Summer Study Abroad Programs - Harvard Summer School (2024)

FAQs

Does going to Harvard Summer School help you get into Harvard? ›

No. However, attending Harvard Summer School and performing well will strengthen your application to any college or university. Additionally, the Pre-College Program offers many opportunities designed to help you navigate the college application process and enhance your performance in a college setting.

In conclusion, there are a lot of potential benefits to Harvard Summer School – even though there are some cons as well. On the question of whether you should do it, it ultimately boils down to your position in accessing it, and whether you'll be able to share your experience and find valuable insights from it.

A short-term study program is a fantastic opportunity to travel and earn academic credits in a short period of time. Whether you study abroad at a local university for the summer or learn a language with a host family, there are many personal and academic benefits to be gained from a short-term study abroad program.

Harvard students travel with the benefit of exceptional support. From preparation prior to your departure and on-the-ground resources, to funding support and academic advising, students can be confident that their experience will be rewarding and valuable.

In particular, Ivy League summer programs for high schoolers help students prepare for college and beyond by introducing them to real ongoing research, connecting them with Ivy League professors, and helping them find their passions.

The Harvard Summer School Program (SSP) is somewhat competitive but not as selective as some other pre-college programs or as selective as Harvard undergraduate admissions.

Academics. Each summer, more than 5,000 students arrive from across the U.S. and more than 100 foreign countries. Students from American and foreign universities often enroll in the school to study for seven weeks with Harvard faculty as well as visiting scholars from other institutions.

Transfer Credit and Accreditation

Many institutions accept transfer credit from Harvard Summer School, which is fully accredited.

While attending a college's pre-college program does not give you an automatic “in” that school, it does show colleges that you are serious about taking the next step to higher education. The experts agree: summer programs can make a meaningful and positive impact on your college applications.

And the answer is quite easily, actually! And spoiler alert: yes, study abroad looks very good on college applications.

Does a study abroad program look good on resume? ›

But did you know that study abroad is also good for your resume? It so is. Study abroad is a GREAT way to highlight your personal achievements and set you apart from the competition – no matter your major/minor or career path.

Individuals who have spent time overseas, like for study abroad, tend to get hired faster and earn more than peers without international experience. The transferrable skills gained while abroad such as communication and problem solving are especially attractive to employers in the current job market.

By the Numbers

Over all, about 60 percent of students will partake in an international experience of some kind during their time at Harvard.

All students are considered in the same pool for all places in the incoming class, regardless of citizenship or the secondary school they attend. A student's chances for admission and financial aid are not affected by citizenship or by the location of the school that the student attends.

Because this school is extremely selective, getting a high SAT/ACT score and GPA is vital to having a chance at getting in. If you don't pass their SAT/ACT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration.

Harvard Summer School offers courses that count for Harvard College degree credit within the 7-week session, from June 24 to August 9, 2024, and the 4-week session — from July 14 to August 9, 2024.

Are my chances of admission enhanced if a relative has attended Harvard? The application process is the same for all candidates. Among a group of similarly distinguished applicants, the children of Harvard College alumni/ae may receive an additional look.

Each summer, more than 5,000 students arrive from across the U.S. and more than 100 foreign countries. Students from American and foreign universities often enroll in the school to study for seven weeks with Harvard faculty as well as visiting scholars from other institutions.