Does Harvard Accept Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English test is a popular language-learning platform’s English competency test.

In addition to your score, Duolingo English tests your ability to write in English. The exam is just USD 49 and takes less than an hour to complete. If you get a question correctly, the following one becomes tougher. Your results will be sent to you within 48 hours after taking the exam and may be shared with any institution.

In this article, we will discuss whether Harvard accepts the Duolingo English Test as proof of English language proficiency as well as the courses offered by the Harvard Extension School. In addition, we will also give you practical ways how to ace the Duolingo English Test.

Does Harvard Accept Duolingo English Test?

As of August 2015, Harvard University’s Extension School has started accepting the Duolingo English Test as verification of English language proficiency. 

Harvard University was the first university to be founded in the New World. Because it was America’s first university, it had a reputation as the only location where one could get a degree. Only the upper crust of society could afford to attend a university at the time. As a result, the university’s reputation as an exceptional institution has endured to this day.

Harvard University typically tops all university rankings. Having a successful mentor (such as a Harvard professor) boosts your chances of success. The university’s buildings and campus are among the most magnificent in America.

A solid command of the English language and the ability to grasp and communicate concepts swiftly and effectively is required for success at Harvard. Although taking an English proficiency test (such as the TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) is not needed, you may submit your results if you choose.

However, you must “earn your way in” to the Extension School’s degree programs by passing the test for Critical Reading and Writing Skills and passing two or three selected entrance courses with a B or higher.

Harvard Extension School (HES) is a program by Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It provides liberal arts and professional courses, academic certifications, undergraduate and graduate degrees, and a pre-medical program. Founded in 1910 to serve the Greater Boston region, it has grown to a worldwide reach.

Adult learners may choose from over 900 on-campus and online courses. While most courses are available to everybody, degree programs need specified grades and approval of a formal application. In 2010, the institution had approximately 500,000 students enrolled, with 0.18 percent earning a degree.

What Courses Are Offered in Harvard’s Extension Degree Program?

There are over 1,000 alternatives for students at Harvard Extension School, all of which are authorized by Harvard University’s accrediting agencies. More than 25 undergraduate and graduate degree courses and more than 45 certificate courses are provided and taught by highly experienced faculty from Harvard, MIT, Princeton, and other Ivy-league colleges, as well as industry experts.

Students may choose from various disciplines in the arts, literature, media, business, management, education, global studies, life sciences, humanities, social sciences, cultural studies, technology, environment, health, and other sectors. Every course is mainly delivered online, enabling students to study at their speed and in their own time while continuing to live their lives quietly and effectively.

Unfortunately, they have decided to only offer online courses for the entire school year (fall, January, and spring term) because of the pandemic. They have made this decision to protect you, the students, and the community. Additionally, Harvard has been the leader of distance education and is uniquely qualified to provide you with a world-class academic experience.

The following are examples of course formats:

  • Online (Live) Web-Conference Courses: These online web-conference classes meet once a week at a predetermined time, and you must be present online, live, at that time. The dates and times of meetings are specified in the course descriptions.
  • Online (live synchronous or asynchronous): In only one course at Harvard, you may upskill, reskill, or refresh your expertise. They provide approximately 1,000 lectures to help you pursue your goals, whether you want to learn new skills, make a career change, or broaden your horizons.
  • Online (Live or on Demand) Web Conference Courses: These online web-conference courses meet at set times, and you must attend live or view recorded sessions to complete assignments and tests. Within 24 hours of class, recorded sessions are uploaded on the course website.
  • Online Courses: It is entirely online. No fixed meeting schedule is given. However, you must fulfill all assignment and test deadlines. See course syllabi and websites for details. Some of these courses are from Harvard College. Within 24 hours after the class meeting, the lecture videos are released on the course website. By the course’s expectations, you may view the recorded class sessions at your leisure.

Over 700 courses are available via Harvard Extension School to help you broaden your horizons, improve your professional skills, or earn a Harvard certificate. And, below is the list of available courses for the Master’s Program.

