magnifying glass on the Harvard Forum and type in HARVARD EXTENSION SCHOOL, other threads with the same topic will come up for you to read. Here, I’ll get you started: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/search?adv=1&search=HARVARD+EXTENSION+SCHOOL&title=&author=&cat=29&tags=&discussion_d=1&comment_c=1&within=1+day&date=

The majority of classes at Harvard Extension School are “night school” classes for working professionals who have full-time day jobs. The average age of a Harvard Extension School student is around 31 or 32, so the experience is quite different than what you would get as an 18 year old at Harvard College. And Harvard Extension School DOES NOT supply housing, which is a huge cost in Cambridge – so you would have to find housing for yourself somewhere in Somerville or greater Boston, as extension students cannot live on-campus.

That said, Harvard Extension School’s acceptance rate is about 40%, so it’s not that selective. And, Harvard Extension School students can never transfer to Harvard College – your degree will be from Harvard Extension School, NOT Harvard College. For those employers in the know, the two degrees are not considered equals. See: http://www.extension.harvard.edu/academics/undergraduate-degrees/bachelor-liberal-arts-degree

FWIW: Although Harvard Extension School offers on-line courses, many colleges – including Harvard College – do not accept those credits. So, be warned.

3

Harvard Extension School is a glorified community college. It has ads on public transportation around NYC.

The only reason to go to it is if you already live in the area, or for some inane reason just HAVE to be a Harvard University alumnus. (Alumni from “real” Harvard schools such as the Medical School will not consider you a peer, though.) Otherwise, go to your local state school; you’ll have a better name on a resume that way.