I’ve seen that link, and registered for the test on the 8th. When I saw the date range, however, I decided there was no need to rush into it, and started looking around to see what I could find out about the test, so I might have an idea about what to expect and how to prepare. If you come back to this blog after you take the test, I’d be curious to know what your experience was, score or no! That could help me know how to prepare myself. (I’ve been out of school for so long, I feel so rusty!) Thanks.

And good luck with the test!

I will be taking the exam this week, however, the HES website under placement tests says anyone taking the exam beginning June 7th – July 18th (the earliest dates to take the exam), the score will be posted no earlier than July 23rd. Then, upon receiving a score, one’s “registration is processed within a week” after July 18th (if taken during that period). So, according to the website, nobody will be able to see their score until that date, although I am really excited to know my score!

Here is the link I found (just for the sake of it all): http://www.extension.harvard.edu/register/guidelines/placement.jsp

Have you taken the exam yet? I, too, am getting ready to take it and haven’t been in any college writing for a few years. I’d love to hear your comments. Thanks!

Once again, thank you for all of your dedication of this blog.
Paul.

I transferred my credits from my AS. They took all 64 credits. However, they will only accept credits from courses that you got a C or better in. I graduated with my AS with honors, so that was never an issue for me as all my courses were B or better.

The only issue you may have is if you are transferring a course that is part of the CORE for your area of study. In other words, if took a computer science course and got a C or better, they will accept the credits, but it won’t apply as part of your computer science CORE in your field of concentration. You get the credit, but you may have to take the Harvard equivalent for it to count as core. HES has advisers you can speak to over the phone who will review your transcripts and tell you what you will get credit for and not. They will then help you with course selection to make sure you are taking what you need to get your degree.

I am currently attending HES and pursuing my ALB.

I would like to try and answer some of your questions.

Question 1: Rules for Writers, Diana Hacker, Sixth Edition is the textbook we use in E-25. The entrance exam gave us a passage from Emerson’s American Scholar. There were three parts to the test. The first part (estimate about 15 -20 minutes) asks you to perform a “close reading” of the passage. There is a section in Hacker’s text book that explains what that means. Then you are asked after performing the close reading to answer a series of multiple choice questions. This part is tricky, as the questions are designed to see if you understand in detail the concepts the author is trying to convey. It will ask questions about “when Emerson says … which most accurately reflects his thoughts” and give you 4 choices which are all quite similar, but only one is the MOST accurate. This part took me about 20 minutes to complete. The test actually recommends that you reserve 20 minutes for the writing portion. The final part is the essay. You are posed with two questions and you must write a standard 5 paragraph short essay responding to one of the questions. Your essay should have all the normal stuff in it (see Hacker) your thesis should be clearly stated in the first paragraph, your paragraphs should transition well, your second paragraph should analyse and suggest what about the passage helped you form your thesis, your third paragraph should be your postulation, and your four paragraph should provide supporting evidence to your argument, and your final paragraph should be your conclusion and closing statement. I would suggest spending 15 minutes writing and reserve at least 5 minutes for proofreading.

Question 3: Yes, you do need to attend SOME courses on campus. How many depends on what degree program you are in. There is also a requirement that a certain number of credits are from courses taught by Harvard professors. All the details are on the website.

Question 4: I have not graduated yet. However, I can tell you that SO FAR in my experience, I have been welcomed with open arms all across the campus. I attend sporting events, go to the pub on campus, have been welcomed at the Harvard Club, and have not met anyone that hasn’t been friendly or supportive. I have met many Harvard College students as some of the courses are mixed and offered to both. Funny thing is that I have gotten a few of the HC students in my classes who have asked me for help so that is a boost to my ego as well. The professors I spoken to so far, have all said they love having HES students in their classes as many HES students contribute more, bring life experience, and work harder than many of the HC students.

I know there are many sites where people seem to dismiss HES due to the open enrollment, but if you notice, very few of the negative comments come from HC students or alumni. Most of the negative comments are made by parents who have kids attending the college, or people who have a bone to pick with the Ivy league schools probably due to being snubbed. Most of their arguments are flawed, riddled with falsehoods or based on the few bad apples that may have surfaced which is of course true for ANY university. Its just the name Harvard makes interesting press.

You are definitely getting a Harvard education, and your social experience is only what you make of it.

The goal of a resume is to get you in for an interview. Having Harvard University Extension School on your resume will definitely help lift you to the top of the pile.

Question 1: Can you recommend a text book for preparation of Expo E25 entrance exam into Harvard’s extension program?

Question 2: I will be transferring 48 liberal arts credits from University of MD. I am seeking a concentration in a Multimedia Creative Arts, Interactive Media Design, Graphic Design, Animation and the like. Do you think HES could be a good fit for me?

Question 3: In order to receive a degree from Harvard do I need to take on campus classes and if so how many? I too am from D.C.
Question 4: Did you graduate yet and how has this program helped your career and what do you do for a living? And has any of the alumni services helped you in your career?

Sorry for so many questions.
Thanks again for all the time you put into this great blog.

I transferred 64 credits into HES. You should check into it.

Sang