This page contains content from the 2008–09 academic year. For current information, visit the Harvard Extension School website at www.extension.harvard.edu.
How to Register
To register for IEL courses you first take the English language placement test (if you did not take an IEL post-test in the previous term). Your placement test (or post-test) score includes your proficiency level (A-E). Once you know your test score, you register for IEL courses that are offered at your level.
Because course enrollment is limited, you are advised to take the earliest possible placement test and register online as soon as possible.
Follow the steps below. If you have post-test scores, begin with step 3.
Registration Steps
- Sign up for the placement test.
- Take the placement test.
- Check placement test or post-test score online.
- Register for IEL courses at the appropriate level.
- Refer to classroom and instructor information online for all courses for which you are registered.
- Sign up for the placement test.
Review the test schedule, and then reserve a seat online. You are advised to take the test as early as possible. There is no test fee. To reserve a seat online, go to the login page and follow the instructions for the Harvard English language placement test. January session students: you must take the placement test on Friday, December 5; Saturday, December 13; or Monday, January 5.
If you have difficulty reserving a seat online, call (617) 495-4024 for assistance, or visit the Information Services lobby at 51 Brattle Street, Mondays through Fridays, 9 am to 5 pm.
You may sign up for only one test. If you need to change your test date, you must first cancel your original reservation.
- Take the placement test.
Arrive at the test room at least 30 minutes before the start time. Bring photo identification and a copy of your test reservation page. The test takes approximately 2.5 hours.
- Check placement test or post-test score online.
Placement test and post-test scores are generally available online within five business days of the test. Log in to online services to view your score and proficiency level. If you need assistance, call (617) 495-4024.
- Register for IEL courses at the appropriate level.
Once you know your test score and proficiency level, you may register for courses that are offered at your level. See the IEL calendar for registration deadlines. January session students must register by January 7.
- Online registration. To register with a credit card or e-check, visit online services and log in. Call (617) 495-4024 for assistance.
- Mail-in registration. Complete the registration form (see Forms) and send it to 51 Brattle Street. You may also deliver a form or drop it in the 24-hour registration box inside the gate. Mail-in registration with supplementary materials is required for the January session course IEL E-46 Intensive English for Global Business.
- Waitlists. If there is a waitlist for the section you want, you may add yourself to the waitlist (a new section will be created when there are 10 students on the waitlist), or you may choose a different class that has no waitlist.
- Refer to classroom and instructor information online.
The Friday before classes begin, log in to online services to obtain the classroom and instructor information for the IEL courses for which you are registered. You may not attend the classes for which you are waitlisted. Select “Course Registration and Schedule” from the main menu, then select “View Course Schedule.” Call (617) 495-4024 for assistance.
Course Changes and Withdrawals
You may make course changes until the deadline if space is available. You may not change to a course at a different level unless your instructor requests it. For deadlines to withdraw from a course for a tuition refund and have the course removed from your records, refer to the IEL calendar.
Enrollment Policies
IEL students are subject to Extension School enrollment policies, including the University’s immunization regulations.