Admission
This page contains content from the Summer School 2009. For current information, visit the Harvard Summer School website at www.summer.harvard.edu.
See also
Who is eligible?
The SSP admissions committee looks for mature, academically motivated students who demonstrate potential for success in a college environment and will graduate from secondary school in 2009, 2010, or 2011. Enrollment is limited, so early application is strongly encouraged. Some students may be placed on a waiting list.
Learn how to apply.
Key dates
- Mid-December: Application process begins.
- Early January: SSP staff begins reviewing complete applications.
- Beginning in mid-January: Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students are informed of a decision within two weeks of the receipt of all application materials (application, fees, teacher and counselor reports, essay, relevant scores, and transcript with current grades).
US citizens and permanent residents:
- Monday, April 13: Last date for students in need of financial assistance to complete all SSP application materials.
- Thursday, April 30: Last date to complete the financial aid application. Only accepted students can apply for financial aid.
- Friday, June 5: Last date to complete all SSP application materials.
International students:
- Thursday, April 16: Last date to complete all SSP application materials.
- Thursday, April 30: Last date for all I-20 requirements to be met (see the Summer School’s visa and I-20 information).
English language proficiency. College courses present a challenge to all students. Harvard Summer School courses are intensive and fast-paced, and most involve a great deal of reading and writing. This is why proficiency in English is an absolute necessity for SSP students. Applicants whose native language is not English, whether they are domestic or international students, must submit a TOEFL score with their application. (In some cases, however, a waiver to the TOEFL requirement may be granted. For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions.)
After you are admitted
- You may register for courses (registration begins Tuesday, February 17).
- Domestic students may apply for financial aid (before Thursday, April 30).
- International students must complete requirements for their I-20 (before April 30).
- Housing forms will be included with your admission packet.
- Full payment of tuition, room and board, and all other fees is due by Tuesday, May 26.
You may apply and register online or by mail only. Some forms cannot be completed online. Material sent by e-mail or fax cannot be accepted.
First apply, then register
Applying to the Secondary School Program and registering for Harvard Summer School courses are separate and distinct processes. Secondary school students who wish to study at Harvard in the summer must first apply to the Secondary School Program; once accepted, you can then register for the specific courses you wish to take. If you plan to live on campus you must enroll full time and carry an 8-credit academic load. If you are going to commute, or live off campus and take courses online you may enroll in just one 4-credit course, or carry an 8-credit load. High school students who have not been admitted to the Secondary School Program may not enroll in Harvard Summer School classes.
If you have been admitted to the program, you may register online or download registration forms for accepted SSP students.