Register now
- Already admitted to the program?
- Find courses via the SSP course search.
- Register for courses through May 21.
- Request housing no later than May 21.
What our students say
Coming to Harvard this past summer was one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself. The opportunities presented to me were simply amazing.
— Lorraine Chu, SSP ’09
SSPeaking about
In this video, a parent shares advice for students
SSPeaking about
A student shares advice for parents in this video
Admission and Getting Started
Attention applicants: we are waitlisting all SSP applicants requiring on-campus housing who complete their application beginning April 20. Therefore, we do not advise any applicant wishing to reside on campus to begin an application. We remain able to accommodate qualified applicants living in the Boston and Cambridge area who can commute to classes.
The admissions committee looks for mature, academically motivated students who will graduate from high school and enter college in 2012, 2013, or 2014. You can apply to either the Secondary School Program (SSP) or the Secondary School Intensive English Language Program (SIEL).
Key application dates
Apply early and ensure all application materials are received as soon as possible. Because enrollment is limited, some students may be placed on a waiting list.
- Thursday, December 8: Application period begins.
- Mid-February: We begin reviewing applications and informing students of decisions by e-mail. Thereafter, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and students are informed of a decision within 2 weeks.
- Wednesday, March 21: If you will apply for financial aid, complete the Secondary School Program application by this date.
- Wednesday, April 11: International students, complete your application by this date. See the international student instructions.
Be sure to check the program calendar for other important dates.
How to apply
Step 1: Complete the online application
Most of the application can be completed online. Supplemental materials must be mailed. All application materials must be written in English or translated into English.
- Complete the SSP application.
- Complete the SIEL application.
Step 2: Send in your supplemental materials
The following materials must be submitted for your application to be reviewed (they cannot be e-mailed or faxed):
- Writing sample. Send in an essay in English that has been reviewed and graded by one of your teachers. Your essay can be on any topic. Poems, short stories, or lab reports cannot be substituted.
- Teacher report (SSP only). If you did not e-mail this person through the online application, give the paper form to one of your teachers from the current academic year, along with a stamped, addressed envelope. If your primary language is not English, you must have your English teacher complete this form.
- Counselor report. If you did not e-mail this person through the online application, complete the applicant section on the paper form and give it and a stamped, addressed envelope to your advisor, guidance counselor, or school head to complete.
- Transcripts. Remind your counselor to submit a complete transcript with your current grades, in English, with the counselor report.
- The IELTS or TOEFL score if your primary language is not English. Take the TOEFL or IELTS early, even if you plan to apply to the SIEL program. For information, refer to the ETS-TOEFL or IELTS websites. The Harvard Summer School institution code is 8578.
Step 3: Track your application progress
You can track the receipt of your application materials after the application period begins and you have completed and sent in your online application.
Admission forms and materials take up to 2 weeks to be logged in the database. Please do not call the SSP office and ask whether we have received your materials. Delivery of mail can be delayed, as can the data-entry process.
Once admitted, complete these steps as soon as possible
- Request housing if you plan to live on campus (housing is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis).
- Register for your selected courses (courses with limited enrollment fill quickly).
- Pay in full.
Complete these steps right away. If you have not completed these steps by May 21, you will be withdrawn from the program.
See the admitted students to-do list for a complete description of these next steps.
