See also
Common questions
- Do I have to take the TOEFL?
- How do you define full-time academic status?
- See other Frequently Asked Questions
Tasks for SIEL students
It is important to complete these tasks as soon as possible because space in the program is limited:
- Complete the SIEL application
- If accepted: complete I-20 requirements, request housing, and pay in full
Secondary School Intensive English Language Program (SIEL)
June 23–August 10, 2012
The Secondary School Intensive English Language Program (SIEL) is a selective 7-week program open to students who will graduate in 2012, 2013, or 2014 and who are already rather fluent in English.
The program prepares you to master many of the methods used in American universities. In SIEL classes you analyze and produce academic work in English: in doing so, you develop a wide and sophisticated vocabulary and improve your use of English in group and individual research projects that involve formal writing, oral presentations, and seminar discussions about scholarly papers, novels, and other forms of contemporary literature. Information is presented in English in different formats on the themes of education, politics, and the environment to guide oral and written work related to the common theme of the IEL summer school programs.
As a student in this program, you are part of the Secondary School Program. You live on campus with other high school students and can participate in Activities and College Prep.
This is a zero-absence program, so you need to arrive in Cambridge in time to take the placement test and be present for all classes until the completion of the post-test on the last day of summer school.
A typical day
Class schedule: Mondays–Fridays, 8–10 am and 1–3 pm. See the calendar below for important dates.
Morning. Each weekday, before class begins at 8 am, you can enjoy your morning meal with fellow students in Annenberg Hall.
Lunchtime. Your class breaks for lunch from 10 am to 1 pm. You may eat in the dining hall, relax with friends in Harvard Yard, or study in Lamont Library.
Afternoon and evening. Class meets again from 1 to 3 pm. After class, you will have time for studying, exercising, socializing, and exploring. You return to the dining hall for your evening meal. Please note that a great deal of homework will be assigned every day.
Weekly activities. Once a week, you and other SIEL students attend a lecture by a Harvard professor or visit a local site of academic and cultural importance. Each Friday, you join other IEL students at a plenary lecture and discussion session led by a Harvard professor.
Application
You can apply online. Learn how to apply.
Program cost
| Application fee (nonrefundable) | $50 | |
| Course tuition | $5,400 | |
| On-campus housing (room and board) | $4,775 | |
| Health insurance | $195 |
|
SIEL Calendar
| Application period begins | December |
| Admission period begins | mid-February |
Request housing |
beginning March 1 |
| Admission period ends Last date to complete SIEL application | April 11 |
| Last date to complete I-20 requirements | May 7 |
| Full payment/registration deadline Students must be paid in full by this date or they will be withdrawn from the program | May 21 |
Once admitted, and have requested housing and completed I-20 requirements, SIEL students must complete and submit forms related to rules, medical information, proof of immunization, and (if applicable) accommodations due to a disability.
Other important dates for SIEL students
| Disability Services request deadline | May 21 |
| Immunization requirement deadline | May 29 |
| ID card photo upload deadline | May 29 |
| Residence buildings open; students arrive and check in | June 23 |
| English language placement test* | June 24 |
| Activities fair | June 24 |
| Orientation meetings | June 24 |
| Classes begin | June 25 |
| Health insurance waiver deadline | June 28 |
| Drop for 100% tuition refund | through June 28 |
| Post tests | August 10 |
| Residence buildings close | August 11 |
*If you are in Cambridge before Opening Weekend, you may take the English language placement test on one of the following earlier dates:
- Wednesday, March 14
- Saturday, April 7
- Tuesday, May 15
- Tuesday, June 12
Once admitted, complete these steps as soon as possible
- Request housing (housing is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Complete all I-20 requirements by May 7
- Pay in full
Complete these steps right away. If you have not requested housing and paid in full by May 21, you will be withdrawn from the program.
