ChatGPT opinion of Harvard Extension

[smartdegree]

I asked ChatGPT 4 (latest version) these questions and here are the replies:

1) Is harvard extension the same as harvard university?  

Harvard Extension School is a part of Harvard University, but it is not the same as the main undergraduate and graduate programs within the university. Harvard Extension School offers open-enrollment courses, certificates, and degree programs for part-time, online, and non-traditional students. These programs are designed to cater to a diverse group of learners, including working professionals, who may not have the opportunity to attend full-time programs at Harvard University.

The main undergraduate and graduate programs at Harvard University are more selective and have different admissions processes compared to the Extension School. While both institutions provide a high-quality education and are part of the larger Harvard University system, they serve different student populations and have distinct program structures.

2) Can you list just harvard university on your resume if you graduated from harvard extension?

It is essential to be transparent and accurate when listing your education on your resume. If you graduated from Harvard Extension School, you should indicate that you earned your degree or certificate from the "Harvard Extension School" or the "Harvard University Extension School" rather than just "Harvard University." This distinction is important because it provides a more accurate representation of the specific program you completed, as the Extension School has different admissions processes and course structures compared to the main undergraduate and graduate programs at Harvard University.

Misrepresenting your educational background can lead to potential issues with employers or during background checks. It is always better to be clear about your educational experiences to avoid any misunderstandings or misrepresentations.

3) How come graduates from other units within harvard can just list harvard university on a resume?

While it's true that students from other schools or divisions within Harvard University may list "Harvard University" on their resumes, it's important to note that the context and recognition of those programs are generally more established and widely understood. For example, when someone lists "Harvard University" along with a specific degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration, or a Ph.D., employers can typically understand which school or division within Harvard the candidate graduated from.

However, the Harvard Extension School has unique features, such as open enrollment, part-time study options, and a broader range of students, which differentiate it from the other schools within Harvard University. Because of these differences, specifying "Harvard Extension School" or "Harvard University Extension School" on a resume is essential to provide an accurate representation of the program you completed. This distinction helps avoid confusion or misrepresentation of your educational background.

In any case, it is a good practice to be specific about the school or division within a larger university when listing your education on your resume. This can help employers understand the particular program or focus of your studies and gives a more accurate picture of your educational background.

4) Can i instead say harvard division of continuing education instead of harvard extension on a resume?

Yes, you can list your degree or certificate as being from the "Harvard Division of Continuing Education" instead of the "Harvard Extension School" or "Harvard University Extension School" on your resume. The Division of Continuing Education at Harvard University includes the Extension School, so using that name would still be accurate and transparent.

When listing your education on your resume, it's important to provide enough information to ensure that employers understand the specific program you completed. So, when using "Harvard Division of Continuing Education," it would also be helpful to mention the degree or certificate you earned and any relevant concentrations or majors.

For example, you could list it as:

    Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies, Concentration in [Your Field], Harvard Division of Continuing Education
    Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies, Field of Study: [Your Field], Harvard Division of Continuing Education

By being transparent and accurate about your educational background, you avoid any potential misunderstandings or misrepresentations with future employers.

5) If comparing Harvard Extension to other universities, what would be the best comparison in terms of prestige / reputation?

It is challenging to compare Harvard Extension School directly to traditional universities due to the unique nature of its programs, which cater to a diverse group of part-time, online, and non-traditional students. However, if we were to attempt a comparison, we might consider it comparable to well-regarded universities or colleges known for their emphasis on quality education and flexibility in programs.

Some examples might include:

    Boston University
    Northeastern University
    Brandeis University
    George Washington University
    American University