Instructions for Completing the Online Supplemental Application to Harvard Medical School

Application Form
The Supplemental Application is available on the World Wide Web at https://application.med.harvard.edu (https://application.med.harvard.edu/). It must be submitted electronically; no hard copies or facsimiles will be accepted. All applications must be submitted no later than November 1, 2008, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time; no exceptions will be made.

Letters of Evaluation
Letters are submitted through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). A composite letter of evaluation from your premedical advisory committee is preferred; indicate on the application in item 6 the name of the institution sending the committee letter. If your institution does not have such a committee, please submit a minimum of three letters of evaluation from teachers who know you well, at least one from a science teacher and one from a teacher in a non-science department. Additional letters of evaluation from faculty members and others familiar with your career are strongly encouraged, up to a maximum of six letters. Individual letters of recommendation must be mailed to AMCAS directly from the author and must be written on the author’s office letterhead.

If you have been involved in research, a letter of evaluation from the supervisor of each research laboratory experience (including the current one) must be submitted. Your application will not be considered complete until all listed letters of evaluation have been received. All letters should be submitted with a postmark no later than November 1st.

Did you get an email?

Do they seriously require a letter from the supervisor of each lab experience? I have one from the PI of my lab in college but the past two summers I did clinical research and I don't feel like getting letters from those doctors now, it would just take too long...

I got an email 4 hours ago:

Application Form
The Supplemental Application is available on the World Wide Web at https://application.med.harvard.edu. It must be submitted electronically; no hard copies or facsimiles will be accepted. All applications must be submitted no later than November 1, 2008, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time; no exceptions will be made.

Anyone having trouble submitting? I'm getting an error message once I click the authorization button. :confused:

Does anyone know how many people apply to the HST program and how many get interviewed?

does anyone know what the different plans/paths are that they ask you to checkbox?

does anyone know what the different plans/paths are that they ask you to checkbox?

It's broken down on their web site. One of them, (the one more oriented towards being a medical scientist i believe) requires things such as calculus based physics.

does anyone know what the different plans/paths are that they ask you to checkbox?

New Pathway is the standard MD program.

The application failed on me. I, too, am not keen on getting a letter from one of my past research advisors. He didn't like me because I rarely went his lab after the summer. I consider Harvard out of the picture now if he write negative things.
My error:

Microsoft VBScript runtime error '800a01a8'

Object required: 'objMailer'

/page6.asp, line 30

Are there any essays you have to write for this?

Judging from all others, it'll probably be something like:
'How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck would chuck wood?' (limit 500 words; please do not press enter or return.)

Are there any essays you have to write for this?

Judging from all others, it'll probably be something like:
'How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck would chuck wood?' (limit 500 words; please do not press enter or return.)

How many hours per week did you devote to employment during the academic year?
Freshman: Sophomore: Junior: Senior:

If you have already graduated, briefly (4000 characters max) summarize your activities since graduation.

Our interview season runs from late-September through mid-February. Please indicate any known restrictions on your availability for interviews during this period. If none, leave blank.

Those are the only questions I see...I haven't clicked "Next" since I don't have my essay quite ready yet. So who knows there might be more after this page, but doubt it. Also if you're a reapplicant, there's that essay asking about your new experiences since applying (4000 characters max)

So, why does it ask how the letters are arriving if they're going straight from AMCAS? :confused:

How many hours per week did you devote to employment during the academic year?
Freshman: Sophomore: Junior: Senior:

If you have already graduated, briefly (4000 characters max) summarize your activities since graduation.

Our interview season runs from late-September through mid-February. Please indicate any known restrictions on your availability for interviews during this period. If none, leave blank.

Ignore the above post. I'm linking to it in the main index.

has anyone else not received this secondary yet?

I haven't received it either. It did let me log in and had my name in the system. So I guess they are just sending out the emailed in waves. Hopefully today we will get the invite, or actually I would rather them fix the issue so people are able to submit. And then they can send me the e-mail.

Good to hear, I guess. Weird that they send it in waves.

When they ask how many hours did you work during each academic year, does that include summers? If you guys think so, which academic year does each summer fall under? Is the summer before my senior year part of senior year or junior year?

No it wouldn't include summers. They mean during the Academic Year, as in when you are also taking classes.

Has anyone been able to submit? I keep getting the error message. :confused:

They only sent out the secondary to about 100 people because they weren't sure if the website would work. I e-mailed them the error message, and the tech people are working on it now. They said to try again in a few hours.

hey,
if my school has a premed committee, do i still need to get a recommendation from each lab I worked in since freshmen yr?

hey,
if my school has a premed committee, do i still need to get a recommendation from each lab I worked in since freshmen yr?

That's what I was wondering too, 'cause technically it says the entire letter of recommendation requirement is satisfied with a committee letter.

I worked in an engineering lab sophomore year for one semester of credit, and there's no way I'm gonna go ask for a letter now, they probably don't even remember me.

so is the verdict that for the "new pathways" program we HAVE TO get a rec from ALL of our research advisors?????/ I dont want to force my advisor to write me a letter for just one school.....

That's what I was wondering too, 'cause technically it says the entire letter of recommendation requirement is satisfied with a committee letter.

I worked in an engineering lab sophomore year for one semester of credit, and there's no way I'm gonna go ask for a letter now, they probably don't even remember me.

I checked up on this because I've been out of school for 10 years. I've already got a letter from a dean from my undergrad, and my lab supervisor is on sabbatical, so for all intents and purposes I'm out of luck for a letter. I have found their admissions office EXCEEDINGLY unfriendly and unhelpful every time I've had to ask them something. They are not about guidance or encouragement, that is for sure.

So, all he would say is that it is greatly to my benefit if I can get the letter, but if I can't then I should send them an email for them to include in my file. From his tone and verbiage it really gave me the impression that without the letter it might not be worth it to apply, but since they are always so unhelpful I can't tell if that's what I should chalk it up to instead. The letter sitch, plus the haughty attitude the admissions office has compared to every other school I've interacted with...eh, my interest is dwindling rapidly. :p

ETA: I have a committee letter and 6 letters total, so I too don't want to get another just for HMS.

You are allowed up to six (6) letters of recommendation in support of your application. When considering the total number of letters to submit, please note the following:

At least (2) letters should be from professors in the sciences with whom you have taken classes.

At least one (1) letter should be written by a professor who is not in the sciences.

We should receive letters from all of your research supervisors.

A composite letter of evaluation from your premedical advisory committee will completely satisfy our letter of evaluation requirement. If you wish to supplement a premedical advisory committee evaluation packet with additional letters of recommendation, count the packet as one (1) letter towards the six letter maximum.


****SO DOES THIS MEAN I DONT HAVE TO SUBMIT AN ADDITIONAL LETTER FROM MY RESEARCH ADVISOR IF MY COMMITTEE IS SUBMITTING A REC? WHICH WOULD "COMPLETELY SATISFY THE REQUIREMENT" ????

You are allowed up to six (6) letters of recommendation in support of your application. When considering the total number of letters to submit, please note the following:

At least (2) letters should be from professors in the sciences with whom you have taken classes.

At least one (1) letter should be written by a professor who is not in the sciences.

We should receive letters from all of your research supervisors.

A composite letter of evaluation from your premedical advisory committee will completely satisfy our letter of evaluation requirement. If you wish to supplement a premedical advisory committee evaluation packet with additional letters of recommendation, count the packet as one (1) letter towards the six letter maximum.


