Can being a Visiting Undergraduate Student help chances of applying for transfer later (aside from the obvious benefits the learning experience and academic resources provide)?
Words, words, words! It’s so important to understand them and follow them through to their likely conclusion.
Based upon Harvard’s websites for both the requirements for a Visiting Undergraduate Student and that of a Transfer Applicant is . . . unequivocally: NO!
Visiting Undergraduate Student: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/visiting-undergraduate-student-program/visiting-application-process
Harvard Transfer Applicants: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/transferring-harvard-college
So . . . to apply for the Visiting Undergraduate Student program you must have completed at least 2 years of undergrad study, which invalidates the Harvard Transfer Application requirements. So, NO, being a Visiting Undergraduate Student will NOT help your chances of applying for transfer application.
Keep in mind, this is Harvard. And most every program, and their requirements, are run through a team of lawyers, who are more than happy to invalidate any loophole a student may wish to force themselves through.
@gibby Thank you for your clarification. However, when I read those statements as shown in the excerpts, I interpreted the addition of the word “Typically” as meaning to imply the first statement is a suggestion rather than a requirement, validating the second statement. Can you guarantee the first statement is either a solid requirement or a “strong recommendation (soft requirement),” rather than a suggestion?
Again, thank you for your assistance.
“Typically” probably means “the majority of the time” but you should call Harvard Admissions for a clarification.
My personal guess is that “typically” a freshman or sophomore year student does not yet have the requirements Harvard deems necessary for the Visiting Scholars program. Namely: (a) evidence of academic strength in their current program of study, and (b) not enough intro level and advanced courses at their current school to warrant preparation for their proposed plan of study at Harvard. But again, you should call Harvard, as I’m sure this is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Curious why you want to visit, or transfer. Visiting students do not get financial aid and don’t get housing either. Is there a reason your current university or college doesn’t serve your needs?
Certainly this would seem to be handled on a case by case basis, so if there is a strong academic reason , perhaps you can try to talk to Harvard about coming. But I cannot imagine what that reason could be, honeslty.
Transferring is very very difficult, very low odds regardless.
Aside from your original question, I would just question the whole plan.
If you want the Harvard brand, why not wait for grad school?