Academics
Secondary
school students who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors take college courses
for college credit. They choose from among 200 Harvard Summer School courses in
45 liberal arts fields. Many courses are taught by Harvard faculty who teach
the same courses to Harvard undergraduates during the academic year. Credits
earned are recorded on an official Harvard transcript and are transferable
toward a future undergraduate degree at most colleges and universities.
Eight-Week Session
June 23–August 17
The traditional summer session at Harvard is eight weeks, and most courses open to SSP students during this session meet for seven weeks, with the eighth week reserved for final exams. SSP students residing on campus enroll for a letter grade in either two concurrent 4-credit courses or one 8-credit course. Students who live with relatives in the Boston area and apply as commuters may enroll in either 4 or 8 credits for a letter grade.
Four-Week Sessions
Short session I: June 23–July 20
Short session II: July 22–August 17
The eight-week summer session is also divided into two four-week periods, short session I and short session II. A limited number of 4-credit courses are offered to SSP students in this intensive and convenient four-week format. See the list of available short session courses.
Courseload Options
The rules governing a secondary school student’s courseload options differ according to whether the student is residing on campus or commuting.
Students residing on campus have four options:
- Take two 4-credit courses over eight weeks
- Take one 8-credit course over eight weeks
- Take one 4-credit course during a four-week session
- Take two 4-credit four-week courses, one each in session I and session II
Commuting students have five options. In addition to the four options listed above, they may enroll in just one 4-credit, eight-week course if they wish.
Academic Advising
The SSP staff is available throughout the registration period to help students select courses that are right for them. Once students arrive on campus and classes begin, students may “shop” courses—that is, attend any class they may wish to add during the drop/add period. SSP assistant deans are available to counsel students and help them choose the best classes.
Academic Support
Proctors live in the dorms and advise students on all manner of issues—including academics. SSP tutors are also proctors and are specially selected and trained. They offer subject-specific tutoring, help students locate Summer School resources, hold open office hours and review sessions, and organize study groups. Faculty and teaching fellows make themselves available by scheduling appointments with students as well as holding open office hours.
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