Harvard Extension School

I took a statistics class at the HES and I must say I enjoyed it. My classmates were from all over the world, instructor was very reasonable, professional, and knowledgeable. Definitely going to take more classes in the future.

The Extension School has left me with mixed emotions. On one hand, the school offers availability to top notch education, professors, and (restricted) resources. On the other, stigma and great prejudice towards HES students from both Harvard and the community. I often wonder whether or not I would start my education with HES again if given the chance to go back and decide. There's lots of pushback for HES student rights and accessibility to equal opportunity enjoyed by students from other schools at Harvard... All in all, choose very wisely before attending HES. All you see is all you get.

Wow, having a class even could be so good. Most of the classes I had in the past 30 years were boring. But these top Harvard professors make the classes into a different world. Also, I met several best TA in the world. Enjoyed a lot.

As others noted: Unmatched quality for the cost you pay. Getting my bachelor degree from HES was a life changing experience. Later I attended one of the Oxford's online programs, and it was not even close to the quality and challenge offered by Harvard Extension.

The extension school at Harvard is simply put, a hidden gem! I have now taken 5 courses at the Extension School, and I can convey with great sincerity the great rigor and learning that is involved. I would recommend anyone in doubt to shadow some of the free courses offered, such as David J. Malan's CS50, or Harry R. Lewis's 'Bits' course. There are many lifelong as well as global learners in the walls of Harvard. And the experience offered can not be measured in words.

Recently completed Advanced Writing in the Social Sciences with Janling Fu. Although my initial focus wasn't on food, the theme for the class, I was able to learn a lot about different cultural experiences and perspectives. The readings were a highlight. As I've been away from school for a long time, the revisiting of writing mechanics was an adjustment. Interacting with students in Munich and Norway was really cool. Class participation wasn't listed as contributing to the final grade, an oversight that should be addressed in my opinion. Also, I actually researched another topic and drafted a second paper for my own interest and benefit since you have access to Harvard Libraries online. My advice is to outline the readings, and become intimately familiar with mechanics of structure prior to writing assignments. Also, hone in on most helpful writing guides. Finally, plan to spend a great amount of time and energy if you take the intense seven-week course.

Fantastic school that goes to show that you don't need to be rich to go to Harvard-- you just need to be smart and / or determined. Great place for studying just about anything. Cambridge is amazing.