****SO DOES THIS MEAN I DONT HAVE TO SUBMIT AN ADDITIONAL LETTER FROM MY RESEARCH ADVISOR IF MY COMMITTEE IS SUBMITTING A REC? WHICH WOULD "COMPLETELY SATISFY THE REQUIREMENT" ????


I JUST answered this, at least according to the person in the admin office I spoke with - yes, they want a letter from all of your research supervisors, either in the packet from your committee or separately.

It appears that Harvard has fixed their glitch. I was able to submit and finalize my app. Good luck everyone.

i have been in 4 different labs... i got letters from 2 of them. the other two:
one was summer of freshman year and the prof left to go to a diff school and i noted that in my AMCAS application and the second lab i worked with a postdoc who left for japan again.. um.. am i screwed???

i have been in 4 different labs... i got letters from 2 of them. the other two:
one was summer of freshman year and the prof left to go to a diff school and i noted that in my AMCAS application and the second lab i worked with a postdoc who left for japan again.. um.. am i screwed???

I had the same issue. It's not a problem. I called them and told them that one of my labs left my current university and I am no longer in contact with them and have no way to get in contact with them. The man I spoke to told me that since I have a recommendation from my other research profs I should be fine. He also recommended that I e-mail Harvard and told them that I was unable to reach the other labs and that is why I do not have recommendations from them.

I too noted the lack of communication with my old lab in my AMCAS, but that an email to them would be added to my file and would explain that there really was no deficit.

Ah, I only worked in one lab, for 3 years, so maybe they are more lenient if you have at least one research letter, or maybe he just hates me. :D

Ah, I only worked in one lab, for 3 years, so maybe they are more lenient if you have at least one research letter, or maybe he just hates me. :D

I think the real difference is that we both have no way to really get in contact with our old labs which have moved away from our university. If my old lab were still around I would walk over there and talk to the secretary, etc... but they aren't.

Their real worry is that you might be trying to hide some really bad evaluation from a researcher. It's a bit diff. if the lab left you and you didn't leave the lab.

anyone else having a problem with the payment method? i submitted my secondary after after i tried to charge it on my credit card, i got a error msg saying that my payment was canceled due to an error and to try again.... the problem is that i dont know how to try again...help anyone?

TheVerve,

I was able to make the payment with my CC without problems. Try emailing the Admin Office...they were helpful with the submission error.

okay so if anyone was having the same problem as me with the payment (see post above)... in order to correct it, you have to call the admissions office, talk to joanne who will un-finalize ure application and then u just enter ure credit card info... good luck to everyone!

I think the real difference is that we both have no way to really get in contact with our old labs which have moved away from our university. If my old lab were still around I would walk over there and talk to the secretary, etc... but they aren't.

Their real worry is that you might be trying to hide some really bad evaluation from a researcher. It's a bit diff. if the lab left you and you didn't leave the lab.

Yeah, if my prof wasn't on sabbatical it wouldn't be a problem to walk over and talk to her (although it would be annoying to wait for the letter since everything else is done)...even so, I would still feel that it's a little ridiculous since I've been out for 10 years and it has so little relevance to who I am today. It's not something I've talked about anywhere other than listing it on the AMCAS.

Anyway, we'll see. :)

Wow, letter of rec from EVERY SINGLE lab?? So, if you've worked in 4 labs, then you get 4 letters. And you also have the 2 science profs and 1 non-science prof. 4+2+1 = 7 letters total! So that exceeds the 6 letter requirement. ??

Also, having worked in 4 labs (2 for long periods of time and 2 for summer programs), I didn't manage to do really well in every single one. I did extremely well in the labs that I worked in the longest... everyone starts off shaky in research, but in the longer duration labs, I got more time to get used to all the techniques and really prove myself... not so much with the summer labs. I don't think these letters will necessarily be negative, but I do think that they might not be that good, seeing as how I spent such a short time there and didn't really do as well as I could have. I'd much rather send letters from the better labs, as those will be sparkling. Idk, I'm just wondering whether Harvard expects all those research letters to be amazing, and if it hurts you if some are awesome and some are ehhh...

I'm exceeding 6. They told me it was okay via e-mail.

Shemarty: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??

I am submitted finally. In addition, I am just waiting for a few more letters for this application.
Shemarty: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
Vadd0: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??

Shemarty: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
Vadd0: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
rplyler1: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??

Shemarty: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
Vadd0: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
rplyler1: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
rowerlauren: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??

Shemarty: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
Vadd0: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
rplyler1: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
rowerlauren: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
serikk85: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??

Shemarty: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
Vadd0: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
rplyler1: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
rowerlauren: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
serikk85: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
copingmethods: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??

Shemarty: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
Vadd0: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
rplyler1: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
rowerlauren: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
serikk85: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??
copingmethods: Secondary Submitted: 7/18, Complete: ??

Anybody applying to HST? I'm applying to both, and it's a beast of an essay.

[premed paranoia]is their admissions process really not rolling? their email says so, but that is slightly hard to believe.[/end premedparanoia]

maybe i'm missing something or did not see it, but where did it say that you need lor's from research advisors or was that just for the phd program?

Anybody applying to HST? I'm applying to both, and it's a beast of an essay.

top choice!!

*returns back to reality*

Hey,
I didn't get an email invited, but I logged in and it let me start. Will their adcom be able to see when I started the app and how long it took me to finish it? Will that matter?

Hey,
I didn't get an email invited, but I logged in and it let me start. Will their adcom be able to see when I started the app and how long it took me to finish it? Will that matter?

It won't matter - there isn't even a formal essay, so this secondary should take you very little time to complete.

maybe i'm missing something or did not see it, but where did it say that you need lor's from research advisors or was that just for the phd program?

http://hms.harvard.edu/admissions/default.asp?page=researchapply

Also, is it standard for people to apply to both programs just to up their chances of getting into Harvard? I'm not particularly an appropriate candidate for HST, but I wasn't sure if it was common practice for everyone to just apply anyway.

in the LOR section they say:
Please indicate the format in which your recommendations will be submitted.

but there is nowhere to put that information... any ideas?

Hey everyone!

For the Letters of Recommendation Section, I'm checking the box for "Packet of individual letters will be sent directly from your school; no Premedical Committee Evaluation letter will be provided." Do you guys know if I'm still supposed to enter the names of the individual letter writers underneath? Or do I leave that part blank? I would call Harvard, but I don't want to wait until Monday. Thank you!

PS: ar2388, I think you're supposed to check one of the boxes to indicate the format of your LORs.

PS: ar2388, I think you're supposed to check one of the boxes to indicate the format of your LORs.

there is no box like that...:confused:

please.. does anyone know where i select which method my LOR's will be sent with? i dont see it anywhere? is there no box?

please.. does anyone know where i select which method my LOR's will be sent with? i dont see it anywhere? is there no box?

I just wrote .....(VirtualEvals)

I just wrote .....(VirtualEvals)

next to where you specify which institution is sending it?

I didn't see anyone reply with this,

The HST MD program requires a separate essay response(item 8, I believe):

Instructions: Please give your reasons for your interest in this Program. Include areas of research interests. Please limit your comments to the equivalent of one page of single spaced text with a font size of 10 or 12.

next to where you specify which institution is sending it?

Yep, ........ University (VirtualEvals)

What do I do if one of my recommendation letters are from the PI who oversaw my research? Do I have to go back to him, and tell him to write a separate evaluation letter?...

