Deciding to continue your education is a big decision.
Our student support teams frequently talk to prospective students who — despite diverse backgrounds and experiences — have similar questions as they consider their next steps: Will I be able to pursue my studies while managing my career and life commitments? How can I connect with peers and faculty while studying online? What resources are available to me?
In this post, we share tips and advice from alumni, staff, and faculty on how to overcome obstacles and set yourself up for success. Topics include:
Our Panel of Expert Advisors
Read on to get our expert tips, or watch the full webinar below.
Be Mindful of the Time Commitment
Most of our courses are held online during a 15-week fall or spring semester. We offer synchronous and asynchronous course formats, as well as a selection of on-campus courses, including active learning weekend courses.
The different course participation options are designed for flexibility. Which works best for you will depend on your schedule, goals, and — if you’re pursuing a degree or certificate — your program of choice. The course curriculum and formats vary by program, so make sure to review the requirements carefully.
Decide on a Manageable Course Load
Because many of our students are pursuing their education alongside full-time work and other obligations, says academic advisor Sarah Anne Stinnett, most take only one or two classes each semester. “How many courses you take ultimately depends on what your life looks like for the next seven weeks to four months,” she says. “It also depends on where you are in your academic journey.”
Sarah Anne’s Tip
“If you are taking a class for the first time, I highly recommend you start with one and see how it goes. If you’re well into a degree program and you’re working with an academic advisor on a degree completion plan, increasing that load might be the right fit for you.”
As you consider your options, here are a few questions you can ask yourself:
- If the class is synchronous, how much time is dedicated to being in class?
- If the class is asynchronous, can you accommodate your classwork based on your schedule outside school?
- What kind of experience would you like to have?
“The fewer classes I take, the more deeply I’m able to engage with them,” says Sarah Anne. “So reducing your course load might offer you the chance to show up to additional office hours, meet with your faculty, and show up to study hours with classmates.”
If you’re still unsure, consider whether the courses you’re interested in are “stretch” or “comfort” classes.
Stretch Class
- A course that satisfies a degree requirement, will be particularly challenging, or qualifies you for other academic opportunities.
- Take one stretch class at a time.
Comfort Class
- A course that you are especially excited about, is personally enriching, and is easy to dedicate time toward.
- Two comfort classes may be manageable.
Schedule Time for Your Coursework
Instructor Zachary Nowak advises that for every hour of class, you will likely have three to four hours of coursework (so six to eight hours a week). Some weeks will be heavier than others. So make sure to review the syllabus ahead of time, prepare in advance, and ask your instructor for clarification along the way.
Advising Tip
Expect to spend 6 to 8 hours a week on coursework, including readings, assignments, and studying. Plan ahead by:
- Reviewing your syllabus.
- Mapping out important dates like assignment deadlines and exams.
- Blocking out time in your calendar leading up to key dates.
Despite the need to prioritize school, Sarah Anne says, “It’s important to remember that when we think about managing time, we’re not just reducing as much life as possible to hit the books all the time. It’s a balance; make sure to schedule yourself time away from the books.”
Spend time with friends and family, catch up on other work, and make time for yourself. This separation helps to prevent burnout and maintain your momentum.
Zachary, who also teaches Harvard College undergraduates, says your life experience gives you an advantage.
“You’re an adult already balancing work and your family life. You’re ready to do a Harvard Extension class, too, because you know how to balance stuff in your life.
Zachary Nowak
Communicate with Your Support Network
Keep your friends and family up-to-date on your schedule, set aside time to spend with your loved ones, and don’t force yourself to “do it all.” Seek out people or community members in your life who can take on additional responsibilities and be your support system during busy semesters.
“Maybe that’s asking your partner if they can cook the Thursday night dinner,” Sarah Anne says. “Maybe that’s letting your kids know that you’re gonna be a little bit busier on Sunday because you’ve got two hours of study time. Be proactive and communicate not only your plans but your needs to your support team.”
Amanda’s Tip
“Prepare your family and friends for the time that it’s going to take you to complete these classes. Having a support system is so important as a student. Make sure you have that built in. And then and over time, you’ll get to know your fellow students, and you can make them part of your support system as well.”
You should also inform your employer that you’re pursuing your education, says alum and student accounts manager Wendy Abramo-Merrill. Tuition assistance may be available. And if not, there may be other opportunities.
“Talk to your employer and see if there are options available to you like more flexible hours or additional remote work privileges to really help you fit all your coursework into your schedule,” she says.
