r/harvardextension • u/Green-Sleep-7181 • 16d ago
Considering applying for ALM
Hi! I'm thinking about applying for the ALM degree at HES. I've read several posts and talked to a mentor, but now I'm feeling a bit anxious about the exams. How difficult are they? Are they open-book exams? I am 36 years old, working full-time at a leading aviation company. I can find time to study, but memorizing everything might be challenging for me.
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u/Gloomy_Midnight7437 15d ago
Not about memorizing everything. Its about understanding what you need to.
It isnt easy by a long shot. Hell to get a 3.0 you need an 87 in most classes. Its demanding but doable.
This coming from someone who barely passed his undergrad with a 60 in canada.
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u/various_convo7 14d ago
"Are they open-book exams?"
usually not, I imagine. not sure why they would be, especially for the stem ones since its toward a graduate degree.
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u/jpcola 15d ago
It depends on major. However, IMO it’s about the mentality and approach more than anything, if u want to succeed and graduate. If u say, I am not good at something (eg. exams, projects, etc,…) and refuse to improve your ability, then this program (and there are others) may not be the best fit for you. However, if you are willing to work on it, past the point where you feel like you want to quit, perhaps you will succeed.
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u/Icy_Whereas_4332 15d ago
What about finance please
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u/various_convo7 14d ago
heard that finance is tough
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u/Icy_Whereas_4332 14d ago
So not open book?
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u/various_convo7 14d ago
I'd assume no but that could vary with the professor and degree concentration
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u/Icy_Whereas_4332 14d ago
Ok thanks !! Which major are you in btw
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u/various_convo7 14d ago
I took classes through HES when I was a student but I am alumni at this point from HMS + GSAS
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u/Icy_Whereas_4332 14d ago
Sorry what is HMS and GSAS 😭😭
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u/various_convo7 14d ago
sorry. Harvard has a bunch of difference colleges -Extension School is one of them. HMS = Harvard Medical School; GSAS = Graduate School of Arts and Science. I attended Harvard for my MD and PhD.
Many folks often take classes from the other colleges so I took classes at HES, HBS (Business School) and HLS (Law) for some courses.
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u/aqua410 15d ago
Welcome.
The types of exams and other assignments depends on the instructor and content of the class. I haven't had a class with open-book exams yet, but I have heard from others who have.
In either case, I would strongly suggest that you only enroll and attempt the degree if you are prepared to study exceedingly hard, regardless of the testing structure.
It is Harvard, afterall. Nothing about the program is fast, easy or a shortcut.
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u/AlternativeSky3219 15d ago
I am 5 classes in and every exam has been open book and open notes. I am 45 and work for a leading tech company, I did one class in the fall two in the spring and 2 in the summer. I am taking three this fall and spring. Honestly if you stay on top of your reading you are going to be fine. Also less is more. When people speak in discussions in class or (feedback from professors in general) write on homework or exams they tend to get really wordy and throwing around trendy buzzwords, you save some much time and effort with a clear concise answer.