I personally know of someone who actually did not send in an LOR from every laboratory PI he worked with. He still was invited for an interview last year and they never brought it up. He was in fact admitted to their medical school too, but he decided to go to UCSF or UCLA - one of those two.

now that you say that im highly considering not getting one from one of my supervisors.......it just seems dumb to ask him JUST for this school alone

I personally know of someone who actually did not send in an LOR from every laboratory PI he worked with. He still was invited for an interview last year and they never brought it up. He was in fact admitted to their medical school too, but he decided to go to UCSF or UCLA - one of those two.

I don't suppose you happen to know if he explained why he didn't send them all, either in an email or somewhere on the app? It sounds like he sent in at least one, dunno if that's a lot better than having worked in only one lab and not getting that one letter.

I personally know of someone who actually did not send in an LOR from every laboratory PI he worked with. He still was invited for an interview last year and they never brought it up. He was in fact admitted to their medical school too, but he decided to go to UCSF or UCLA - one of those two.

I'm rather confused about their LOR requirements now-- They say on their website that a committee packet will cover all their LOR requirements. I've worked in 4 different labs, and I will have a letter from 1 of them in my packet (the others will be 2 science, 2 non-science, 1 volunteering, for a total of 6 already). It would probably delay my application significantly to try to get letters from the other 3 labs, especially since one of them will be out of the country until a month or so from now. Maybe I should just go ahead and apply with what I have?

i think I'm just going to apply with what I have, I'm only really missing one, and i don't think my app will get pitched bc of it

i emailed them and said that i cannot get letters from 2 of my 4 labs because the people i worked with have moved to either a diff instituation and i am no longer in touch or the others are in Japan and the Netherlands.
their response:
Thank you for your e-mail. I am sorry but I cannot say how the
Committee will view your application. You may certainly apply without
those letters. It is advisable, however, to obtain anything and everything specifically requested.

Jason Graff
on behalf of The Office of the Committee on Admissions
Harvard Medical School
25 Shattuck Street, Gordon Hall 306
Boston, MA 02115
phone: (617) 432-1550
fax: (617) 432-3307

e-mail: admissions_office@hms.harvard.edu (https://webmail.barnard.edu/student/src/compose.php?send_to=admissions_office%40hms.harvar d.edu) (Admissions Office HMS)

I don't know guys.. i guess we shall see waht happens. i already submitted teh secondary anyway

The instructions say:

Deadline for supplemental applications November 1, 2008 11:59 p.m. EST. After November 1, incomplete applications are reviewed on the basis of the application materials available.

So, worst-case scenario, without a letter from EVERY PI we would be considered incomplete and (unlike other schools as far as I know) still get reviewed at the end. If acceptances aren't rolling, as they say, then that shouldn't matter.

I think it's annoying to ask for a letter from all of them in the first place. They're bound to sound somewhat similar and this isn't even for the research-oriented HST program. I think that, if anything, they should ask for at least one letter from a PI.

Whoa whoa... Harvard NP REQUIRES rec letters from every PI?! For New Pathways?!... bleh... I specifically didn't ask my PI for one because he's so busy. But I guess I have to now?

Or are you talking about HST/MSTP?

If I read correctly you are talking about NP... in which case this is a real problem for me...it's so late...

I might have to forget about harvard for this one stupid small reason... wow... I don't know if I can get a letter from him at this point.

Tell me I'm seeing things.

yes, for NP

Has anyone received the completion e-mail?

Has anyone received the completion e-mail?

"Once all of your materials have been received and processed, HMS will send you an e-mail." is what they told me when I asked.

Does Harvard still require you to take Calc II to matriculate?

for the question that asks about employment...does it have to be paid employment? i did research for credit during the year...does that count?

Don't think so berk.
At least I've always put research for credit/volunteer down as a normal EC... not employment.

Don't think so berk.
At least I've always put research for credit/volunteer down as a normal EC... not employment.
yeah. i didnt think so. thanks tupac!

Same here. I only listed paid employment when secondaries asked about jobs.

It's weird, because I'm doing clinical research in 2 departments, one's paid and one's not. Even though I'm doing practically the same thing, one is a "job" and the other is an "extracurricular activity."

Legend
SS: Secondary Sent
C: Complete
II: Interview Invite
I: Interview

Shemarty: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
Vadd0: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
rplyler1: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
rowerlauren: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
serikk85: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
copingmethods: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?

where do you pay the application fee? i tried it when i was submitting the secondary, but it didn't go through and i dont know how to try it again :(

Legend
SS: Secondary Sent
C: Complete
II: Interview Invite
I: Interview

Shemarty: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
Vadd0: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
rplyler1: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
rowerlauren: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
serikk85: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
copingmethods: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
ar2388: SS: 7/20, C: ?, II:?, I:?

"I don't suppose you happen to know if he explained why he didn't send them all, either in an email or somewhere on the app? It sounds like he sent in at least one, dunno if that's a lot better than having worked in only one lab and not getting that one letter."

To the best of my knowledge, he didn't even explain why he hadn't gotten LORs from all of his research PIs anywhere on the app. He did submit LORs from his other PIs however.

When I submit my secondary, I DO plan to include somewhere on the application explaining why I don't have one PI's LOR (explaining that this research experience was so long ago [in high school] that any LOR written by this PI could not accurately reflect my current reasons/passions for medicine as I have changed significantly since that experience - or something like that).

Legend
SS: Secondary Sent
C: Complete
II: Interview Invite
I: Interview

Shemarty: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
Vadd0: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
rplyler1: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
rowerlauren: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
serikk85: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
copingmethods: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
ar2388: SS: 7/20, C: ?, II:?, I:?
jgberken: SS: 7/28, C: ?, II:?, I:?

I just did something that was probably dumb, and I was wondering if anyone had any input. I clicked on the link in this thread to the secondary page and I tried to sign in. When it worked, I went ahead and completed it. It never showed an error message or anything. Do they screen before they send secondaries? Do you think they are going to take it against me?
Thanks!!
Also, just curious to see if anyone has any comments on my list of schools. I might be overreaching.

I just did something that was probably dumb, and I was wondering if anyone had any input. I clicked on the link in this thread to the secondary page and I tried to sign in. When it worked, I went ahead and completed it. It never showed an error message or anything. Do they screen before they send secondaries? Do you think they are going to take it against me?
Thanks!!
Also, just curious to see if anyone has any comments on my list of schools. I might be overreaching.

they dont screen

I just did something that was probably dumb, and I was wondering if anyone had any input. I clicked on the link in this thread to the secondary page and I tried to sign in. When it worked, I went ahead and completed it. It never showed an error message or anything. Do they screen before they send secondaries? Do you think they are going to take it against me?
Thanks!!
Also, just curious to see if anyone has any comments on my list of schools. I might be overreaching.

ure stats are great; i think ure school list is fine and u will def get in some where.... good luck!

Completion e-mail, anyone? :sleep:

Completion e-mail, anyone? :sleep:

i called and they said they would not be doing status checks/updates/emails until the end of the month, at the earliest :(

i called and they said they would not be doing status checks/updates/emails until the end of the month, at the earliest :(

Thanks! :D

Legend
SS: Secondary Sent
C: Complete
II: Interview Invite
I: Interview

Shemarty: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
Vadd0: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
rplyler1: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
rowerlauren: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
serikk85: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
copingmethods: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
ar2388: SS: 7/20, C: ?, II:?, I:?
jgberken: SS: 7/28, C: ?, II:?, I:?
slipstream99: SS: 8/8, C:?, II:? I:?