Connect with Faculty and Teaching Staff
Alumnus Ariel Gamiño says teaching staff can be a great resource. “Reach out to the instructors and the TAs that you have in your class for support,” he says. “You have an amazing community of people that are rooting for you as you go through this process of learning, especially if you’ve just come back [to school] and you haven’t done it in a while.”
Zach’s Tip
Instructors value one-on-one connection. Visit with them during their office hours.
Uncertain about an assignment? Ask for a template or examples of papers and other assignments to ensure you’re on the right track.
Review grading rubrics and create a requirements checklist before turning in your work.
Get to Know Your Peers
Ariel encourages making connections with fellow students. “One of the gifts that you’ll get out of this experience is the people you meet along the way,” he says. “You get to make amazing friends, amazing connections.”
Many student communities develop organically. Classmates often create networking groups on social media platforms or meet up in the online Gather Study Lounge specific to their class. They get involved in clubs.
Ariel’s Tip
Get involved in student clubs. Ariel met students from Harvard Business School through a University-wide student organization and eventually partnered with them to launch a start-up.
Instructors may also introduce opportunities for you to get to know your classmates. Zachary, for example, has his students meet three times during the semester in small groups to socialize so they can build rapport.
“I know I’m not alone in being an instructor who makes an effort to connect students and have them talk to each other,” he says. “It’s a really important part of this experience.”
Amanda suggests taking advantage of the Office of Student Affairs resources. The OSA hosts events and offers holistic support to students, including networking opportunities.
“If you join a class, keep an eye out for those emails from OSA about upcoming networking events. Join some of their events and get to know people outside of class,” Amanda says. “There’s a wide variety of ways to get connected.”
Dedicate a Space for Learning
Set up a space in your home or office that serves as your personal classroom and ensure that you are meeting your learning needs.
Additional tips for staying focused in class:
- Have a water bottle nearby to stay hydrated during class
- Use supplies that you enjoy using, such as a new notebook and pens
- Consider how to support your learning style, such as purchasing an audiobook version of the required reading
“Make sure you have your place to study, your place to dedicate to that creates a routine and a habit,” Ariel says. “[Education] is a time commitment, you have to put a lot into it. The great thing about it is you do get as much as you put in, so the more you put in, the more you get.”
Form a Positive Mindset
“By joining a class at the Extension School or joining a degree, you’re joining a community that lives, breathes, and is committed to your learning success,” Sarah Anne says. “You might be nervous, but your instructor, your classmates, your instructional staff, your advisor, the enrollment services team — everyone believes in your ability to do the Harvard work. Right off the bat, you’re joining a place that believes in you.”
Sarah Anne also recommends reaching out to your instructors and classmates ahead of time and introducing yourself. Leaning into that unique class community can help boost your confidence and kickstart developing new connections.
Lastly, know that you’re not alone! It’s likely that your fellow classmates — and instructors — experience nerves, too.
“Every single class I’ve ever taught, I’m really nervous for the first day, like to the point of almost being nauseous,” Zachary says. “My mother was an elementary school teacher for decades. And I told her about it one time. She said, ‘The time when you’re going to teach a class and you’re not nervous before the first couple of meetings, you’re ready to retire.’”
Harvard Extension School Resources
As a Harvard Extension School student, you will have access to a wide range of resources, from academic support to career opportunities.
*Only available to degree candidates or HES alumni
Academic
- Writing Center
- All Harvard Libraries
- Harvard Extension Ready
- Enrollment Services (Read more about connecting with an enrollment coach)
- Registrar, Academic Services
- Office of Predegree Advising and Admissions
- Certificates Office Hours
- Faculty Aide Program*
- Academic Resource Center*
Professional
- Career and Academic Resource Center
- Mignone Center for Career Success
- Innovation Lab*
- Culture Lab*
- Public Service Fellowships*
- Internships*
Additional resources
- Webinars
- Financial services
- Accessibility Office
- Office of Student Affairs
- Harvard Museums
- University-wide student groups
- International Student Office
- Harvard Extension Student Association*
- Harvard Alumni Association*
Get Started Today!
“When I was thinking about going back to school, I overthought everything. But if I had better understood at the start how many resources were available to succeed, I would have committed a lot sooner,” Wendy says. “So just start.”
Harvard Extension School enrollment for Fall 2024 is open until Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Browse the course catalog and join the HES community today!
