Harvard Summer Institute on College Admissions
Registration for the Institute is now closed.
Click this button to receive an email notification when registration for the 2013 Institute opens.


June 22–27, 2014, Boston, Massachusetts

The Harvard Summer Institute on College Admissions is an annual program organized jointly by Harvard University and The College Board. A nationally-recognized faculty of outstanding leaders in the field of admissions and education will offer more than forty sessions and will be available for consultation and discussion.

Download a copy of the 2013 Summer Institute Brochure.cover of brochure

During past Institutes, guidance and admissions professionals have reviewed the following topics:

  • Admissions at the service academies
  • Affirmative action
  • Alternative evaluation approaches
  • Athletics in admissions
  • Budgeting and cost analysis
  • Case studies
  • College affordability
  • Direct mail/communications
  • Early decision and early action
  • Essay writing
  • Ethical issues
  • Financial aid
  • How admissions decisions are made
  • Immigration issues in higher education
  • Leadership development in the admissions profession
  • Legal issues
  • Organizational leadership in admissions
  • Organizing the admissions function
  • Organizing the guidance function
  • Paying for college
  • Practical recruiting
  • Professional growth
  • Score interpretation
  • Secondary school profiles
  • Selecting a college
  • Social media and admissions
  • Standardized testing
  • The economy and admissions at public universities
  • Working with non-traditional students
  • Writing recommendations

The agenda includes day and evening programs. In addition to lectures and regular work sessions, the residential staff will be available for individual conversation and consultation. Time is built into the schedule for discussion and break-out groups.

“I was amazed by how accessible and friendly all of the faculty members were.”

— Institute participant