Legend
SS: Secondary Sent
C: Complete
II: Interview Invite
I: Interview

Shemarty: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
Vadd0: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
rplyler1: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
rowerlauren: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
serikk85: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
copingmethods: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
ar2388: SS: 7/20, C: ?, II:?, I:?
jgberken: SS: 7/28, C: ?, II:?, I:?
slipstream99: SS: 8/8, C:?, II:? I:?
JoJo23497: SS: 8/8, C:?, II:? I: ?

Is anyone else interested in their MD/MPH program? I am, and when I moved to check the box on the secondary, it said that I wouldn't even be able to apply until I was already enrolled as a med student there.

So to save myself time (by not having to write the Joint Degree essay they require if you check one of those boxes), I checked "no" when they asked if I was concurrently applying to any of their Joint degree programs (because I'm really not right now). But I do plan on applying to their MD/MPH program later at some point.

Did I make the right move? Or should I have checked that box and written the essay?

Thoughts?

You are allowed up to six (6) letters of recommendation in support of your application. When considering the total number of letters to submit, please note the following:


At least (2) letters should be from professors in the sciences with whom you have taken classes.

At least one (1) letter should be written by a professor who is not in the sciences.




so this is the boat i am in.

i worked in two research labs...for academic credit (honors independent study).
one was a physiology lab, and considered a "science course."
one was a psychophysiology lab and can be considered either a "non science" or "science" since i got 1 semester credit from the psych dept. and 1 semester from the physio. dept.
is it weird that im using my research advisors as also my nonscience and science letters of rec.
for the psychophysiology lab i worked in, i actually had a psychology class with the supervisor so i've had him both in a class and in a research lab setting.
but for the physiology lab, ive only had him in a lab, but it was considered a "science class" since i took it for indepedent study.
i know, this might be getting convoluted.
does anyone think its a bad idea to use one letter to satisfy both the research supervisor and science class requirement?
or does no one understand what im trying to get at?

Is anyone else interested in their MD/MPH program? I am, and when I moved to check the box on the secondary, it said that I wouldn't even be able to apply until I was already enrolled as a med student there.

So to save myself time (by not having to write the Joint Degree essay they require if you check one of those boxes), I checked "no" when they asked if I was concurrently applying to any of their Joint degree programs (because I'm really not right now). But I do plan on applying to their MD/MPH program later at some point.

Did I make the right move? Or should I have checked that box and written the essay?

Thoughts?

i did the exact same thing as you. i think its the right move. :)

also, has anyone heard ANYTHING from harvard since submitting their secondary?

also, has anyone heard ANYTHING from harvard since submitting their secondary?

Nope! From the above post, it sounds like it might be a while. Well, the end of this month, but that's a long time for me! :o

i did the exact same thing as you. i think its the right move. :)

also, has anyone heard ANYTHING from harvard since submitting their secondary?

Good to know that I'm not alone. I e-mailed Harvard's Adcomm about it just in case (as a hypothetical question, even though I already submitted their secondary, heh heh). I'll keep you and everyone posted on what they say.

Cheers!

also, has anyone heard ANYTHING from harvard since submitting their secondary?

The website says they won't be reviewing them until September.

Just submitted mine.

Legend
SS: Secondary Sent
C: Complete
II: Interview Invite
I: Interview

Shemarty: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
Vadd0: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
rplyler1: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
rowerlauren: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
serikk85: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
copingmethods: SS: 7/18, C: ?, II:?, I:?
ar2388: SS: 7/20, C: ?, II:?, I:?
jgberken: SS: 7/28, C: ?, II:?, I:?
slipstream99: SS: 8/8, C:?, II:? I:?
JoJo23497: SS: 8/8, C:?, II:? I: ?
Calf: SS: 8/10, C:?, II:? I: ?

september? really? damn ivies. same with columbia i assume and cornell too im sure. im sure they like torturing us like this, you know the ones who submitted way early and now have to sit and wait and think

september? really? damn ivies. same with columbia i assume and cornell too im sure. im sure they like torturing us like this, you know the ones who submitted way early and now have to sit and wait and think

Well, I think they review them in order of completion, so we're still at the top of the pile, whenever they get around to it... :)

Is anyone else interested in their MD/MPH program? I am, and when I moved to check the box on the secondary, it said that I wouldn't even be able to apply until I was already enrolled as a med student there.

So to save myself time (by not having to write the Joint Degree essay they require if you check one of those boxes), I checked "no" when they asked if I was concurrently applying to any of their Joint degree programs (because I'm really not right now). But I do plan on applying to their MD/MPH program later at some point.

Did I make the right move? Or should I have checked that box and written the essay?

Thoughts?

Thank you for your e-mail. You need not do that essay at this time.

__________________________________________________ ____
Jason Graff
on behalf of The Office of the Committee on Admissions
Harvard Medical School
25 Shattuck Street, Gordon Hall 306
Boston, MA 02115
phone: (617) 432-1550
fax: (617) 432-3307
e-mail: admissions_office@hms.harvard.edu (Admissions Office HMS)
__________________________________________________ ____


Looks like we made the right move.

Cheers!

For the LOE requirement, it says they require "a letter of evaluation from the supervisor of each research laboratory experience." Does anyone know if this means specifically wet lab experience or research experience in general?

Has anyone received the "Admissions Bulletin" that was mentioned in the secondary invite e-mail?

Seeing this thread bumped kinda gives me a heart attack, not going to lie.

For the LOE requirement, it says they require "a letter of evaluation from the supervisor of each research laboratory experience." Does anyone know if this means specifically wet lab experience or research experience in general?

i think research lab in general

has anyone heard ANYTHING since submitting everything?

Nothing here

is anyone else having problems with the HST essay? i paste my essay in from microsoft word, but when i press next, and then go back to check the essay, all the spaces between my paragraphs and indentations are gone.

harvards deadline is nov. 1st. they do not have rolling admissions -- that would explain the no response. i think it says this in the word doc they emailed out with the secondaries.

This is wrong.

is anyone else having problems with the HST essay? i paste my essay in from microsoft word, but when i press next, and then go back to check the essay, all the spaces between my paragraphs and indentations are gone.


Maybe try using a different program like notepad instead?

My application looks so empty!

does anyone know when harvard starts inviting ppl for interviews? I need to book a flight to boston, but I'm wondering if I should hold off on it in the case of an invite from harvard (a long shot, i know)

does anyone know when harvard starts inviting ppl for interviews? I need to book a flight to boston, but I'm wondering if I should hold off on it in the case of an invite from harvard (a long shot, i know)
iirc Harvard has non-rolling admissions and doesn't give out any acceptances till February, but I can't remember when they start interviews. US News doesn't have the info either...

anyone think their chances at harvard are shot because they dont have LORs from all their research advisors? I only have 2/4 bc the other two are no longer at my school (one in boston - worked with her summer after freshman yr, and the other i worked with postdoc who is in japan). I am kinda giving up on harvard...

iirc Harvard has non-rolling admissions and doesn't give out any acceptances till February, but I can't remember when they start interviews. US News doesn't have the info either...

hmm i wonder if anyone is complete yet. I havent gotten my email, and i submitted on 7/28

I just (like ten minutes ago) received email notification that I am complete.

