Applications should be returned to the Special Student/Visiting Fellow Office with all supporting materials and the application fee by the dates indicated on the application deadlines page. It is the student's responsibility to see that all transcripts and letters of recommendation are sent directly to this office. An application will not be considered complete until all the required materials have been received by the Special Student/Visiting Fellow Office. Applicants are notified by mail of the decision, and those who accept an offer of admission are then informed of registration procedures and other relevant information including housing, visa requirements, etc.

Official transcripts should be requested by the student from (1) the institution from which the student received his or her bachelor's degree, and (2) any previous work done at Harvard (e.g., Extension School, Summer School), (3) any other transcripts, degree or non-degree, which are relevant to the proposed course of study as a Special Student. Applicants are also required to submit one letter of recommendation, unless otherwise instructed. Recommendation forms are provided (though the forms per se are not mandatory), and should be signed in the appropriate place if applicants wish to waive access to these letters. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required, but Special Student applicants may provide their scores if they wish to do so.

It is not possible to grant interviews on a regular basis, but prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the current Faculty of Arts and Sciences course catalog and to telephone the relevant department for specific course information, if necessary. Applicants may contact the Special Student/Visiting Fellow Office for particular problems or concerns.

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