How to apply

The deadline to apply for the 2013 Career Discovery Program has past.  We hope you will consider applying next year. 

What You Will Need to Submit

With the exception of the financial aid request form, the following requirements are to be submitted online:

• Online application form with a non-refundable $50 application fee.
• An essay (500 words max) that describes a particularly satisfying project you have undertaken. This project need not be related to design or planning, although this is preferable. You might, for example, write about participating in a political campaign, mastering a musical instrument, doing research on a special topic or organizing a social event.
• A current résumé
• International students must demonstrate proficiency in English by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students are expected to receive a minimum total score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based) on the TOEFL and a minimum score of 60 (paper-based) or 25 (computer-based) on each of the three sections. If you take the internet-based test (TOEFL iBT), which is preferred, you must achieve a minimum total score of 104, with 26 in each section. When requesting that scores be sent to Harvard University, use the institution code for the Graduate School of Design (3455). Please visit the Educational Testing Service for more information about the TOEFL, and please contact the Career Discovery office if you have any questions.

• Letters of Recommendation (two), which should be submitted electronically through the online application (instructions on how to do this are included in the application, as well as in the FAQs section).
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you have received credit (please note that transcripts should be scanned into the online application; it is not necessary to send official transcripts at the time of application).

Financial Aid
A limited amount of need-based financial aid is available to a small number of students each year. Financial aid takes into account many factors; however, as a guide, if the applicant’s and parents' (if appropriate) combined adjusted gross income exceeds $40,000, an award is unlikely. Career Discovery financial aid is not federally subsidized and is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only. International students are not eligible to apply.

Financial Aid Application Form (PDF)

Please Note: Applications for financial aid are not submitted online and should be mailed to the Career Discovery office by April 30, 2013. Requests for aid will not be considered without a completed program application. Late applications will not be considered.