Frequently Asked Enrollment Questions
- How do I apply for an institute?
- Please visit the institute's webpage and apply online.
- Can I attend just a few days of an institute?
- No. You must attend the entire institute to gain maximum benefits. Peer-to-peer learning is also an important component of the HGSE professional education learning experience; therefore, your full engagement is required. There are no tuition adjustments for unattended sessions.
- What's included in my tuition?
- Generally the program fee covers sessions, some instructional materials and refreshments. Please visit the institute's specific webpage for further detail.
- When do I find out if I am accepted?
- Early applications will be favored with early decisions. Applications received after the application deadlines will be reviewed on a space available basis. After the application has been received, admission decision letters will be emailed within 4 weeks.
- What forms of payment do you accept?
- Payment should be check, wire transfer, MasterCard or Visa.
- Who can I contact with questions about payment?
- Please direct questions about payment to the Finance department at 617-495-1826.
- Where will I stay?
- Blocks of rooms are reserved at local hotels for non-residential programs, which are a short walk from campus.
- Detailed information regarding accommodation options is provided to all enrolled participants.
- Who can I contact regarding enrollment questions or concerns?
- Please direct questions about enrollment to our Enrollment Coordinator at 800-545-1849.
Plan for Your Campus Experience
- Where will the institute take place?
- Institutes are held at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- What is the schedule?
- Full-time participation and preparation are required throughout institutes; participants are expected to free themselves of all work obligations during the program. The day-to-day schedule will vary for each institute. You will receive a detailed schedule for your institute prior to the start of the program.
- Will I need access to a computer during the institute?
- Personal computers are not necessary for most programs. In some instances participants are asked to bring a laptop; please see individual program descriptions for more information. As a summer institute participant, you will have access to computers at the Gutman Library on the Harvard Graduate School of Education campus.
- Are meals included?
- The meals provided varies by program. You will be informed of the meal schedule prior to the start of the program.
- What should I wear?
- Dress attire varies per program. Generally dress is business casual, including dress shorts and collared t-shirts. Comfortable walking shoes are a must since there will be a fair amount of walking over uneven brick sidewalks throughout the program.
- What is the closest airport?
- Boston Logan International airport is the closest to Harvard University. It is approximately 10 miles to Cambridge and the typical cab fare to Harvard Square is $35.
- Is there public transportation from the airport to Harvard Square?
- Yes. From the airport, you can take the silver line bus to South Station, and then take the red line into Harvard Square.
- What is the closest Amtrack train station?
- South Station, Boston.
- What is the closest public transportation station?
- Harvard Square on the red line.
- What are the accommodation options?
- Accommodation options vary by program; please see the program's specific webpage for detailed lodging information. Hotels generally range from $185-$235 per night. The undergraduate dormitory is offline for summer programs in 2010. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses.
- Do I have to stay at one of the contracted hotels?
- You are not required to but we do encourage you to stay at the hotels. It provides opportunity to network outside of the classroom setting.
- What's around the area?
- Participants have access to an array of academic, cultural, social and other resources while at Harvard University including Harvard Square which is adjacent to the classroom and Downtown Boston which is a short distance away by public transportation.
- Where can I park?
- On-street parking is very difficult to find near Harvard Square, and in many areas parking is prohibited without a resident parking permit. In addition, parking in area lots or garages is quite expensive (particularly for multiple-day stays). Therefore, program participants attending institutes are discouraged from bringing cars to campus. For those still interested, public parking information for three facilities within walking distance of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and one less expensive parking facility at the Alewife "T" Station (MBTA)—a location three subway stops away from Harvard Square. If you will be driving to Harvard, be sure to leave plenty of time during the program check-in/registration process to park and arrive at your program check-in location.
- Please click here for detailed information about parking in Harvard Square.
- How can I find directions/instructions for travel and transportation?
- Please click here to find directions to the campus for taxi, subway, car and other useful information for traveling.
- What is the weather like in Cambridge?
- Boston's weather is typical of much of New England—summer can be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to the 90s.
- Early fall temperatures tend to be relatively mild-in the 60s and 70s and cooler in the evenings.
- By November, the leaves have fallen from the trees and the temperatures have dropped to the 40s and 50s.
- Winter can often be quite cold, and snowfall can be heavy some years and minimal others.
- Spring arrives in late March/early April and tends to be rainy and cool. The weather tends to warm up by mid-May.
- It may be helpful to check local weather for Cambridge, MA for the dates you are to be in Cambridge.
- What other resources might be helpful?
- Additional information on Harvard University and the City of Cambridge can be found online at:
- Campus Directory
City of Cambridge
Harvard Square Area Guide
Harvard University Home Page
Map of Cambridge