Humanities

  • Masters:
    • Creative Writing and Literature
    • English
    • History
  • Postgraduate Certificate:
    • Philosophy and Ethics
    • Religion
    • Religions of the World
    • Religious Studies and Education

Social Sciences

  • Masters:
    • Anthropology and Archaeology
    • Government
    • Industrial-Organizational Psychology
    • International Relations
    • Journalism
    • Psychology
  • Postgraduate Certificate:
    • Organizational Behavior

Business & Management

  • Masters:
    • Biotechnology
    • Finance
    • Information Management Systems
    • Management
  • Postgraduate Certificate:
    • Principles of Finance
    • Strategic Management

Computer Science & IT

  • Masters:
    • Data Science
    • Information Management Systems
    • Software Engineering
  • Postgraduate Certificate:
    • Programming
    • Software Engineering
    • Web Technologies

Engineering & Technology

  • Masters:
    • Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
    • Biology
    • Software Engineering
    • Sustainability
  • Postgraduate Certificate:
    • Programming
    • Software Engineering
    • Sustainability

Natural Sciences & Mathematics

  • Masters:
    • Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
    • Biology
    • Biotechnology
    • Data Science
    • Finance
    • Mathematics for Teaching

Arts, Design & Architecture

  • Masters:
    • Digital Media Design
    • Dramatic Arts
    • Museum Studies
  • Postgraduate Certificate:
    • Visual Arts

Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences

  • Masters:
    • Global Development Practice
    • Sustainability

Applied Sciences & Professions

  • Masters:
    • Museum Studies
  • Postgraduate Certificate:
    • Real Estate Investment

What is the English Proficiency Requirement for Registration at Harvard Extension School?

At Harvard Extension School, the language of instruction is English. To enroll in any Extension School course, you must present proof of English proficiency unless you are an accepted degree applicant at Harvard College, Harvard Extension School, or a Harvard graduate or professional school.

Meeting the Requirement

To fulfill the English proficiency criterion, you must present the following good transcripts or qualifying test results by the English proficiency deadline.

In the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Singapore, provide an official transcript demonstrating completion of a high school diploma, an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s), or a graduate degree (master’s or Ph.D.) from an institution where English is the only medium of instruction.

Requirements for a transcript

  • You must have a high school diploma, a bachelor’s degree, or a graduate degree (master’s or Ph.D.). Degrees in progress are not eligible.
  • Students must have completed at least one semester at a campus in one of the seven nations listed above.
  • Transcripts from Singaporean secondary schools must show completion of SIPCAL with A-Level examinations. No IB diplomas.
  • Non-English-speaking colleges with campuses outside the seven permitted nations are not allowed to submit transcripts.

Students without a good transcript must achieve the English proficiency requirement by passing a test.

Qualifying Test Score

To guarantee that your result is received before the English proficiency deadline, take the exam long before registration starts. Provide a minimum authorized score on one of the English proficiency exams listed below. Except for the Duolingo English Test, scores must be no more than two years old and verified.

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

  • Test results should be from the last two years.
  • High school transcripts with English as the language of instruction are also accepted as evidence of English proficiency.
English Language Proficiency TestMinimum Approved Score
Duolingo English Test (DET)125

Non-qualified students must complete one of the recognized English language proficiency exams and submit qualifying test results to enroll for Harvard Extension School courses or take the CRWS examination.

Admission Highlights

If certificate courses are chosen, there is no application procedure; nevertheless, to achieve final acceptance in degree programs, one must get minimum marks in a minimum number of courses. Students may apply for admission during the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.

Studying at the institution is quite economical since all programs have course-based tuition of 1,920 USD for undergraduate programs and 2,980 USD for graduate programs.

For international students, English competence is required and must be shown via a series of standard examinations.

Institution TypePrivate
Undergrad Average Tuition Fee/year*USD 1,920 per course
Post-Grad Average Tuition Fee/year*USD 2,980 per course
Accepted English Proficiency Exams TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test
University Websitehttps://extension.harvard.edu/ 
Admission Application Linkhttps://extension.harvard.edu/registration-admissions/course-registration/
*For international students only

Source: Harvard Extension School 

Please note that English competence is not a guarantee of eligibility for admission.

