This site is an archive. See the current website at www.extension.harvard.edu.

English Language

This page contains content from the 2008–09 academic year. For current information, visit the Harvard Extension School website at www.extension.harvard.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Placement

Registration and Requirements

Resources

Placement

I have a TOEFL score; do I need to take the Harvard English language placement test to be placed in an IEL course?

Yes. The Harvard English language placement test is mandatory for registration in an IEL course unless you have taken the post-test in an IEL course in the previous term. The test determines the courses for which you may register.

I was not enrolled in a Summer School 2008 IEL course, but I took the spring term 2008 Harvard placement test. Do I have to take a fall term placement test?

Yes. All students who did not take a post-test in a Summer School 2008 IEL course must take a fall term placement test.

How should I prepare for the English language placement test?

The test determines your current level of proficiency. There is no need to prepare because it is a test of what you already know.

What is the format of the test?

The test consists of four parts: listening comprehension, structure and usage, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Additionally, during the first week of class, your IEL instructor will gauge your writing and speaking proficiencies based on classroom assignments.

Which placement test should I take?

Take the earliest placement test possible because enrollment in IEL courses is limited. You may take the placement test only once for each term. Please note that if you are registering for a January session course, you must take the placement test on Friday, December 5; Saturday, December 13; or Monday, January, 5.

How do I sign up for the placement test?

You must reserve a seat for the test online. See How to Register.

How will I find out my placement test score?

You may view your score online within five days of taking the test. To view your score, log in to online services with your DCE ID number and PIN. If you forget your DCE ID or PIN, you may request it at the login page.
Back to top

Registration and Requirements

How will I find out my classroom?

You may view your classroom online by logging into online services the Friday before classes begin. Select “Course Registration and Schedule” from the main menu, and then select “View Course Schedule.”

I would like to change my course level; what do I need to do?

You cannot change your course level. Register for a course at your assigned level and attend the first class meeting. The instructor will determine if a level change is needed. Only instructors can make level change decisions.

When are the last days I can drop my IEL course for a refund?

See the IEL calendar for withdrawal dates.

If I drop my IEL course by a refund deadline will it remain on my permanent Harvard Division of Continuing Education (DCE) academic record?

Courses dropped for a full-tuition refund are removed from your permanent Division of Continuing Education (DCE) academic record.

Will I receive a final grade for my IEL course?

Because IEL courses are noncredit, there are no final grades. Instead, each student is assigned one of the following notations that apply only to IEL courses: AR (met all requirements), MR (met most requirements), or NM (requirements not met). The notation remains on your permanent DCE record and is included on your DCE transcript. See IEL Notations for more information.

If I discover that I am unable to keep up with my class or attend regularly after the deadline to receive a refund, can I avoid receiving a “requirements not met” notation?

If you submit a request to withdraw from an IEL course by the withdrawal deadline for no tuition refund and a WN grade, you will receive a withdrawal notation for that course. If you receive this notation, you are not assigned any other notation for the course.

How many absences am I allowed to have during the term?

None.
Back to top

Resources

How can I get a visa in order to participate in IEL courses?

Only the IEL students admitted to the Diploma in English for Graduate and Professional Studies Program (DGP) are eligible to receive an I-20 for an F-1 student visa in the fall or spring terms. See International Students.

How can I apply for financial aid or a scholarship?

The Harvard Extension School does not offer financial aid or scholarships to IEL students. Full tuition and the nonrefundable registration fee must be paid when you register.

Does Harvard Extension School offer housing on campus?

No. On-campus housing is not available to any Extension School students. Housing is available to IEL students enrolled in the intensive programs at Harvard Summer School.

I need a computer account. How can I apply for one?

All Extension School students are eligible for computer accounts and access to the computing resources in the Science Center and at 53 Church Street. For instructions on activating an account, see Computer Services.

I would like to use the Harvard libraries.

All Extension School students may use the Grossman Library on the third floor of Sever Hall. Access cards are also available for the Phillips Reading Room in Widener Library, the Baker Library at Harvard Business School, and the Countway Library at Harvard Medical School. For further information, see Libraries.

I would like to have a picture ID card.

In the Extension School, only students who are admitted to a diploma, certificate, or degree program receive a picture ID card.

I would like to apply for the Diploma in English for Graduate and Professional Studies (DGP). What do I have to do?

See Diploma Program for application guidelines.
Back to top