Everything you should know about Harvard Extension School’s acceptance rate

The Harvard Extension School offers a unique path to earning a degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Unlike traditional Harvard programs that are known for their extreme selectiveness, the Extension School follows a different approach, allowing students to “earn their way in.” This means anyone can take the first few courses to prove their abilities, and if they do well, they can continue with the program. While the Extension School has a 100% acceptance rate for those initial courses, the real challenge is completing the full degree program—something that only a small percentage of students manage to do.

One student’s journey through this program provides an insightful perspective on what it’s like to pursue a degree at the Harvard Extension School, including the challenges, rewards, and surprising realities of the experience. Over the course of a year and a half, this student earned a Master’s in Liberal Arts with a focus on Finance. Though not a traditional Harvard experience, the program offers students a flexible, hybrid learning environment that mixes online coursework with on-campus summer classes for a precapstone project in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the acceptance rate of the Harvard Extension School, how the admissions process works, and what it really looks like once you’re inside.

*Image: Harvard Extension School graduates. Source: Official website of HES*

Acceptance Rate: The Reality of Harvard Extension School Applications

Let’s clear something up once and for all: choosing the online Master’s of Liberal arts programs at Harvard Extension School (HES) is not an easy path to a Harvard degree. The notion that anyone can just walk in without demonstrating the ability to succeed is pure nonsense. Here’s the deal: The only way to get into Harvard Extension School is to prove you can handle the work. There are no legacy preferences. No backdoor admissions based on donations or connections. You can’t buy your way in. The admissions process is as rigorous as it gets—you earn your place.

If you can handle the academic demands—whether it’s in-person or online—then you’re in. If not, you’re out. In fact, about only a very very small (undisclosed) percentage in a single digit (shared by an alumni), of those who begin the program actually make it to graduation. That’s a selective process in its own right, and it ensures that only those who are serious about their education, and have the work ethic to back it up, make it through to the finish line.

So, when people try to diminish the quality of an HES degree, claiming it’s “easier” than other Harvard programs, they’re truly misinformed. The truth is, HES graduates put in the same amount of work as students from other Harvard schools—they just do it as part-time students, often while balancing careers and personal lives.

HES isn’t a “back door” to a Harvard degree. At Harvard Extension School, you get in because you can do the work, and nothing else. So the next time someone dismisses your Harvard Extension degree, remind them that it’s not just a credential; it’s actually a testament to the effort and commitment you’ve put in to prove that you belong.

Admissions of Graduate Online Master’s at Harvard Extension School

The admissions process for the online master’s degrees at Harvard Extension School is unique compared to traditional graduate programs. Unlike many schools that rely heavily on standardized test scores and previous academic records, Harvard’s Extension School offers an approach which allows students to prove their abilities through coursework before formally applying for admission. Harvard Extension School offers a Masters in Liberal Arts for the majority of its online Master’s degrees and, also, Graduate certificates in a number of disciplines.

The admission process works in the following manner:

Check Your Eligibility to Enroll in Courses Toward the Degree

Before you can apply to a graduate program at the Harvard Extension School, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include:

Bachelor’s Degree: You must have a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent from a regionally accredited institution.
Alternative Admission Pathways: If you’ve earned credentials like the Harvard Business School Online CORe (Credential of Readiness) or the MITx MicroMasters, you may be able to use these credentials to bypass some of the formal application steps, though you’ll need to first apply through those programs separately.

Complete Degree Courses for Admission

At Harvard Extension School, the application process begins with coursework. Here’s how to qualify for admission:

Take Prerequisite Courses: You’ll need to register for and complete the required graduate-level courses for your intended degree program. Each field of study has specific courses that act as prerequisites for admission.
Achieve the Minimum Grade Requirements: You must earn a grade of B or higher in the prerequisite courses. In some cases, you may be limited to two attempts to achieve this grade. Failure to meet the grade requirement could disqualify you from applying to the program.
Maintain a 3.0 GPA: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (equivalent to a B average) is required from all Harvard Extension courses you take. If you don’t meet this requirement, you will need to reapply after improving your grades.

Gather Your Supplementary Materials

Before you can submit your application, you should prepare the necessary documents to ensure a smooth process:

Transcripts: You’ll need to provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you’ve attended.
Resume: Update your resume to reflect your current professional experience, skills, and education.
Essays: You will need to submit two short essays (250 words each) that provide insight into your academic history and career goals. The essays are an important part of your application, giving the admissions team a better understanding of your motivations.

