Does Harvard offer online classes for high school students?
I was wondering if anyone here knows whether Harvard has online classes that current high schoolers can take. I'm a rising senior interested in taking some college-level courses over the summer to challenge myself a bit more academically and possibly strengthen my college application.
I've heard about Harvard Extension School and also some pre-college programs, but I'm not really clear on what is available online these days, especially since some schools have changed their formats since the pandemic. Do any of you have experience with Harvard's online courses for high school students? How competitive are they, and do they offer credits or certificates? Would love any info or personal experiences with these courses!
I've heard about Harvard Extension School and also some pre-college programs, but I'm not really clear on what is available online these days, especially since some schools have changed their formats since the pandemic. Do any of you have experience with Harvard's online courses for high school students? How competitive are they, and do they offer credits or certificates? Would love any info or personal experiences with these courses!
6 months ago
•
66 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Harvard does offer several online options for high school students interested in taking college-level courses. The primary programs to look at are the Harvard Pre-College Program and the Harvard Extension School’s Secondary School Program (SSP).
The Pre-College Program is typically aimed at rising juniors and seniors and runs for two weeks over the summer. While this program is mostly known for its on-campus experience, in recent years Harvard has offered online options for some courses due to increased demand and flexibility. Each class is quite immersive and taught by Harvard instructors. Although you don’t receive college credit for the Pre-College Program, you do earn a certificate of completion, and it’s a great way to experience the rigors of Harvard-level coursework.
A better option for earning credits is the Secondary School Program through the Harvard Extension School. This program allows high school students to enroll in actual Harvard Extension School courses—many of which are offered online—in a range of subjects like science, math, humanities, and more. If you complete these courses, you receive Harvard credits and a transcript, which can be a strong addition to your college application. For example, in the summer, students might take online classes in subjects like Calculus, Psychology, or Programming.
In terms of competitiveness, these programs do require an application, which usually involves academic transcripts, a personal statement, and sometimes a recommendation. They are selective, but not as competitive as undergraduate admissions. The emphasis is often placed on your motivation and readiness for college-level work. Cost is another consideration—these programs can be expensive, but financial aid is available in some cases.
If you’re interested in enrolling, start by checking the Harvard Summer School website to review the most up-to-date options for online enrollment, course lists, deadlines, and requirements. Many students find these courses both academically stimulating and helpful for exploring their interests before college. Taking a course and mentioning a specific experience or project from it can also add depth to your college essays and applications.
For example, a student who took an online bioethics course through the SSP found it shaped their decision to pursue healthcare policy in college and mentioned this in their application, which admissions officers often see as a sign of intellectual curiosity. Good luck as you explore these options!
The Pre-College Program is typically aimed at rising juniors and seniors and runs for two weeks over the summer. While this program is mostly known for its on-campus experience, in recent years Harvard has offered online options for some courses due to increased demand and flexibility. Each class is quite immersive and taught by Harvard instructors. Although you don’t receive college credit for the Pre-College Program, you do earn a certificate of completion, and it’s a great way to experience the rigors of Harvard-level coursework.
A better option for earning credits is the Secondary School Program through the Harvard Extension School. This program allows high school students to enroll in actual Harvard Extension School courses—many of which are offered online—in a range of subjects like science, math, humanities, and more. If you complete these courses, you receive Harvard credits and a transcript, which can be a strong addition to your college application. For example, in the summer, students might take online classes in subjects like Calculus, Psychology, or Programming.
In terms of competitiveness, these programs do require an application, which usually involves academic transcripts, a personal statement, and sometimes a recommendation. They are selective, but not as competitive as undergraduate admissions. The emphasis is often placed on your motivation and readiness for college-level work. Cost is another consideration—these programs can be expensive, but financial aid is available in some cases.
If you’re interested in enrolling, start by checking the Harvard Summer School website to review the most up-to-date options for online enrollment, course lists, deadlines, and requirements. Many students find these courses both academically stimulating and helpful for exploring their interests before college. Taking a course and mentioning a specific experience or project from it can also add depth to your college essays and applications.
For example, a student who took an online bioethics course through the SSP found it shaped their decision to pursue healthcare policy in college and mentioned this in their application, which admissions officers often see as a sign of intellectual curiosity. Good luck as you explore these options!
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years