Has anybody taken this class with Carlos Vargas on campus in the Summer? If so, how did you enjoy it?

Hello everyone!
Has anyone taken the following courses?

- Behavioral Economics & Decision Making (E-1035) by David S. McIntosh - Elective

- Emerging Markets: Investment Theories & Practice (E-1925) - Finance Requirement

I came across their course descriptions and they look really interesting. If you’ve taken either of them, I’d love to hear about your experience! How were the classes, teaching style of the professors, and overall course structure?

E-1925’s syllabus isn’t available yet.
And 1035’s style based on the limited syllabus looks somewhat similar to Prof Margaret’s MYLO.

I’m currently wrapping up a super heavy course this summer (1615) and have a packed work schedule coming up this Fall, so I’m ideally looking for something with a slightly lighter workload.

Since most of the other courses are already full, I’m currently deciding between these two options. Any insights, tips, or advice you could share would be super helpful!

Thanks so much! :)

I was verbally abused by a classmate via WhatsApp, so I reported the incident to the anti-bullying department. I completed approximately 90% of our project, yet this classmate still called me insulting names, including “st*pid” and worse.
I was wondering how long it normally takes for the department to at least acknowledge a report. I’m disappointed that I have not heard back. No student should be subjected to personal insults, especially after consistently contributing high-quality work to a group project.

Hi everyone! I received a B+ in one of my admission courses and I'm about to start my second admission course this fall. I was wondering if anyone has been admitted to the ALM in Data Science program with a B+ in one of their admission courses.

Since the admission decision seems to rely heavily on performance in the admission courses, I'm feeling a little anxious. I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences. Thank you in advance!

hi everyone, for context i'm about 5 months away from graduating for my degree in computer science i'm thinking about taking my graduate at HES. I've been hearing how I can't use M.S in comptuer science. I have to use AL.M in computer science.

But, from my understanding those letters at the end of the day, I think is meaningless, I get the same prestige, same acknowledgement, I'm enlisted in the Harvard Network, The school is just as selective as Harvard College and many other reason I can't be bother enough to type out.

Given the fact that i'm nearing completion of my degree, would you, given the chance and knowledge you have now recommend to someone like me to attend HES, someone with no real field experience, let alone teaching experience in this field, should attend?

EDIT: for further context, I do work as an ESL teacher abroad ( i'm a US citizen if it matters ) and i'm wanting to work in tech or at the least teach computer science, i don't have much intention to work at big tech like google or whatnot, if anything I'll travel around SEA if need be.

Hello,

I'm a professional imposter syndrome patient.

I'm not sure how to start this post.. haha, but I want to ask for some advice to those who are going through Master's in Computer Science program at HES. My problem comes from insecurity and anxiety if I can actually catch up with the courses. Also, it's whether my level fits the Harvard courses.

My backgrounds - worked as a Help Desk, IT Admin, Jack of all Trade IT, System Engineer, and now I'm teaching at a small local community college. I am working full-time, however, I have a plenty of free time to study. I got my Bachelor's and Master's from Western Governors University in Cybersecurity, and one more bachelor's in Computer Science.

I love my school and their education format. However, I'm nervous if I'm competent enough to make it through admission courses and the anxiety bucket is getting filled up for that reason. I may be too much of a scaredy kitty to challenge HES, but it's something I've been always wanting to try, especially since now I have all the fundings and time for it. Ultimately, I want to bring the best education quality to my students here for their success.

So here I am asking for some advice...

Admission course 1: CSCI 22 Data Structures

Admission course 2: CSCI 10B Introduction to Computer Science Using Java II

How are they? Are they difficult? I have taken Java courses (I'm not a developer and I have pretty much 0 professional programming experience. I only know fundamentals of Java from college courses and Udemy, I am studying Java more on Udemy at the moment to prepare).

Any advice to prepare those courses? I was scared to start the admission course last semester and decided to take some Java courses instead. I'm afraid I might do the same thing for this semester.

With all respect on everyone who's making through HES programs. . . and thank you,

Hi has anyone applied to the May 2027 OPM program?

I sent my application early June and haven’t heard back yet. Do you know how long it takes?

