Application Procedure
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST, BUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE 2008 CAREER DISCOVERY PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED. APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2009 SESSION WILL BE AVAILABLE IN FEBUARARY. WE HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU THEN.
A complete online application is due by May 1, 2008. Students are encouraged to submit their applications early to ensure admission. Please note that applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
What You Will Need to Submit for the 2008 Online Application. Please note that all requirements below should be submitted online, with the exception of the financial aid application:.
- Online application form with a non-refundable $40 application fee.
- Two recommendations. You will register your recommenders online, and each will receive an email with instructions on how to submit the recommendation. You will be able to check online whether the recommendation has been submitted.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you have received credit.
- An essay (500 words maximum) 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 who are not enrolled in a school where English is the primary language 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 100, with 26 in each section. Please visit http://www.ets.org/toefl/ for more information about the TOEFL, and please contact the Career Discovery office if you have any questions.
Reapplication Within Two Years
This procedure is applicable to a former applicant or a former student wishing to reapply for admission to Career Discovery within two years of the original application. The applicant must submit the following:
- New application form and application fee.
- Transcript(s) of any additional academic preparation since the last application was filed.
- If any additional academic preparation was undertaken submit one new letter of recommendation pertaining to the new work or study.
- Updated resume.
Reapplication After Two Years
If an applicant wishes to reapply for admission after two years, it is necessary that he or she resubmit all forms and documentation as specified for an initial 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. Please note that 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 applications are not submitted online, but should be mailed to the Career Discovery office by May 1, 2008 or earlier at the address below. Please note that Financial Aid applications will not be reviewed if a complete program application has not also been submitted. Late financial aid applications will not be considered.
Harvard University
Graduate School of Design
Career Discovery Admissions
48 Quincy Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Tel: 617-495-5453
discovery@gsd.harvard.edu
Immunization Regulations
Students staying in the on-campus dormitories and international students attending Career Discovery while on visas of any kind must comply with Massachusetts regulations requiring proof of immunization against certain communicable diseases. These students must have a Career Discovery Immunization Form completed and signed by their healthcare provider, and they must submit their completed form to the Career Discovery Coordinator by May 30.