Help/FAQs
- Can anyone attend Harvard Summer School, or is it only for Harvard students?
- How do I know what courses I am qualified to take?
- Does the Summer School offer English as a second language?
- If my first language is not English, am I required to provide proof of English proficiency?
- Can I obtain an I-20 from the Summer School?
- Can I transfer Harvard Summer School credits to another institution?
- Is financial aid available?
- I have a disability. What resources and services are available?
- Do you have programs for youth?
- How do you protect the personal information that I submit online?
- Will you give my e-mail address to a third party?
- What are “cookies”?
Can anyone attend Harvard Summer School, or is it only for Harvard students?
The Summer School is open to all individuals interested in a first-rate academic experience. With the exception of certain special courses and programs, courses are open admission, which means that no transcripts, letters of recommendation, or essays are required.
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How do I know what courses I am qualified to take?
Students should take all required or recommended placement tests and make sure they meet all listed prerequisites. Students should also consider the course numbering system in choosing appropriate courses. Most Summer School courses are open admission.
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Does the Summer School offer English as a second language?
Each summer several hundred students from many backgrounds come to the Harvard Summer School for intensive, noncredit language study in classes offered by the Institute for English Language Programs (IEL). For more information, refer to the IEL website.
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If my first language is not English, am I required to provide proof of English proficiency?
Yes. See English Proficiency for ways in which you may meet the requirement.
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Can I obtain an I-20 from the Summer School?
To apply for an I-20, students must enroll in a full-time program of study. For more information, see Visas.
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Can I transfer Harvard Summer School credits to another institution?
Harvard Summer School courses and credits are accepted toward degrees at most colleges and universities, including several Harvard schools. See Transfer Credit for more information.
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Is financial aid available?
Full-time students from other institutions should arrange for financial assistance for enrollment at Harvard Summer School through their home school financial aid offices. For more information call (617) 495-4293. Secondary School students should inquire about financial aid after acceptance. For information about tuition and other payment options, see Financial Matters.
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I have a disability. What resources and services are available?
The disability services coordinator works with students, faculty, and staff to identify and provide appropriate support services for students with documented disabilities. See Disability Services for more information.
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Do you have programs for youth?
The Summer School offers high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors an opportunity to sample college through the Secondary School Program.
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How do you protect the personal information that I submit online?
The information you enter on the Summer School website is stored on a secure system separate from our website. Once you register for courses, the privacy of your educational record is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
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Will you give my e-mail address to a third party?
We do not sell, trade, or rent any of your information to others.
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Cookies are small pieces of information stored on your hard drive so that the web server can “remember” you the next time you visit a website. The cookies created by Harvard Summer School websites do not contain any personally identifying information and therefore do not put your privacy at risk.
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