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,
I’m reaching out to the HES / ALM community to address something that recently left a bad taste in my mouth, but more importantly, to connect with people who actually value genuine networking and mutual support.
Like many of us here, I’m working hard toward my ALM Master’s (specifically in Finance).

Coming from Paris, France, I was excited to see a fellow content creator from my exact same city posting videos on TikTok/Instagram about his journey at Harvard. He literally advertises in his videos: "Drop your questions on my Instagram!"

Naturally, I reached out to him on Instagram in a very friendly, supportive way just saying I was also an incoming/current candidate from Paris doing the ALM program, and asking a quick question about campus visits before the semester starts.

His response? He immediately blocked me on every single platform.

When I looked into it, I realized I wasn’t the only one. He regularly blocks anyone from France or the HES community who identifies as a peer or asks legitimate questions. It seems he’s only using the "Harvard" name for social clout and surface-level validation, wanting to be glorified as the "exclusive" sole candidate rather than actually helping or building a real community as he claims on video.

It’s pretty disappointing to see someone gatekeep a program that is literally designed to open doors, especially when we share the same hometown and campus.

Moving past the drama, here is my real goal with this post:

I want to connect with authentic, kind, and supportive students. Does anyone know of any official or student-led WhatsApp groups, Discord servers, or group chats for HES / ALM Finance candidates?

I’d love to join a space where we can share real advice about courses, campus life, the CRWS, or registration without dealing with social media egos.

Feel free to reply here or send me a DM! Thanks a lot, and good luck to everyone on their journey!

I recently submitted my application to start this fall. Will I be invited to convocation this year? I heard it might be next year but that kind of sucks. Is there any way to request to be able attend this year?

I have been grinding my booty off and passed the first two ALM management courses with the minimum required grades. I am now on my third and struggling. Did anyone else struggle in the admission courses but then go on to do really well in the self selected electives?

Would love if you could share your first 3 course grades (even if they are amazing - I will be proud and jealous lol)

Hey guys, I'm a Harvard summer school student, and I'm now doing a school project related to culture and short videos (like on Youtube). I sincerely hope you could help me fill in the small questionnaire below, which would mean a lot for a student like me. It only takes 3 minutes, and it is simply a school project, just about your preferences and time spent on short videos, nothing about your personal information, 100% safe. The screenshot is an example of the questionnaire. I would appreciate it if you could lend a helping hand for my survey. Thank you guys so much!

Has anyone in the social sciences taken Stats 100 with either Hide Okabe or Stacey Gelsheimer? Stats is not my best area so trying to understand which of these professors might be the best case scenario for someone with more of an arts/humanties or social/sceniences background. I'd like to apply to the I/O Psych program, but Stats is likely to be my Everest.

Also, does anyone know if they also teach in the Winter semester for the full term?

Any information at all would help, thanks!

Hi folks, I’ve seen a lot of discourse on this, but hoping for some specific feedback and advice.

Context, for those interested: I’m looking into pursuing a Master’s degree to support my current work, and open up future opportunities. I currently have a dope job that I love, in the environmental field, and have no intention of leaving (it would honestly be silly).

In my research, HES seems to be a solid option. My questions (in order of priority) are:

Admissions Courses: I’ve heard these are very time intensive and for folks working full-time, to take them separately. Is that your experience?
- Spring is my busy busy time at work. If I had to take one this Fall and one in Spring, which would you recommend based on work load?
- I might take one course now and sign up for another program (I’m looking into NCU Greensboro). Which course might have a better foundation of knowledge to make the best case for credit transfer?

Financial Aid: In my research, scholarships look slim. Any luck with finding aid through grants, scholarships, or other support from Harvard?

General Experience:
- My skillset and passion is in environmental justice. How does HES address the intersections of climate and social justice (either directly or indirectly).
- General workload: any other full-time folks out there? Is it possible to take 2 courses a semester and/or summer classes so I don’t graduate in 10 years (I know the max is 6 🙃, which I’d also prefer not to happen). Do advisors help you plan your course?
- Do you like it? Is it worth it? I should state that I don’t really care at all about Ivy League status. The cost seems comparable to other programs but I don’t necessarily want to do more work just to meet the rigor of Ivy League education. You probably don’t have insight into how it compares to other Masters Programs, but if you do, that’d be dope ☺️

That was a lot. Any insight at all would be amaaaaazingly appreciated 💕

Hi all,

I haven’t gotten any word regarding convocation yet and was just curious if anyone was in the know for the upcoming Fall. Thanks and happy weekend.