(I submitted on 7/18 by the way)

I just (like ten minutes ago) received email notification that I am complete.

me too.

I just (like ten minutes ago) received email notification that I am complete.

me too.

oh excellent!! thanks! I hope that means theyre going to be reviewing/inviting soon!

edit: I got the email today too! I submitted on 7/28 =)

same here! and i dont have all my research letters ... but i have a committee letter.. maybe they will let it slide?

Did all y'all apply to one or both programs? I submitted on July 19th =/ No word yet.

I haven't heard anything from them either.

I haven't heard anything from them either.

Hi Berken!!

Hi Berken!!
Hey Amph!

How would they even know whether or not you've sent in all your research letters? I mean, if you've worked in like 4 labs and you only send in 3 letters (maybe you're unable to contact the 4th PI or you just know it's not gonna be a good letter), how would they know that you've actually worked in 4 labs?

How would they even know whether or not you've sent in all your research letters? I mean, if you've worked in like 4 labs and you only send in 3 letters (maybe you're unable to contact the 4th PI or you just know it's not gonna be a good letter), how would they know that you've actually worked in 4 labs?

AMCAS Work and Activities

Did all y'all apply to one or both programs? I submitted on July 19th =/ No word yet.

I haven't heard anything from them either.

thats odd, i submitted july 28th, and my LORs were uploaded july 31st. I'm sure you submitted before me too jgberk =P

(woohoo 1000th post :banana:)

Oh man, do you really think they go for your throat if you don't have all your PIs recs?

tabletop, i really freaking hope not....

I just (like ten minutes ago) received email notification that I am complete.

(I submitted on 7/18 by the way)


I got notification today that I am complete. This waiting is crazy.

Anyone else just get that email? =D

Oh man, do you really think they go for your throat if you don't have all your PIs recs?

I wouldn't worry about it too much. I got the email saying I was complete and I definitely didn't have LORs from everyone I worked for....of course I was a physics major and if I did, including my grad school stuff and all...it would have ended up being like 8+ letters..and some of them would have been from people I only knew for 8 weeks or so maybe 7 years ago (good thing I didn't send them because they probably would have consisted of "no, I have no idea who this person is")

Anyone else just get that email? =D
Yeah, I just got the complete email too.

So I just called the admissions office to check the status of my application, and the person I spoke to said that the committee has already begun extending interview invitations ?!?

let the neurotic e-mail/mailbox checking begin!

So I just called the admissions office to check the status of my application, and the person I spoke to said that the committee has already begun extending interview invitations ?!?

let the neurotic e-mail/mailbox checking begin!

Bleh....I'm positive I won't be in the first (or 5th) round of invites, but that won't stop the neurosis.

Did they say it would be via email or what? And also, were they friendly/nice about the inquiry?

Bleh....I'm positive I won't be in the first (or 5th) round of invites, but that won't stop the neurosis.

Did they say it would be via email or what? And also, were they friendly/nice about the inquiry?

Well, me neither in regards to interviews, but I can hope all the same.

I was so shocked by the admission that they had begun handing out invites that I completely forgot to ask about the method. I'm assuming mail, since no one has posted on this forum thus far? They were very nice about it, though. Maybe you can call and inquire, then get back to us? :o

Well, me neither in regards to interviews, but I can hope all the same.

I was so shocked by the admission that they had begun handing out invites that I completely forgot to ask about the method. I'm assuming mail, since no one has posted on this forum thus far? They were very nice about it, though. Maybe you can call and inquire, then get back to us? :o

I would, but honestly they've been kind of prickish every time I've called (about other questions) so I'm not eager to call again. Or rather, it's always the same guy, so I should say "he". :(

Is anyone else still not complete? :(

Is anyone else still not complete? :(

Yes, me. I emailed them yesterday to ask about it :(

Yes, me. I emailed them yesterday to ask about it :(
Weird...I got the complete email yesterday and I submitted way after you, shemarty. Call them instead of email.

Yes, me. I emailed them yesterday to ask about it :(

Let me know what they say!

I submitted all my materials before the end of July and never received any complete e-mail. But I called them a few weeks ago and they said they received everything just fine, and told me I was complete over the phone.

I submitted all my materials before the end of July and never received any complete e-mail. But I called them a few weeks ago and they said they received everything just fine, and told me I was complete over the phone.

I just called, and they told me I was complete. Strange that some people got a complete email, and not others. :confused:

Yeah I thought that was weird too. Same thing happened to me with Johns Hopkins. The lady was like,"and you never heard anything from us since then" :confused:, and I just said no...lol :laugh:. Regardless, as long as they have everything, I'm content. Good luck to everyone:luck:

whoo!! interview! :) im sure you guys will hear soon too!!

whoo!! interview! :) im sure you guys will hear soon too!!
Let's hope so. Congrats to you though!!!!! :thumbup::D:hardy::soexcited::clap::bow:

whoo!! interview! :) im sure you guys will hear soon too!!

hey ar, did you apply to NP or both NP and HST?

just NP.. altho i shouldve done HST but too late now. lol

I just called, and they told me I was complete. Strange that some people got a complete email, and not others. :confused:


I emailed and they told me I was complete. Yea, weird that we didn't all get the same e-mail last week, but oh well, we're complete!

Has anybody had any trouble pasting their essays into the boxes and keeping the returns between paragraphs? I have tried notepad, word, etc and nothing will keep the formatting of my essays. It all ends up looking like one block of text.

I emailed and they told me I was complete. Yea, weird that we didn't all get the same e-mail last week, but oh well, we're complete!

Aren't you invited to interview at Wash U too? Better update your mdapps :D

I called Harvard last week and they told me they received my materials, although I've never gotten an email from them and they never responded to my emails inquiring about my status

Aren't you invited to interview at Wash U too? Better update your mdapps :D



Haha, I tried to update it this morning but the site was down. It's now updated :)

interview!!!!.... in a state of disbelief at the moment.

and a good way to end the day considering i spent all afternoon trying to get complete at columbia and hopkins...

interview!!!!.... in a state of disbelief at the moment.

and a good way to end the day considering i spent all afternoon trying to get complete at columbia and hopkins...
Me too! When are you going?

Hey serikk and dr drummer, did you apply to HST too or just NP?

Me too! When are you going?

I haven't replied to the email yet, but I am thinking Sept 30 or Oct 2... though I wish it could be later to get some more practice under my belt, but oh well. What about you?

Hey serikk and dr drummer, did you apply to HST too or just NP?

just NP

congrats guys!!!

congrats guys!!!
Hey thanks! You too!!! When are you going again? I'm thinking of going next week :scared:! I asked for the 25th. I interview at Dartmouth then and am trying to save $. I applied only NP.

So I just got a complete email, even though I called last week and they told me I was complete. :confused:

So I just got a complete email, even though I called last week and they told me I was complete. :confused:
Whoops! Well, at least now you know for sure that you're complete.

Whoops! Well, at least now you know for sure that you're complete.

Yep! Now I'll be checking my email even more compulsively! :scared:

Yep! Now I'll be checking my email even more compulsively! :scared:
Ha. Welcome to my world.....

i just got a complete email... 1 month and 3 days after i submitted my secondary (had my letters sent before that).

and all this time i thought they were reviewing my app already :laugh:

i just got a complete email... 1 month and 3 days after i submitted my secondary (had my letters sent before that).

and all this time i thought they were reviewing my app already :laugh:


It took less than two weeks from my getting the complete e-mail to getting an interview offer. So you never know how long it will take.

