<p>Question, does Harvard give incoming freshmen the opportunity to take one or two classes the summer before their first year to adjust to life on campus? </p>
<p>I've been made aware both Yale and Princeton offer accepted students this sort of opportunity + let it fall under their financial aid, if applicable.</p>
<p>Sure, an incoming freshman can take classes at Harvard and have it count toward their degree: [Harvard</a> Students | Harvard Summer School](<a href=“http://www.summer.harvard.edu/college-students/harvard-students]Harvard”>http://www.summer.harvard.edu/college-students/harvard-students)</p>
<p>Thank you!!!</p>
<p>How beneficial is an summer school for incoming freshmen ? It costs a lot, I think.</p>
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<p>Yes it does. Last year, Harvard Summer School was about $11,000 for two 4-credit courses, including room, board and fees, although limited financial aid is available.</p>
<p>Former summer school proctor here. While summer school will let you get acquainted with the campus as you are staying in Harvard dorms, the rules and campus atmosphere are very different than those during the term. Also, some of the courses (not all) are extremely different from term-time courses. You’ll get some familiarity with Harvard life, but it won’t be perfectly representative. If you’re going to do it, I would suggest doing a gen ed (general education) requirement, as those are generally pretty similar to termtime courses and will be populated mainly by College students. </p>
<p>Hope that helps. Feel free to PM with any questions. (:</p>
<p>As an addendum: I think, though am not certain, that you’d be placed in the high school (SSP) program as a rising college freshman. This program has restrictions that are very different from a Harvard experience (you have to notify your proctor if you’ll be back past 1 am and are generally treated more like a high school student). Again, this isn’t necessarily bad, but be sure to look into which program you’d be placed in and whether you’re okay with those restrictions! :)</p>