Resume/Curriculum Vitae and Transcripts

Does my resume or C.V. need to be of a particular length or format?

No. The length and format of your resume or C.V. are up to your discretion.

Is there a Grade Point Average (GPA) minimum?

No. The admissions committee considers not only GPA, but also performance over time and course of study, to determine whether an individual will be able to take advantage of and contribute to the academic experience at HGSE.

How do I submit my transcripts?

You are required to upload transcripts from each postsecondary institution that you have attended in the Academics section of the application. At this stage of the application process, you may upload unofficial or student copies. All transcripts should show courses completed, grades received, duration of study, and degree or diploma received, if applicable. Additional requirements for international transcripts are provided below.

Please keep in mind that you will need to provide official transcripts (and translations, if applicable) for verification, should you be admitted. HGSE reserves the right to withdraw an admissions offer, if there is a discrepancy between the uploaded version and the official original transcript and/or the official translation.

Do I need to provide transcripts for non-degree classes that I took?

Yes. Official transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended (including work done at any school of Harvard University) showing all undergraduate and graduate work are required.

Do I need to provide transcripts for transferred credits?

Yes. If you attended more than one institution, upload one transcript of grades from each; a list of transferred credits is not sufficient.

Do I need to provide my study abroad transcript?

If your study abroad courses and grades are listed on your home institution's transcript, then you do not need to upload a separate study abroad transcript. If the coursework and grades for your study abroad program are not listed on your home institution's transcript, then you are required to upload a separate transcript from your study abroad program that shows the coursework and grades.

What if I am currently a student and won't have my fall semester grades by the application deadline?

You should upload a transcript with grades through the preceding term. Please report your GPA up through the prior semester, if applicable. 

It is generally not necessary to provide an updated transcript with fall semester grades during the application review process. If you are admitted to HGSE and choose to matriculate, however, you will be required to submit an official, final transcript showing all grades received and degree(s) conferred in the summer prior to enrollment.

Are there additional requirements for international transcripts?

If the institutions you attended do not provide official transcripts in English, you will need to obtain a certified English translation. All translations must be literal (i.e., word for word) and complete versions of the original records. Upload your transcripts with their accompanying translation as part of your application.

Should you be offered admission, you will need to provide official transcripts and supporting documents for verification through World Education Services (WES), as well as certified translations, if applicable. Separately, you will need to upload an updated certified translation to account for any additional courses you have taken or degrees earned since the time you submitted your application.

HGSE reserves the right to withdraw an admissions offer, if there is a discrepancy between the uploaded version and the official original transcript and/or the official translation.

You may choose to submit your transcripts through WES as part of your application. However, if you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not finish prior to submitting your application, please keep in mind that you will need to provide an updated WES evaluation confirming receipt of your degree in the summer prior to enrollment.

For more information about submitting international transcripts via World Education Services, please visit our WES FAQ page.