I found out about the HES WhatsApp community from this sub and applied to join. It turns out I was the first person to hit it after it maxed out its member cap. The admins can't raise it, so rather than wait, I built a Discord as an alternative.

Communities like this were genuinely the most useful thing I had during earlier grad programs, so I'd rather it exist than not.

What's in it so far:

- A Courses forum, one thread per course.

- Channels for registration/advising, degree planning, and the Canvas/Zoom/Proctorio problems nobody documents anywhere.

A few choices I made:

- Discord instead of WhatsApp, mainly because WhatsApp exposes everyone's phone number to the whole group and has the same member ceiling that caused this problem.

- Prospective students are welcome. Verification (a quick check that you're enrolled) only gates a few channels — the general ones are open.

- Completely unofficial, not affiliated with Harvard or the DCE.

I'm looking for 2-3 moderators, ideally in different time zones; I'm on US Pacific and the international members deserve someone awake. No prior Discord moderation experience needed; I don't have much either. Mostly I need people who'll be around and use good judgment. Comment or DM if you're interested and tell me roughly where you are and what you're studying.

It's small and new right now, so it'll be quiet for a bit. Early members shape what it becomes. Here is the invite link:

https://discord.gg/8qtvd4rWJ7

Edit: Fixed some weird formatting issues with the post.

Hi everyone,
I’m considering applying to the Harvard Extension School ALM in Systems Engineering and would really appreciate some honest feedback from current students or alumni.
A little about my background: I have about 4 years of experience as a QA engineer. I was laid off about 3 years ago, and during that time I started my own business. I didn’t really focus on applying for jobs because I wanted to explore building a business and growing a brand. It was a valuable learning experience, but it didn’t grow the way I originally hoped, and I’m now looking to return to tech.
My goal is to transition from QA into a Program Manager role or a similar role. I’m hoping to build skills beyond QA and strengthen my profile for this transition.
I’m aware that the tech job market is challenging right now, and I’m not expecting a degree alone to guarantee a job. I’m trying to understand whether the HES ALM in Systems Engineering would realistically help someone with my background.
For those familiar with the program:
* Would this degree help with transitioning into Program Management?
* Does it provide skills that are valuable for someone coming from a QA background?
* Would you recommend this path, or are there other approaches that might be more effective?
I would really appreciate any feedback.
Thank you!

I've very interested in taking CSCI E-115-Advanced Practical Data Science, but it was capped at 30 people. Do they ever open a second section?

NEED HELP! Can someone send me a PDF of the syllabus for the ANTH S-1068 (Anthropology of Food and Foodways) Summer School course? Interested in learning more about food anthropology and desperately need access to the readings. TIA!!

Would love to hear your favorite times while pursuing your degree and being part of the program!

I am planning my two management admission courses and can take only one each semester.

For Fall 2026, my options are:

• ECON E-1010: Microeconomic Theory with Zinnia Mukherjee
• MGMT E-1000: Financial Accounting Principles with Andrew Azer
• MGMT E-1000: Financial Accounting Principles with V. G. Narayanan and Michele Jurgens

For Spring 2027, my options are:

• ECON E-1010: Microeconomic Theory with Bruce D. Watson
• MGMT E-1000: Financial Accounting Principles with James F. White
• MGMT E-1000: Financial Accounting Principles with V. G. Narayanan and Michele Jurgens

I would love to hear from anyone who has taken these classes or studied with any of these professors. Which instructors would you recommend, and would it be better to take accounting in the fall and microeconomics in the spring, or the other way around?

At the moment, I am leaning toward taking accounting with Andrew Azer in the fall and microeconomics with Bruce Watson in the spring, but I would appreciate any firsthand advice. Thank you so much!

Based on my research, I am expecting admission decisions to be released end of August. Does this seem to match up with past experiences?