Take Exams

Who is this for?

Harvard College students, Harvard Griffin GSAS students, cross-registered students

Courses that culminate in a Final Examination of any duration (up to three hours) must hold their exams during the designated Final Examination Period and during the Exam/Final Deadline Group assigned by the Registrar’s Office. There are two exam sessions each day: morning exams begin at 9:00 AM, and afternoon exams begin at 2:00 PM (with the exception of students with DAO approved testing accommodations who may start at 10:00 AM).

Harvard Key is required to access the final exam schedule. To access the document as an HBS student, please see instructions on opening a SharePoint document as an HBS user.

Exam Conflicts

As you review the FAS Final Exam Schedule, check to confirm whether you have exam conflicts and need to reschedule your exam. Follow the instructions based on the type of exam conflict you have. You may also need to take action to receive accommodations for disability and health reasons or for religious observance. 

Exam period can be busy and stressful, but remember that you always have resources and people who can help you – please don’t hesitate to reach out for support. 

• Have an adviser, family member, faculty member, staff member, or tutor/proctor in mind whom you can call when things get toughest.
• Harvard College students should reach out to a Resident Dean or First-Year Resident Dean. They can help you figure out your options and solve problems that arise as you near your exam date. 
• Ask for help and communicate with faculty and advisers as soon as possible when concerns arise.

Review policies

• GSAS students should review the GSAS Examination Requirements.
• Harvard College students should:
  • Review the extensions of time policy in the College Student Handbook: If you encounter unexpected difficulties in completing your work, you should consult your Resident Dean. Extensions of time up to the end of the Examination Period may be granted by your instructor, but extensions beyond the Examination Period can be granted only by vote of the Administrative Board.
  • Re-read the Honor Code: Remember that it is ok to be unsure about some of your exam answers and that it's ok to not to be able to answer every question.
  • Review the Examination Rules: Know what is permitted during your exam.
  • Review the guidelines for what to do in event of an illness:
    • If you get sick before an exam: Contact HUHS Urgent Care within 24 hours of your exam. If you are instructed to go to HUHS Urgent Care, request a medical make-up form, inform your Resident Dean and instructor.
    • If you become ill during an exam, notify your instructor, submit your work and required form, and follow HUHS guidance.

Check dates

• Review your final exam dates and locations: Do not miss the scheduled time of your exam. Know the dates and locations (they will probably be different from where you have class) and add them to your calendar or planner.
• Re-read the syllabus for each of your courses: Know the deadlines for any final assignments and understand the collaboration policy for the course.

• If you miss your seated final exam and are approved for a makeup by the Administrative Board, makeup exams will be held before the start of the next term. Please check the academic calendar for the specific dates of makeup exams.
• The Administrative Board has jurisdiction over granting makeup examinations. The Registrar's Office will notify students approved to take makeup exam(s) via email at least 1 week prior to the exam. The email notification will specify the scheduled time and place of the makeup examination(s). The Registrar's Office will administer makeup exams at Hilles unless otherwise communicated. 

Related Forms

Disability Access Office

Harvard College Honor Code
 

Harvard College Guide – Reading and Examination Period