This is an archive. See the current website at www.summer.harvard.edu.
This page contains content from the Summer School 2009. For current information, visit the Harvard Summer School website at www.summer.harvard.edu.
Who is eligible to participate in Institute for English Language
Programs?
You must be 18 years of age or older by July 1, 2009, unless you are applying to the Secondary School Intensive English Language Program; for that program, you must have completed 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in spring 2009. Eligibility is dependent on the program of choice.
How will I be placed in a class?
See Intensive Program Registration or Evening Program Registration for placement and registration information.
Which placement test should I take?
If you are local, you should take the May 1, May 26, or June 11 placement test. If you are traveling to Harvard, you must take the placement test on June 21. You may take the placement test only once for the summer term. See Intensive Program Registration or Evening Program Registration for more information.
I have a TOEFL score. Do I need to take the Harvard University English language placement test to be placed in an IEL course?
Yes. The Harvard English language placement test is required, unless you take the post-test in a spring 2009 IEL course. This test determines your placement in classes at the appropriate level.
Is there a way to prepare for the English language placement test?
No. The test is designed to determine your current level of proficiency for placement at the appropriate level. There is no need to prepare, and you should refrain from guessing on the test.
May I take the test more than once?
No, you may take the placement test only once for each term.
What is the format of the test?
The test consists of four parts: listening comprehension, structure and usage, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
What should I do first—register or take the placement test?
Refer to Intensive Program Registration or Evening Program Registration for test and registration instructions.
Do I have to register for the placement test?
Online reservations are required for the May 1, May 26, and June 11 tests. For the June 21 test for intensive program students, reservations are not required; simply go to the test location half an hour before the start time. Please bring photo identification. There is no charge to take the test.
How will I find out my placement test score?
Scores are posted in online services; refer to Intensive Program Registration or Evening Program Registration for specific information about when test scores are available.
I was enrolled in a spring term 2009 IEL course. Are there special registration and placement test instructions for me?
Registration is the same as it is for new students. Submit your summer term registration as early as possible to have the best chance for enrollment. Placement is different. You will be assigned to a summer term course according to your score on the post-test from spring 2009. You may not take the English language placement test again in the summer.
I was enrolled in a spring term 2009 IEL course, but I did not take the post-test. Do I have to take a summer term placement test?
Yes. If you do not have a post-test score, you must take the English language placement test to enroll in summer courses.
How will I find out my class assignment?
You may see your class assignment by logging in to online services with your DCE ID number and PIN. Select "Course Registration and Schedule" from the main menu and then select "View Course Schedule." Evening program students will be able to view their course locations by Friday, June 19. Intensive day students will be assigned classrooms on Tuesday, June 23.
Is it possible that I will not get into the IEL course that I want to take?
Yes. It is possible that you will not get into your first-choice IEL course, either because that course is full or because it is not being offered at your level. To improve your chances of admission to a particular IEL course, you should take the placement test and register as early as possible.
I would like to change my course level. What do I need to do?
You cannot change your course level. Only a class instructor may recommend a level change. If the change is possible, you will receive e-mail notification from the Registrar’s Office.
How many absences am I allowed to have during the term?
None. If you are ill and cannot attend class, you must bring a note from a doctor when you return to class.
Will I receive a final grade for my IEL course?
Because IEL courses are noncredit courses, there are no final grades. Instead, one of the following notations that apply only to IEL courses is assigned: AR (met all requirements), MR (met most requirements), or NM (requirements not met). The notation remains on your permanent Harvard Division of Continuing Education record and will be included on all transcripts.
What are the course withdrawal deadlines and policies?
See the Intensive Program Calendar or Evening Program Calendar for withdrawal deadlines. Courses dropped for a full- or half-tuition refund will be removed from your permanent Division of Continuing Education academic record. If you are attending the Summer School on an I-20 from Harvard, you may not withdraw, as you must remain enrolled full time for F-1 visa status.
What can I do if I discover after the half-tuition refund withdrawal deadline that I am not able to keep up with my class and not able to attend regularly? Is there anything that I can do to avoid receiving an MR (requirements not met) notation?
You may submit a request to withdraw from the class for a withdrawal notation after the refund deadline. You will receive no refund and the notation WN (noncredit withdrawal) will be on your permanent Division of Continuing Education record instead of the MR notation.
How can I get a visa to participate in an IEL program?
Only students in full-time intensive IEL programs are eligible for visas through Harvard Summer School. For information about visas and other immigration information, see International Students.
How can I apply for financial aid or a scholarship?
Harvard Summer School does not offer financial aid or scholarships. Full tuition must be paid in advance.
How can I change my course?
You may use a course change and withdrawal form (download the form from the forms page) to change from one course (for example, Integrated Skills) to another (for example, Communication in Business) at the same level. Only an instructor may recommend a change from one level to another.
If you are attending the Summer School on an I-20 from Harvard, you must obtain Registrar’s Office approval for course changes.