Admitted Pre-College Program Students

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Pre-College Overview & Expectations

• Pre-College courses meet in person for three hours each weekday and you can expect two to four hours of homework each day.
• Courses cover nearly a semester of material in 2-weeks and focus on learning for learning’s sake.
• You must attend and participate in every class in its entirety, submit all assignments on time, and perform at a satisfactory level to receive a passing grade of “Met all requirements” (AR).
• Learning happens inside and outside of the classroom through our Pre-College Passport Program. You have the opportunity to select from dozens of co-curricular activities to ensure you have a well-rounded experience.
• To stay focused in this academic residential program, please refrain from participating in any outside activities or responsibilities.

Upcoming Deadlines

Please see the full Pre-College Program Calendar for all important deadlines.

Materials	Session I Deadline	Session II Deadline	Session III Deadline
Submit immunization documents You may be dropped from courses, even after classes begin, if you do not upload your documentation.	Submit proof to HUHS within 14 days of registering	Submit proof to HUHS within 14 days of registering	Submit proof to HUHS within 14 days of registering
Submit medical history and consent form	Submit proof to HUHS within 14 days of registering	Submit proof to HUHS within 14 days of registering	Submit proof to HUHS within 14 days of registering
Course registration deadline Last day to register for courses and pay your balance in full. Late registration is not permitted after this date.	Monday, June 2 Payment due at time of registration	Monday, June 2 Payment due at time of registration	Monday, June 2 Payment due at time of registration
Last day to drop courses for 50% program fee refund Course drops require Pre-College staff approval after April 28. Students are unable to drop courses online and must complete the course change form.	Monday, June 9	Monday, June 23	Monday, July 7
Student and Family Orientation This virtual orientation is for all Pre-College sessions and will be recorded. Students are required to attend or view the recording afterward. Zoom information will be emailed to students on June 11.	Wednesday, June 11, 7 – 8 p.m. ET	Wednesday, June 11, 7 – 8 p.m. ET	Wednesday, June 11, 7 – 8 p.m. ET
Pre-College Passport Events Sign Up Students are required to sign up and attend two events in each of the following categories: Academic Exploration, College Readiness, Social and Residential, Trips and Recreation. Admission events are optional.	Wednesday, June 11 – Wednesday, June 18	Wednesday, June 25 – Wednesday, July 2	Wednesday, July 9 – Wednesday, July 16
Course changes deadline Course changes require Pre-College staff approval after April 14.	Thursday, June 12	Thursday, June 26	Thursday, July 10
Class Schedule Students take one course per session weekdays from 8:30–11:30 a.m., 12-3 p.m., or 3:15–6:15 p.m. and must attend all of their classes in their entirety including the last one to be eligible to pass the course.	Monday, June 23 – Thursday, July 3	Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18	Monday, July 21 – Friday, August 1
Last day to withdraw from course for no refund Course on record with WN (withdrawal) grade	Wednesday, July 2	Wednesday, July 16	Wednesday, July 30
Student Check Out Students may check out with their proctor following their final class no later than 8 p.m. There are no formal closing events.	Thursday, July 3 by 8 p.m. ET	Friday, July 18 by 8 p.m. ET	Friday, August 1 by 8 p.m. ET
Grades available online Transcripts may be requested in the MyDCE portal. Instructor evaluations will be available in online services approximately six weeks after each session.	Tuesday, July 15	Tuesday, July 29	Tuesday, August 12

Immunization Requirement

All Pre-College Program students are required to provide documentation to Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) that they are fully vaccinated against certain communicable diseases. Students who are unable to provide this proof risk being unable to participate in on-campus activities/courses for Summer 2025. Please refer to the HUHS Immunization Form for more information about this requirement.

Check In/Out and Orientation

Pre-College Student and Family Orientation for all sessions will be held on Zoom and recorded on Wednesday, June 11, from 7 – 8 p.m. ET. You can join live or watch the recording later if you’re unable to join live. The Zoom link for this session will be emailed out to students closer to June 11.

Pre-College Check-in is on the Sunday before courses begin (June 22, July 6, and July 20) between 2 and 3:30 p.m. ET. In an effort to keep all our students healthy and safe, only students will have access to campus buildings. We encourage you to pack lightly, as you will need to move your own belongings into the Houses. On-campus student orientation events, including campus tours, proctor-led activities, and first floor meetings, will begin at 4 p.m. ET.

Pre-College Check-out is no later than 8 p.m. ET on the final Friday of your session (Thursday, July 3; Friday, July 18, and Friday, August 1). As noted above, you must attend and participate in every class in its entirety, including the last one. Please plan travel accordingly, as construction may delay your arrival at Logan Airport.