Submit Your Application

Once you have completed the prerequisite courses and gathered your materials, you can begin the application process. There are three application windows per year, and you can apply once you’ve completed your final required course(s).

Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $100 is required to submit your application. If you delay submitting your application past the two-year deadline after completing your required coursework, you may incur an additional $300 fee.
Application Portal: You’ll submit your application online via the Harvard Extension School portal, MyDCE. Make sure to follow the deadlines and instructions carefully.

Application Review and Admission Decision

After submitting your application, it will go through a review process. The admissions office will assess the following:

Academic Standing: You must be in good academic standing at both Harvard Extension School and any previous institutions you’ve attended.
Disciplinary Records: Your application will be reviewed for any disciplinary issues or violations of academic integrity, both at Harvard and other institutions.

The final decision will be posted in the application portal. If you’re admitted, you’ll be able to continue your studies toward your graduate degree at Harvard Extension School.

Things to Consider while Applying

Course Expiration Policy: Be aware that courses older than five years will not count toward your degree, so it’s essential to apply for admission within a reasonable time frame after completing your required courses.
Timely Application: Submitting your application promptly, ideally when you’re completing your last required course, is crucial. Delayed applications can result in additional fees and the possibility of losing credit for courses that may expire.

What is it like at Harvard Extension School (HES)? Insights from ALM Graduates

Completing a degree at Harvard Extension School (HES) is no small feat. It demands significant dedication, intellectual curiosity, and self-discipline. While the experience is challenging, many graduates from the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) programs reflect on their journeys with a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. Here’s what it’s really like from their perspective:

A rigorously rewarding experience

According to several ALM graduates, the academic expectations at HES are rigorous, but this intensity is part of what makes the experience so fulfilling. Josh Drean (ALM Management) notes that getting into the program requires overcoming difficult entry-level courses that demand a high standard of work. Once you’re accepted, however, you gain access to Harvard’s vast resources, which can significantly enhance your educational and professional development. The key is perseverance: “Work hard to complete the first courses to get accepted,” says Josh, highlighting the importance of setting yourself up for success from the very beginning.

A Supportive Community

Despite the challenges, students at HES are never alone. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie within the student body. Graduates like Andrew Almazan (ALM Psychology) emphasize the importance of getting involved in the community and seeking help when needed. He shares, “Never be afraid of reaching out to the faculty and classmates, as their community is really supportive.” This network of peers and professors plays a vital role in making the demanding experience more manageable and enriching.

Tamarah Rockwood (ALM Creative Writing and Literature) echoes this sentiment, advising students to “take each day as a new day” and be patient with themselves. The workload can be overwhelming at times, but taking the time to engage with the community and ask for help can make a world of difference.

Opportunity to grow and explore

HES is not just a place to earn a degree; it’s an environment ripe for personal and academic growth. Marilena Dania (ALM Psychology) recommends collaborating with fellow students and taking full advantage of the diverse perspectives around you. “You will be surrounded by extraordinary people with incredible ideas,” she says. Engaging in collaborative projects and discussions can deepen your understanding and lead to meaningful connections.

For those in specialized fields like software engineering or sustainability, there’s ample opportunity to explore new ideas. Jelena Dowey (ALM Software Engineering) encourages students to pace themselves and explore beyond the standard curriculum. By balancing your course load, she suggests, you can dive deeper into areas of personal interest and make your learning experience even more enriching.

Preparing for Challenges and Setbacks

While the experience at HES is rewarding, it’s also full of challenges that may require students to step outside their comfort zones. Bradley Ashton Thomas (ALM Sustainability) advises, “Be prepared to take on a challenge that may not be something you are familiar with.” These moments of discomfort, he adds, are often where the most growth happens. And even when you fail, failure isn’t the end—“failure is temporary,” Bradley points out, and what you learn from it often becomes the foundation for future success.

Enjoy the journey alongside the milestones

For many students, completing their degree at HES is a monumental achievement. Jasmine Robinson (ALM Digital Media Design) advises future graduates to savor every moment, especially during Commencement week. “It is a monumental self-achievement,” she says, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the hard work and perseverance that led to graduation. The memories of that moment, she suggests, will stay with you for a lifetime.