<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I am currently a freshman at a top ranked university looking to transfer to Harvard next year. I know the acceptance rank is barely there, but I would like to give myself a shot. I have a very unique background and saw Harvard has a special concentrations program. My main question is, as a junior transfer next year, if I keep my gpa up close to a 3.9, will I be able to transfer into that program? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!</p>
<p>No, you would not be able to directly transfer into Harvard’s special concentrations program as there are bureaucratic hoops you have to jump through to get permission to do a SC – and that takes time. So, as a transfer student, you would need to choose your classes based upon on one of Harvard’s main concentrations, and then apply for a SC. See: <a href=“http://www.specialconcentrations.fas.harvard.edu/SC_Application.pdf”>http://www.specialconcentrations.fas.harvard.edu/SC_Application.pdf</a></p>
<p>Thank you for your help.</p>
<p>“Although there are exceptions, most successful Special Concentrations applications have been submitted by upperclassmen who have spent one or two terms studying in one of the College’s established concentrations.” </p>
<p>This is said on the Harvard’s special concentrations website. What I got from this is that one can, even though it is unlikely, get into the special concentrations program without a prior background in a Harvard concentration. I believe my education at my current institution will suffice for the “one to two terms” of prior experience. Now I don’t know this to be completely true, but the special concentrations option is listed under the common app. Should I make new plans, or continue to pursue my current path for a special concentration?</p>
<p>If you are admitted as a transfer student, you would need a Resident Dean, Faculty Advisor, and a Tutor to provide a statement of support for your Special Concentrations application. I really don’t see how you could even connect with those people before the Fall term begins. You should probably email Deborah Foster directly and ask her the queation: <a href=“http://www.specialconcentrations.fas.harvard.edu/contact.html”>http://www.specialconcentrations.fas.harvard.edu/contact.html</a></p>
<p>If you’re looking to transfer only to places that allow you to do special majors, think about NYU Gallatin – NYU’s financial aid is really awful compared to ours, usually, but sometimes it still does work out, if this matters a lot to you.</p>
<p>What do you want to study that doesn’t fit within any of Harvard’s concentrations?</p>