We do not provide airport shuttles, but transportation information is available along with directions to campus.

Activities Beyond the Classroom

The Pre-College Passport: The Guide to Life Outside the Classroom helps you make the most out of your two weeks on campus. You will have opportunities to engage with faculty, develop critical college skills, and explore sights around New England.

These events will be offered in-person and virtually for Summer 2025.

Co-Curricular Activities Registration Information:

Two weeks prior to your arrival you will receive an email to go into MyDCE and complete an assigned task to register for activities. We encourage you to review available activities in MyDCE before registering to ensure there are no course conflicts.

Passport Co-curricular Activities Sign-Up Periods:

• Session I: Wednesday, June 11 – Wednesday, June 18, 2025
• Session II: Wednesday, June 25 – Wednesday, July 2, 2025
• Session III: Wednesday, July 9 – Wednesday, July 16, 2025

It is your responsibility to successfully sign up, attend, engage, and get your “passport” stamped at two events in each of the following categories: Academic Exploration, College Readiness, Social and Residential Activities, and Trips and Recreation.

Academic Exploration: Lectures and discussions with Harvard scholars to give you a taste of the questions that drive various academic disciplines.

College Readiness: Workshops to help you develop and practice critical academic skills to support transition and success in college.

Social and Residential: Events hosted on campus and in residential spaces by proctors to create a sense of belonging for you and other participants in the program. Past events include talent shows, trivia, recently released films, and arts and crafts.

Trips and Recreation: Outings on and off campus to give you an opportunity to explore Cambridge, Boston, and Southern New England. You must attend at least one event/trip on Saturday and Sunday during your session.

Virtual Admissions Sessions: We are pleased to offer a variety of online panel presentations, some by Harvard staff and others in cooperation with a number of selective universities. Please note that admissions events are optional, but one event can be used to meet your two College Readiness requirements.

You have the freedom to choose the events you attend, but also the responsibility to challenge yourself by learning new skills and engaging with new ideas. We hope that each opportunity is a rich and rewarding one for you.

What To Bring

You will participate in a variety of events both on and off campus. Here is some advice to consider when packing:

• You may dress casually for class. You are sometimes required to give presentations, so you may prefer to bring a business casual outfit for these occasions.
• Some classes include a lab visit, so please bring long pants and closed-toe shoes, which are often required to enter the space.
• Bring a laptop with a camera and headphones to campus with you. In some cases, courses and Pre-College Passport activities may be held online and guest speakers may require the use of a computer.
• For some courses, a laptop is required to participate in person as well, so check specific course prerequisites. Please refer to the technology requirements for courses for computer specifications.
• During each session, we typically plan a trip to the beach, so be sure to pack sunscreen, a bathing suit, and a towel.
• You will need Twin XL linens. We suggest a flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillow, and blanket for your comfort.

Additional Resources

Housing: All Pre-College students are residential, therefore you do not need to take any action to request housing. Resident Deans and Proctors (Proctors are similar to Residential Assistants) live in the Pre-College Houses all summer. Our staff are on-call 24/7 and walk around the buildings multiple times each evening. Pre-College students have to check in with their assigned proctor on their floor by 11 p.m. every night and remain on their floor until the next morning. For more information about your room on campus and what to bring, read about your room.

H-Ticket: Approximately one week prior to your check-in, you will have access to your H-Ticket in MyDCE. The H-Ticket includes specific information about where and when to check in, your on-campus room assignment, and any other requirements you need before your arrival. Please bring either a printed copy or an electronic one to check-in.

Meals: All Pre-College students receive a meal plan and enjoy a comprehensive dining program during your session(s). Your meal plan allows you to eat with peers in your designated dining hall and enjoy menus that reflect the international character of the Summer School. Grab-and-go options are available for quick and convenient access to meals or snacks. Harvard Dining Services will prepare a special bagged meal for weekend off-campus trips. Please see our dining services page if you would like additional information.

Accessibility Services: If you have a need for academic, residential, or dietary accommodation due to a disabling condition, please be sure to complete the registration process with the Accessibility Services Office by May 12.

Student Handbook: This student handbook is provided to inform you of the academic policies and rules of conduct that apply to resident and nonresident Summer School students. It also describes resources available at Harvard and opportunities available in the Greater Boston area that will help make your summer a rewarding one. Please read this handbook carefully and refer to it throughout the summer.

Specific Pre-College Information: In order to promote the well-being of students and to provide a safe and peaceful environment for learning, social activities, and personal growth, the following policies apply to all Harvard Pre-College Program students.

Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan: A Harvard Summer School accident and sickness insurance plan is included in your program fee as secondary coverage to your own health insurance plan. Read how and when you can use this coverage.