TOEFL Score - Visiting Undergraduate Student

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

Hi,
I am a undergraduate student in Germany and I am currently applying for Harvard’s Visiting Undergraduate Program. Just recently, I have done the TOEFL and scored a total of 108 points (minimum requirement: 100). Nevertheless, I only had a score of 24 in the Speaking part. I was incredibly stressed so I could not speak fluent enough. Unfortunately, I can’t take it again because the deadline is approaching (April 1st). Harvard has no specific requirements for certain subscores. I therefore wanted to ask if this subscore of 24 could hurt my application even though I performed well in the other sections? Should I explain this to the Harvard Admissions Office?

Thank you very much! :slight_smile:

2

You should call the Admissions Office and ask them the question, as I doubt anyone on this forum will be able to provide the correct answer.

3

LOL. I can, or at least all but one.part. :slight_smile:

To the OP, you answered your own question: “Harvard has no specific requirements for certain subscores” Harvard does not ask applicant’s to interpret the tea leaves. If they want something specific, they will tell you.

No. In the first place, it does not matter. In the second place, it will come across as whining or making excuses - neither of which interests Harvard.

OK, this is the part that nobody will know, and calling Harvard will not elicit a definitive answer. No, you application will not go into the circular file automatically. Yes, there is the expectation that you can communicate in English, although personally , I don’t think a 24 vs a 25 is a make-or-break. The acceptance rate for VUS is relatively high, but not every one is accepted. So for those rejected, yes, there was something in the application that made it weaker than others, but you would never find out what it is.

Good luck.

4

Thank you very much for your answer. You also mentioned, that it is not so hard to get into the “Harvard VUS” program. Can you maybe provide some insights what they look for in visiting students? Is it a problem if one has not done a lot of community work?

5

I didn’t say that it was not “hard,” just that the acceptance rate is relatively high. But I suspect that is in part that almost all applicants are qualified. As for the specifics of what they look for, that is something only admissions will know.