This page contains content from the 2007–08 academic year. For current information, visit the Harvard Extension School website at www.extension.harvard.edu.
Getting Started
I felt privileged to be part of a community of professors, advisors, and students committed to excellence and high academic standards. This environment inspired me to seek the very best in myself, and with the support of my mentors I have achieved a lofty goal!
—Jacqueline Ann Pimentel, ALB ’06
To be admitted to the AA or ALB Program you must first
- earn a B− or higher in three courses taken at Harvard Extension School.
- earn a C− or higher in EXPO E-25 or a B− or higher in EXPO S-20 at Harvard Summer School (if you complete EXPO E-25 with at least a B− you may count it as one of the three courses required for admission).
The following four steps can help you get started.
Four Easy Steps
- STEP 1: Take expository writing.
- STEP 2: Choose your courses for admission.
- STEP 3: Prepare to succeed.
- STEP 4: Apply to the program.
STEP 1: Take EXPO E-25 or EXPO S-20
EXPO E-25 (or EXPO S-20 in the Harvard Summer School) helps prepare you for academic writing tasks in future courses. See Enrolling in Expository Writing.
STEP 2: Choose your courses for admission.
You can take up to four courses in one semester, but we recommend students take just one course first, perhaps EXPO E-25, then take two courses in the following semester. You can always take more than one or two courses in subsequent semesters, once you have a better sense of the workload and time commitment involved. It is far better to start slowly and do well than to overload yourself and perform below your potential. All three prerequisite courses count toward the AA and ALB degrees.
If you wish to begin your studies online, see Undergraduate Distance Education.
See Choosing Courses for more suggestions about determining which course will be a good fit for you.
STEP 3: Prepare to succeed.
Read through the syllabus for each of your courses, buy your books early (most books are available at the Harvard Coop), and start reading before you begin classes. Being familiar with the course content and completing the first assignment make for an easy transition to Harvard.
Review the calendar for the registration and withdrawal deadlines, and understand the consequences of withdrawing (see Academic Standing).
See Resources for student services offered to support your academic success.
STEP 4: Apply to the program.
You should submit the undergraduate application during the term you anticipate completing EXPO E-25 or EXPO S-20 and all other admission requirements. (See Application Procedures for deadlines.) If pertinent, also complete and review the financial aid section and submit any necessary materials.
Once your application is complete, we send you an acceptance letter with an admission packet. This is the final step—once you receive this, you’re an officially admitted AA or ALB candidate. Congratulations!
