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Arihant
Student
Japan
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Are Harvard Pre Program's actually worth it ?
Hello,
I was looking to apply to the Harvard Undergraduate Ventures-TECH Summer Program and was just wondering how much it is worth when admissions officers look at it. Since it's quite expensive it'd be great to know if I should apply and could it make the turning decision for my college application.
Thank You
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3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Australia
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Arihant!
Short answer? It’s not a golden ticket, but it’s not useless either.
Harvard’s pre-college programs are not a guaranteed admissions boost, and they won’t magically make an application stand out just because you attended. Admissions officers know these programs are expensive and don’t automatically view them as a huge achievement. But if you use the experience well—networking, gaining real skills, building a project—it can add value, especially if you showcase what you learned in essays or through follow-up work.
If you're looking purely for an admissions edge, there are better ways to spend your time and money. But if you’re genuinely excited about the program itself—what you’ll learn, the connections you’ll make, and how it fits into your long-term goals—then it could be worth it. Just make sure you're not doing it just for the name.
If cost is a big factor, look into similar (or better) opportunities for free or way cheaper, like internships, research programs, or independent projects. Those often impress more because they show initiative.
If you’re on the fence, ask: Would I still want to do this if it wasn’t Harvard-branded? If yes, go for it. If no, maybe rethink.
All the best hope thid helps.
Short answer? It’s not a golden ticket, but it’s not useless either.
Harvard’s pre-college programs are not a guaranteed admissions boost, and they won’t magically make an application stand out just because you attended. Admissions officers know these programs are expensive and don’t automatically view them as a huge achievement. But if you use the experience well—networking, gaining real skills, building a project—it can add value, especially if you showcase what you learned in essays or through follow-up work.
If you're looking purely for an admissions edge, there are better ways to spend your time and money. But if you’re genuinely excited about the program itself—what you’ll learn, the connections you’ll make, and how it fits into your long-term goals—then it could be worth it. Just make sure you're not doing it just for the name.
If cost is a big factor, look into similar (or better) opportunities for free or way cheaper, like internships, research programs, or independent projects. Those often impress more because they show initiative.
If you’re on the fence, ask: Would I still want to do this if it wasn’t Harvard-branded? If yes, go for it. If no, maybe rethink.
All the best hope thid helps.
I appreciate your support, Dr what would you say is something that would give me a edge career wise?
Arihant
Great question, Arihant! If you want a real edge, think beyond just programs—do something that screams initiative. Start a project, get an internship, dive into research, or even build something cool on your own. Admissions officers love seeing passion in action. Basically, if it makes you say, ‘Wow, I actually did that,’ it’ll probably stand out.
So as you are into ventures and tech, Building something—like a startup idea, an app, or even a solid personal project. Maybe even join a hackathon or get involved in a startup accelerator. If the Harvard program helps you do that and you can afford it, go for it! But if it’s just for the name, ehhhh well, just ask yourself. What’s your ultimate goal? Then you can lemme know 🤗
Dr H
Solid advice Dr. H. You advice quality is excellent and well detailed.
Ach Nix
Thank you sir, I appreciate your feedback. Stay awesome!
Dr H
Kangana Patel
Student
24
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Kangana’s Answer
Harvard pre-college and summer programs, like Harvard Undergraduate Ventures-TECH Summer Program, can be valuable, but their worth depends on your goals and financial situation. Here’s a breakdown of whether it’s worth it:
Pros:
✅ Networking & Experience – You'll meet like-minded peers and industry professionals.
✅ Prestige Factor – Being associated with Harvard can look good on a résumé.
✅ Learning Opportunities – Exposure to tech, entrepreneurship, and real-world applications.
Cons:
❌ Expensive – Many summer programs are pay-to-play, and admissions officers know this. They prioritize merit-based programs over paid ones.
❌ Not a Golden Ticket – It won’t be a major deciding factor in college admissions. Schools value genuine, rigorous experiences over expensive summer programs.
Does It Help with College Admissions?
If you have the financial means and are truly interested in the subject, it can be a great experience.
However, admissions officers prioritize research, internships, leadership roles, and competitive programs (e.g., RSI, MIT LaunchX, TASP).
If affordability is a concern, consider free or merit-based alternatives (e.g., QuestBridge College Prep Scholars, Economics for Leaders, Bank of America Student Leaders).
Bottom Line:
It’s valuable for learning and networking, but it won’t be the "turning point" for your application. If cost is a concern, consider alternative ways to gain similar experience through self-led projects, internships, or local opportunities.
Would you like recommendations for more impactful (and affordable) summer programs?
Pros:
✅ Networking & Experience – You'll meet like-minded peers and industry professionals.
✅ Prestige Factor – Being associated with Harvard can look good on a résumé.
✅ Learning Opportunities – Exposure to tech, entrepreneurship, and real-world applications.
Cons:
❌ Expensive – Many summer programs are pay-to-play, and admissions officers know this. They prioritize merit-based programs over paid ones.
❌ Not a Golden Ticket – It won’t be a major deciding factor in college admissions. Schools value genuine, rigorous experiences over expensive summer programs.
Does It Help with College Admissions?
If you have the financial means and are truly interested in the subject, it can be a great experience.
However, admissions officers prioritize research, internships, leadership roles, and competitive programs (e.g., RSI, MIT LaunchX, TASP).
If affordability is a concern, consider free or merit-based alternatives (e.g., QuestBridge College Prep Scholars, Economics for Leaders, Bank of America Student Leaders).
Bottom Line:
It’s valuable for learning and networking, but it won’t be the "turning point" for your application. If cost is a concern, consider alternative ways to gain similar experience through self-led projects, internships, or local opportunities.
Would you like recommendations for more impactful (and affordable) summer programs?
Thank you for sharing your perspective. What would you say are some programs actually important for addmissions?
Arihant
Isaac Oduro
Graphic Designer and a Front-end developer
8
Answers
Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana
Updated
Isaac’s Answer
Harvard Pre-College Programs can be worth it for high school students seeking a challenging academic experience, exposure to Ivy League resources, and a glimpse of college life. They offer rigorous courses, networking opportunities, and a chance to enhance college applications. However, they are expensive and not a guarantee of admission to Harvard. Worth depends on your goals, budget, and how much you engage with the program. If you're seeking academic growth and a unique experience, it can be valuable. If cost is a concern, consider alternatives like local college courses or online programs.
Solid points, Isaac! The exposure and experience can definitely be valuable, but yeah, the price tag is a big factor. I think it really comes down to what someone actually does with the opportunity—like, are they just there for the name, or are they using it to build skills and connections? If it's the latter, then it could be worth it. Otherwise, there are plenty of other ways to stand out without spending a fortune!
Dr H