[HGSE 2020]

Just now, JConan said:

I got rejected too unfortunately. I wish there was a way to find out why because I felt I had a strong background. Also hearing about someone being on the waitlist makes me wonder - damn, I didn't even get into the waitlist? Their letter is templated for sure: 

I regret to inform you that you have not been offered admission to the Harvard Graduate School of Education for graduate study during the 2020-21 academic year. In response to our decision to offer an online degree opportunity, we received an unexpected—and unprecedented—number of applications. As a result, we were faced with the challenging task of having to select a small number of applicants from an enormously talented and deep pool. 

Although we are not able to offer you admission this year, we recognize that education needs talented and motivated individuals like you more than ever before. We hope that we can still stay connected to you through our many events and opportunities available to education professionals and the public.

It is also possible to apply again next year through a simplified application process. Should this be of interest, I encourage you to visit the HGSE website in early fall when we will have information about our degree program offerings for 2021-22 and beyond, as well as a live application.

We appreciate your interest in our programs, and we know you’ll continue to make a difference on behalf of learners around the world. 

Same, JConan! I felt I had a strong background, and would also love to know why, as much as I understand that this is wishful thinking. And same thoughts regarding the waitlist!

[HGSE 2020]

2 minutes ago, Jleighski123 said:

Question about your rejection letter. Did they encourage you to apply again and stay connected? I'm wondering if the rejection letter is a standard template sent to everyone or if they took a bit of time to differentiate the rejections (even if they cut and paste different statements)? In the end, I know it does not matter much, everyone is talented who applied, but it might cheer me up a bit if they truly want me to apply again ?

Yes, I also got the encouragement to apply again and stay connected. I think it's the standard template.

It's just a little frustrating because I don't even know what parts of my application were comparatively weaker, and/or if it would even be worth applying again (especially if they ask all applicants to re-apply).

Alas. Congrats again to all who got in!

[HGSE 2020]

I know it's no use speculating at this point, but I'm wondering now if my applying as part-time might have been a mark against (or for?) me... again, useless conjecture!

[HGSE 2020]

Just now, tyguy3005 said:

HOLY CRAP, I GOT IN!

Congrats!!! Hate to be the one to ask, but do you mind sharing your stats?

[HGSE 2020]

Also rejected!

[HGSE 2020]

3 hours ago, Broadwaybaby98 said:

"HGSE will always prioritize person-to-person interactions, and the school will monitor the changing public health landscape as the year unfolds, with an eye toward planning a residential experience and an in-person Commencement next spring" - Remote Announcement

"With the experience of sophomores and juniors in mind, we have decided to extend to all students who spend the year studying away from campus the opportunity to attend Summer School in Cambridge without tuition charge in 2021".  - University Fall 2020 plans announcement 

They first announced the "short residential experience" when they announced that the whole 2020-2021 year will be remote, and that would include us as 2020-2021 students if admitted and if covid permits it. As far as the summer term, the university at large is planning to have a summer term for all 2020-2021 students completing the year away from campus  (I'm assuming those in graduate programs would also have this option). So yeah there are opportunities to have that campus experience if covid allows it and you want to!

 

As much as I would love for that to be true, I think that second announcement re: Summer School only applies to undergraduates, especially since it references sophomores and juniors. I Googled it, and that was from an announcement from Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences (which operates the undergraduate college, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the engineering school), which is separate from HGSE. I would be very surprised if HGSE extended the same courtesy. Would be happy to be proven otherwise!

[HGSE 2020]

1 hour ago, dangelykarla said:

Hi!

I am glad I found this community. I recently applied for the Higher Ed Program, Ed.M. I received a financial aid portal sign up notice. Did you all? Also, I did not apply part-time because when I spoke to the financial aid office they said that part-time students would not qualify for the the 19k grant. Prior, I thought it I read that part-time would minimize the chances of obtaining the grant, but not eliminate it. Perhaps, they have narrowed the grant qualifications? I am not sure.

Good luck to all! Everyone on here seems like a wonderful applicant with great stats. As for me, I am a 3.86 GPA from UC Berkeley, have higher ed employment experience and  research experience. MY SoP and letters of recommendation are strong. 

Best wishes to you all!

 

Thanks for that intel -- yes, I had also recalled them mentioning that part-time students would be eligible for financial aid (and this page on the HGSE website still says so). I'm quite concerned that it seems they've changed tack... do you think it would be worth reaching out to the admissions office and clarifying if there is or isn't aid available at this point for part-time students, and/or if it would be possible to switch my application for full-time admission?

[HGSE 2020]

Hi all!

Joining the chorus of people here who have applied for this summer round of admissions (I applied for the TIE program, part-time).

I've also gotten the impression (and from conjecturing with a few other people who work/are familiar with grad admissions) that this particular round is actually going to be quite competitive as they're opening up admissions to a much larger group of people who might otherwise not consider the program, and for a much smaller number of seats. Either way, best of luck to all!

My most pressing question is how financial aid will work for this new cohort, especially for those who are part-time. I think they recently changed their "Financing Your Distance Ed.M. Guide" because it now says that most part-time students are ineligible for the HGSE Grant of max $19,000 (if I recall correctly, it didn't include that line when I checked the guide a couple of weeks ago), and one of the FAQ pages states part-time students are eligible, so I'm not sure what the situation is...