On Sept 11th, they told me I was complete after I emailed them to inquire about my status.

Then, on Sept 30th, I get the official "complete" email.

I think it's safe to assume that my file hasn't been reviewed between then and now, right?

I had been wondering why I hadn't heard anything from HMS yet despite being "complete" on 9/11, but perhaps it's because I wasn't *really* complete until today.

:(

I also got a complete email today (my first complete email from them). I submitted the secondary on 9/21.

also just got the complete e-mail today even though they told me over the phone weeks ago that I was complete. Grr Harvard. Hopefully we'll hear something soon!

Hey - has anyone already had their interview at HMS for the NP program - either in years past of this cycle?

I have mine this Saturday, October 4th and am just curious what your experience was like. Was the interview closed file/open file? Number of interviewers? Style?

Cheers!

Hey - has anyone already had their interview at HMS for the NP program - either in years past of this cycle?

I have mine this Saturday, October 4th and am just curious what your experience was like. Was the interview closed file/open file? Number of interviewers? Style?

Cheers!

Visit the Harvard page on the Interview Feedback site. (http://more.studentdoctor.net/interviewlist.php?school=42)

Thanks a bunch! No one entered anything for this cycle yet though.....

Cheers!

i had an interview there on friday. it was 2 faculty interviews, open file, and a student lunch and tour. they didnt do a whole lot for us, no real presenation or anything.

Everyone was really cool and down-to-earth... but like ar said, they didn't do much to keep us busy.

My second interviewer also answered his phone twice, checked his email, and walked out to give his secretary papers during the interviewe.... didn't exactly know how to take it.

Are you guys writing thank you notes?

eh i didnt write any thank you notes...

Anyone still waiting to hear from Harvard? I submitted my secondary application on 7/18 and was complete 9/24. :(

Anyone still waiting to hear from Harvard? I submitted my secondary application on 7/18 and was complete 9/24. :(

I submitted my app and was marked complete about 2-3 weeks ago. I don't have any word yet. This is a reach school for me though, I'm really not expecting to hear anything back from them. Great location though.

is this also the time when schools are getting a little bogged down with apps? maybe its just taking them longer

is this also the time when schools are getting a little bogged down with apps? maybe its just taking them longer

Hey ar2388, was your interview very stressful/did you get grilled? or was it more laid back relaxed hey-lets-get-to-know-you? I just got an interview invite today and I don't want to **** this up.

What airport do we fly into if we want to go to Harvard? I hear the public transportation system is great in Boston so I assume that's how I willl be getting to the school.

Hey ar2388, was your interview very stressful/did you get grilled? or was it more laid back relaxed hey-lets-get-to-know-you? I just got an interview invite today and I don't want to **** this up.

What airport do we fly into if we want to go to Harvard? I hear the public transportation system is great in Boston so I assume that's how I willl be getting to the school.
As quoted in their interview FAQ page, their interviews are "not stress interviews" and they just "want to get to know the applicant better".

Good luck!

enjoydrywax, it was very not stressful at all. no grilling, no hard questions, pretty realxed and standard

edit: nvm! They interview 'til February.

I was marked complete just today (10/24) and submitted back on 8/25... letters have been available/in since June...:laugh::thumbup::luck:

I was marked complete just today (10/24) and submitted back on 8/25... letters have been available/in since June...:laugh::thumbup::luck:


Same here [wo]man. I submitted like 7/20 and letters were available in the middle of august. Just got my complete email today 10/24.

But they are non-rolling, so I'm not stressing it.

I was marked complete just today (10/24) and submitted back on 8/25... letters have been available/in since June...:laugh::thumbup::luck:

wow, that sux...i was marked complete 2day 2...but i was stupid and messed up sending my AMCAS letters, so i had jus sent them in like on fri or something...i guess that makes me feel a little better then lollol!

Hey ar2388, was your interview very stressful/did you get grilled? or was it more laid back relaxed hey-lets-get-to-know-you? I just got an interview invite today and I don't want to **** this up.

What airport do we fly into if we want to go to Harvard? I hear the public transportation system is great in Boston so I assume that's how I willl be getting to the school.

you would fly into logan. from there you would take an airport shuttle to either the red or blue lines, and then switch to the green line. the med school is not in cambridge where the undergrad campus is, but still not that hard to get to. i'm sure they'll give you directions from the airport. from the airport (shuttle + T) it will cost $2.00 one way. not too shabby seeing as how it took me $30 to get from BWI to hopkins.
'
good luck.:)

you would fly into logan. from there you would take an airport shuttle to either the red or blue lines, and then switch to the green line. the med school is not in cambridge where the undergrad campus is, but still not that hard to get to. i'm sure they'll give you directions from the airport. from the airport (shuttle + T) it will cost $2.00 one way. not too shabby seeing as how it took me $30 to get from BWI to hopkins.
'
good luck.:)

Just to get more specific. The airport shuttle I think the poster is referring to is the "silver line" - it's a bus that is outside all the terminals. Get off at South Station. At South station, transfer to the red line towards Alewife. Get off at Park Street. At Park Street, transfer to the green line - either the E or D lines (it will say on the front of the trolley)! On either line get off at the Longwood stop. You will be at the corner of Longwood and Huntington, walk down Longwood and the school will be on your left. If you aren't familiar with the area, take the E line because it is easier/quicker to get to HMS. You will only have to pay once. You can take a cab as well, but cabs in Boston are pricey!

hey guys, has anyone received an interview invite after at least a month after being complete? when i called them, it seemed like they were saying that if they r going to invite u, they'll do it within 2-3 weeks of ur being complete.. but they woudln't answer directly so just wanted to ask others.. and hope that there's still a chance for an interview despite the wait lol..

Just to get more specific. The airport shuttle I think the poster is referring to is the "silver line" - it's a bus that is outside all the terminals. Get off at South Station. At South station, transfer to the red line towards Alewife. Get off at Park Street. At Park Street, transfer to the green line - either the E or D lines (it will say on the front of the trolley)! On either line get off at the Longwood stop. You will be at the corner of Longwood and Huntington, walk down Longwood and the school will be on your left. If you aren't familiar with the area, take the E line because it is easier/quicker to get to HMS. You will only have to pay once. You can take a cab as well, but cabs in Boston are pricey!

or you could take the other shuttle to the blue and switch to green that way... blue let's off at gov't center and you can get a D train there too.

So I was complete at HMS on October 2nd. I was checking my mail today and saw a big envelope from Harvard and my heart stopped. I got really excited thinking it might be an interview invite (why else would they be sending me a big envelope in the mail?) and it turned out to just be their viewbook and instructions on how to fill out their secondary application. Ummmm... hello Harvard! I have been complete for a month now-- the letter even said the secondary application due date was November 1st, or, two days ago! Anybody else get this in the mail super late?

ditto

So I was complete at HMS on October 2nd. I was checking my mail today and saw a big envelope from Harvard and my heart stopped. I got really excited thinking it might be an interview invite (why else would they be sending me a big envelope in the mail?) and it turned out to just be their viewbook and instructions on how to fill out their secondary application. Ummmm... hello Harvard! I have been complete for a month now-- the letter even said the secondary application due date was November 1st, or, two days ago! Anybody else get this in the mail super late?
Got that one last week.... I've been complete for a long time as well.

guys, i had my interview almost a month ago and i just got that viewbook and the secondary instructions.

guys, i had my interview almost a month ago and i just got that viewbook and the secondary instructions.
haha that's a good one.