Practical and Proven Tips to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test

Some students wonder whether the Duolingo English exam is difficult. The answer is that if you plan carefully, it will be simple. The Duolingo English Test assesses your ability to communicate in English in the real world. You must study diligently to get the highest possible DET score and gain admission to the college.

The steps below may assist you in preparing for the exam:

  • Improve your overall reading, speaking, writing, and listening abilities to pass the exam.
  • Duolingo is a language learning software that may help you improve your language abilities.
  • Reading English articles may help you improve your English.
  • On the internet, you may find several free Duolingo English test preparation materials. You’ll also be given questions to answer to assess your knowledge. Use them to your advantage and put in a lot of practice time.
  • You should take the practice test offered for more clarity.
  • To enhance your writing skills, practice writing essays.
  • It is possible to speak alone or with a partner. Make yourself comfortable while discussing yourself and your experiences.
  • Start by going over some example questions from the Duolingo English test Writing section.
  • Learn about fundamental topics such as news, current events, climate change, the economy, and more. You’ll develop the habit of understanding sentence context and learning new terms as you read more. Make a Duolingo English Test vocabulary list and practice it every day.
  • On the website, you may discover various DET question examples. Take advantage of it and make the most of it.
  • You may watch video instructions on the Duolingo English exam website. Read a quick review of the test experience to familiarise yourself with the framework.
  • You may increase your score not just by reading Duolingo study materials but also by reading high-level content like foreign journals and newspapers and practicing writing regularly.
  • To assist you with correctly preparing for the Duolingo English test, there are various online Duolingo English exam pdf materials accessible. You may get a feel for the Duolingo exam by looking at sample questions and answers in PDF format.

Harvard Extension School is undoubtedly the top online program provider globally, enhancing students’ abilities and knowledge and preparing them to be leaders in their areas. This school accepts the Duolingo English Test, which allows you to study at your speed, attend lectures whenever you want while still managing work and life, and focus on achieving your studies.

Additional Reading: Duolingo English Test

FAQs on the Duolingo English Test and Harvard University

What if I Don’t Meet the Required Score or Close to The Harvard Score Requirement?

If your score is far from the Harvard Duolingo English Test score requirement, retaking it is your best choice.

However, if you do this, make sure you spend a lot of time sharpening your shortcomings and working out how to enhance your score. The more points you need to meet the Harvard DET score requirement, the more studying time you’ll need.

And the more hours you need to study, the more time you should strive to set aside before the exam. It’s advisable to give yourself at least three to six months to prepare for the Duolingo English Test.

Which English Language Proficiency Test to Take for Harvard?

A strong command of the English language and the ability to grasp and communicate concepts swiftly and effectively is required for success at Harvard.

Although taking an English proficiency test (such as the TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) is not needed, you may submit your results if you choose.

The Duolingo English Test is accepted for the programs under the Harvard Extension School to verify your English proficiency. 

How Can I Prepare for The Dulongo English Tests Syllabus Effectively?

The Duolingo test does not have a specific curriculum. It simultaneously assesses all four skills: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. All you have to do now is practice with any materials you have.

Consider the following tips:
Reading high-level content, such as foreign journals and newspapers, and consistently practicing writing can help you improve your talents.
You may also watch English movies and attempt to imitate them.
Engage in discussion with individuals who speak English as a first language.
You may also prepare for the Duolingo English Test by using a variety of free internet tools.

The DET is the most cost-effective English certification exam available. For the sake of admission, several colleges throughout the globe recognize this. Practice hard, and you’ll be fine.

What is the Minimum DET Score Requirement of Harvard Extension School?

Duolingo is created in such a manner that it swiftly assesses a candidate’s aptitude.

The exam is adaptive, meaning that if you properly answer one question, the following one gets more difficult, and so on. It evaluates a candidate’s ability to listen, talk, read, and write.

And, to be admitted to the Harvard Extension School, you must show confirmation of your English proficiency with a minimum score of 125 which is no older than two years old.

Additional Reading: Duolingo English Test Scoring