<p>I am a high school senior looking at some different options for college. I am a very committed student (4.0 GPA, Cum Laude, all AP classes, started college courses at 16, etc.), however the regular 'college life' would be very difficult for me for a few reasons. Outside of school, I am a professional musician. (Before you roll your eyes, I can promise you I'm not the garage band type who thinks they're going to be famous someday) I make a significant source of income performing and am well known in my state's music scene. I have performed on national television, been sponsored by major music companies and have won national and international awards through my music. Needless to say, it's very important to me and I don't want to have to compromise my career with school.
Already, my musical endeavors interfere with my high school. I frequently miss days or even weeks of school at a time. I am very self-motivated though and find time to do the work independently. I heard about Harvard Extension school and it sounds like it would be a good match for me; I would not be restricted to a campus schedule, yet I could still pursue my education online. I live about an hour and a half from Harvard so I could easily take the train in for the classes that are required on campus. Are there any other HES students here that can share their experiences? Particularly, I want to know if there are any other students who went straight to HES after high school. I know that the average age of an HES student is 35, so I'm not sure if it is common. Thank you for your help :)</p>
<p>It’s not clear if this is appropriate. While there are a lot of online classes, you miss out not being present for discussions and half the benefit of the extension school is that your classmates are really smart and have some life experience. I don’t think online classes would be as good if you want the education rather than just the degree. </p>
<p>Most classes are offered either 5:30-7:25 or 7:30-9:25 one day a week. If you can commit to being there the same day once a week, you can do two courses per semester and it will take you 8 years. </p>
<p>There are nontrivial number of recent HS grads. </p>
<p>It is a very inexpensive way to get a high quality academic education, though its a far cry from being in a residential college.</p>
<p>I completely understand why you’d be looking into the extension school, I did go to another (non ivy, but a very good) four year college. I ended up choosing the extension program because of my schedule. I’m glad I did, most classes are very demanding and you will have to be on campus for at least a semester.</p>
<p>As ClassicRockerDad stated, Harvard extension classes occur in the evening, generally after 5pm, as most students are working a 9-5 job. Those hours may, or may not, conflict with your schedule as a professional musician.</p>
<p>if the summer is slow for you, maybe you can pack several classes in over the summer. Your schedule may be killer, but it might take a big time chunk off getting your degree (if this is important). What do you want to study? Have you spoken to other musicians in your situation?</p>
<p>Personally, I have a few misgivings with Harvard Extension School. I think the education they offer is good, but I dislike how they denigrate their own degree.</p>
<p>Think about it this way, this is how they want you to list your degree on your resume…</p>
<p>Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies
…or…
Harvard University Extension School, Cambridge,
Bachelor of Liberal Arts, minor in computer science</p>
<p>Not listing it on your resume one of the two ways above is considered fraudulent.
<a href=“http://www.extension.harvard.edu/degrees-certificates/undergraduate-degrees/graduation”>http://www.extension.harvard.edu/degrees-certificates/undergraduate-degrees/graduation</a></p>
<p>Now, consider if you went to Harvard College, the resume would read…</p>
<p>Harvard University , Cambridge MA
Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science</p>
<p>HES is considered both Harvard… and yet, in some respects, also Harvard’s ugly step child.</p>