So I was complete at HMS on October 2nd. I was checking my mail today and saw a big envelope from Harvard and my heart stopped. I got really excited thinking it might be an interview invite (why else would they be sending me a big envelope in the mail?) and it turned out to just be their viewbook and instructions on how to fill out their secondary application. Ummmm... hello Harvard! I have been complete for a month now-- the letter even said the secondary application due date was November 1st, or, two days ago! Anybody else get this in the mail super late?

yea, same here. got mine on friday. my heart stopped for a split-second as well. their viewbook is very nice though. :love:

:D

Secondary submitted 7/18, complete 9/30, interview invite 11/6

That was a loooooong wait

yep yep, my wait was a bit longer. completed on 9/22 and heard back today. i guess the lady on the phone didnt' know wut she was talkin about when she said interviewees will be emailed promptly within 2-3 weeks from completion date heh.

yep yep, my wait was a bit longer. completed on 9/22 and heard back today. i guess the lady on the phone didnt' know wut she was talkin about when she said interviewees will be emailed promptly within 2-3 weeks from completion date heh.

Yea, I e-mailed them on 9/11 and they told me I was complete. Then I got the formal "you're complete" email on 9/30. I submitted my secondary in July!

... and I'm still waiting :(

... and I'm still waiting :(

Yours will come soon! :luck:

how many interviews does harvard offer? and out of those, what's the acceptance rate? thanks!

how many interviews does harvard offer? and out of those, what's the acceptance rate? thanks!

It's about 1000. I haven't found any values of acceptance versus matriculation. I imagine its a pretty small difference. I know Columbia's is about 50 more acceptances thant matriculations, so I imagine that Harvard is about the same. I could be wrong, however. What we need is someone with a subscription toe US New and World report.

Hahvahd Hahvahd Hahvahd. Sorry, it makes me happy to hear people say it like that, :D

INTERVIEW!!!!!!!!!!:eek:


in a state of utter disbelief...harvard...please dont play with me!!!


still waiting for an email that says, SYYYKKKKE...

infact, this email jus says we are contacting to inform u that you
will be inivited for an interview...so it could still be a hoax...

omgogmogmgomgog

infact, this email jus says we are contacting to inform u that you
will be inivited for an interview

As soon as you pick your date, you get the follow-up email officially inviting you to interview on that date. So, it's no joke! You're interviewing at Harvard!

I got an invite Nov 5th and to this day, I still can't believe it.... I am just so excited!!... Just thanking God for this.. Does anyone know what percentage of interviewees they accept?

I got an invite Nov 5th and to this day, I still can't believe it.... I am just so excited!!... Just thanking God for this.. Does anyone know what percentage of interviewees they accept?

240 out of 1029 last year. Gluck!

240 out of 1029 last year. Gluck!

That's 23%. I'm definitely going to be needing the luck, thanks!! I'm just so honored that they deem me worthy to be interviewed.

:D

Secondary submitted 7/18, complete 9/30, interview invite 11/6

That was a loooooong wait

I was complete the same day :(

Does anyone know if applications are reviewed in order of completion?

Does anyone know if applications are reviewed in order of completion?

You should check out the interview invite thread to find this info.

im not applying this year but i was just wondering if harvard asks if your family is affiliated with any part of the university or only the medical school. also, if you have strong legacy that is still involved with the school(regional interviewer for undergrad) and no connection whatsoever to the med school, would that help at all? thanks to anyone who responds and congratulations to everyone applying! this is exciting to watch :)

im not applying this year but i was just wondering if harvard asks if your family is affiliated with any part of the university or only the medical school. also, if you have strong legacy that is still involved with the school(regional interviewer for undergrad) and no connection whatsoever to the med school, would that help at all? thanks to anyone who responds and congratulations to everyone applying! this is exciting to watch :)

There are so many extremely qualified applicants for so few spots that I can only imagine having ties to the undergrad school wouldn't make any difference. But, this is just speculation, I don't actually know.

im not applying this year but i was just wondering if harvard asks if your family is affiliated with any part of the university or only the medical school. also, if you have strong legacy that is still involved with the school(regional interviewer for undergrad) and no connection whatsoever to the med school, would that help at all? thanks to anyone who responds and congratulations to everyone applying! this is exciting to watch :)

I find it unlikely that HMS would care about a relative associated with another part of the university, unless said relative was a professor in the sciences. It will, however, help if you yourself attended Harvard College, and you do have the chance to say that on your application.

Has anyone sent them an email letting them know that you are going to be in Boston for another interview (or I guess just in the area for any reason)? Did they respond? Did you get an interview? I'm thinking about trying this.

they aren't going to put your app above others just because of an in the area email.

If you are already reviewed and granted an interview but just haven't been notified yet, then that might work, but since Harvard is non-rolling I don't see the point.

I just don't want to fly out twice, is all.

It won't hurt to send it, long as you do it politely, but I was just trying to say don't expect to hear anything back. You may, but it is not likely. They probably know that, if they don't grant you your wish, and decide to interview you later, you probably will fly back to Boston again...

Haha, it is Harvard after all! Maybe I'll wait a little longer because I don't want to look presumptuous??? Oh man.

hey guys, I'm new here.

anyway, I was hoping to get your opinion on whether I have a shot at getting an interview with Harvard.

I'm Canadian and I'm currently finishing up my last year studying Systems Design Engineering.

Got 33 on my MCAT 9 VB 12 PS 12 BS, and P

Got 3.75 on Sci GPA, 3.54 on AO GPA (all those engineering courses have been a GPA killer), and 3.63 overall.

Published a paper on a optical imaging device that I designed in my first year for interstitial cancer monitoring using a high resolution optical imaging modelity

worked in cardiac MRI imaging research

Currently working on a new imaging device combining intravascular ultrasound and optical imaging to guide cardiac intervention procedures


I don't have great academic record, but do you think they would take a look at your experiences and research?

thanks for your inputs, cheers.

you should post it in the "what are my chances" sub-forum, start a new thread there you will get more views

So is there any consensus as to the cut-off from complete email to interview invite? 4-6 weeks?

Friday marks the 6-week mark for me... looks like I'll be saying adieu to harvard early :lame:

No idea, I've been complete since 9/30. I believe shemarty got it at around 8 weeks mark but I can't check since mdapps is down

Edit: nvm it was 5 weeks for her, I figured she was complete at Harvard in mid July or something :)

I'm terrified of their admissions office too. But I may just bother them one last time tomorrow to see what the deal is. But it's getting pretty late in the interview season now... they stop in Feb. I think. And interviews scheduled now are late Dec. at the earliest I'm pretty sure. So I feel this is the end of the road.
So it goes.

I'm terrified of their admissions office too. But I may just bother them one last time tomorrow to see what the deal is. But it's getting pretty late in the interview season now... they stop in Feb. I think. And interviews scheduled now are late Dec. at the earliest I'm pretty sure. So I feel this is the end of the road.
So it goes.

I received my your application is complete on Dec 1st, even though that bad boy was complete back in August.

I've been complete for 11 weeks. Looks like a pre-interview rejection. :(

my invite came a lil over 6 weeks after i was complete..

