Application Procedure

A link to the online application for the 2010 session will be available on February 1, 2010.

Deadlines

Online applications are due on April 30, 2010, but we will accept late applications through June 1; we encourage you to submit your application early. Applications are reviewed and accepted in the order that they are received.

What You Will Need to Submit for the 2010 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 $45 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.
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 104, 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.
Submit one new letter of recommendation pertaining to the new work or study since the last application was filed.
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 APPLICATION (PDF)

Financial Aid applications are not submitted online, but should be mailed to the Career Discovery office by April 30, 2010 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 Program
48 Quincy Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Tel: 617-495-5453
discovery@gsd.harvard.edu

Immunization Regulations
All Career Discovery participants must comply with Massachusetts and University regulations requiring proof of immunization against certain communicable diseases. A Career Discovery Immunization Form must be completed and signed by their healthcare provider and submit to the Career Discovery Manager by May 28.