I've been complete for 11 weeks. Looks like a pre-interview rejection. :(

Same here. :( Hoping they go through the apps a second time, but not too optimistic.

Has anyone tried giving them a call today? :luck:

I submitted it in July, emailed them in early September and somebody replied saying "your application is complete." Then, in late September, I got the official "complete" email, so i just assume they didn't actually look at my application before then. So effectively, I was complete on 9/30.

I had called them a few times between 9/30 and when I got the invite, but the answer was always "you could be invited anytime between now and February..." So, I think the only thing anybody can do is wait. They won't tell you anything else about where you stand.

good luck!

Has anyone sent them an email letting them know that you are going to be in Boston for another interview (or I guess just in the area for any reason)? Did they respond? Did you get an interview? I'm thinking about trying this.

I think you should go for it. I'm going to do it. There's nothing to loose, really.


AtG

I asked and HMS doesn't really do anything for applicants (I currently live 9k miles from Boston so I have a long ways to go). They basically told me to wait and that's it...no "we'll put something in your file"...etc that I got from other schools.

(I have interviews at Stanford, JHU, Columbia and other strong research schools so its not like my application is terrible....I hope...:scared:)

can nebody talk about their interview experience? e.g. how u traveled, where you stayed (host/hotel?) how ur interviewers were. how the interviewees were.

i believe you just got back shemarty, how was it?

can nebody talk about their interview experience? e.g. how u traveled, where you stayed (host/hotel?) how ur interviewers were. how the interviewees were.

i believe you just got back shemarty, how was it?

I'm not back yet, flight's tomorrow night (Sunday night). I took a bus up from new york because I was there for Columbia. i recommend it (Mega Bus, Bolt Bus would also work). i stayed with a student host in vanderbilt hall. Interviewers were very relaxed and conversational. One student and one faculty, but some ppl have two faculty. The saturday interview session was very compressed so the interviews were all in the same building. we didn't have to trek across town to go to the interviewers offices, which is what you normally have to do.

After the interviews, 2 other interviewees and i took the subway over to the undergrad campus, ate some of the best ice cream ever (at JP Licks - I highly recommend it), and walked around. Then my friend from high school who goes to the undergrad school showed me around the undergrad campus area some more, and I'm going to go and explore Boston a bit more tomorrow morning. Then, flying out sunday night.

I'm not back yet, flight's tomorrow night (Sunday night). I took a bus up from new york because I was there for Columbia. i recommend it (Mega Bus, Bolt Bus would also work). i stayed with a student host in vanderbilt hall. Interviewers were very relaxed and conversational. One student and one faculty, but some ppl have two faculty. The saturday interview session was very compressed so the interviews were all in the same building. we didn't have to trek across town to go to the interviewers offices, which is what you normally have to do.

After the interviews, 2 other interviewees and i took the subway over to the undergrad campus, ate some of the best ice cream ever (at JP Licks - I highly recommend it), and walked around. Then my friend from high school who goes to the undergrad school showed me around the undergrad campus area some more, and I'm going to go and explore Boston a bit more tomorrow morning. Then, flying out sunday night.


thanx a lot shemarty....do u think ur interview went well? how were the students?

thanx a lot shemarty....do u think ur interview went well? how were the students?

The students were all really nice. There was a holiday party at Vandy Hall on Friday night, so I went w/ my student host. I got to chat with some students there, and they all seemed to love HMS. The ones who led the tour were also really friendly and had great things to say. Everybody said that since the curriculum was p/f, it wasn't very competitive or stressful. Yes theres a lot of material and a lot of work, but it wasn't a negative environment, it seems.

I think my interviews went fine, but it's always impossible to extrapolate, and I don't want to get my opes up. I feel like I did the best I could have. I don't regret any of my answers. I can't think of better answers than what I said on the spot. My interviewers were really nice and the conversations were very casual and low-stress. I got to emphasize the points that I wanted to, and I didn't have to discuss anything that I was uncomfortable or unfamiliar with.

yay.. congrats shemarty!
when i was interviewing, the tour guides made a point of saying that you should not judge HMS based on the quality of the interview day..its very bare bones. but they also said, once you get in, even for a revisit, its a 180 degree change

Yeah I think the interview day is really what you make of it.

Unfortunately I spent most of my downtime sneaking in some studying for finals, but I know some other interviewees on my day explored the medical center area more, sat in on classes etc.

Oh yeah and I'd definitely recommend staying in Vandy if you can or at least stay at a hotel within walking distance...the T seems like it can be a bit...unreliable lol

I interviewed on a Saturday so the day wasn't as "bare bones." 1 hour of down time, during which a small group of us went out to walk around campus together. Maybe that left me with a better impression than if I had been running around on my own that day.

Yes, I definitely recommend Vandy if you can find a host. The location is really convenient, and you have more chances to talk to students the night before. The other interviewees said they had trouble finding a host this weekend because it's right before final exams. I stayed with a 1st year who was a classmate from college. I'm sure come January all the students would be happy to host.

Harvard definitely had THE nicest professors out of all the schools I have interviewed with. The NP interview was really chill, very conversational. The HST interview was a bit more tough, since it was a panel interview.

can nebody talk about their interview experience? e.g. how u traveled, where you stayed (host/hotel?) how ur interviewers were. how the interviewees were.

Like others said, there isn't much to the NP interview day. I wish they had planned more stuff considering that they ask you to be there at 8 in the morning and some (myself included) don't get out of the final interview until 5:30. Luckily I work down the street so I got almost a full 8 hours on the clock! I think other interviewers were bored. Maybe bring a book or something.

My NP interviewers were super friendly - I think my conversations were them were the most pleasant part of the day. I had 2 faculty members - one was involved in the first 2 years of teaching and one was involved in 3rd year rotations. Some applicants need to go to the hospitals for their interviews. I had to trek to MGH. They will give you cab fare but it's still kind of a pain. Interestingly, the HMS interviewers are not supposed to ask you anything that isn't stated on your application. For instance, my interviewer said he couldn't ask me anything about healthcare because I didn't write anything in my application that would suggest I know anything about healthcare. Don't know if all the interviewers follow that rule.

Staying with a host would definitely be easiest. Vandy is right across the street and hotels in Boston are pricey!! A hotel in the Fenway or Longwood Medical Area would be within walking distance of the school. A hotel downtown would require you to take the green line subway. But, the T really isn't that bad (runs frequently, is cheap) if you need to use it.

If you are interviewing for HST, then definitely be prepared for a tougher interview. It was the most stressful one I've had to date. Know your research back and forth...and then know some more.

For those that interviewed, do you know when we get to hear by? Also admissions didn't mention anything about thank you letter policies and I was wondering if anyone knew about that. Thanks.

For those that interviewed, do you know when we get to hear by? Also admissions didn't mention anything about thank you letter policies and I was wondering if anyone knew about that. Thanks.

Everyone who interviews hears back on the same day in March. Harvard is non-rolling.

Hello everyone,

Quick question for you Harvard people. I applied there and I'm really surprised I wasn't even offered an interview. I'll be brief, but here is a summary of my stats:

GPA: 4.0
Major: Physics with a post-bacc that got me all my missing prereq's
MCAT: 40
LOR's:3 really good ones from professors I know personally
volunteering: average
research: a lot, mostly physics but some protein folding research too

Not saying I should get in or anything, but truthfully I'm shocked they didn't even interview me. I called to ask about my app status but they were rude to me and told me they don't give app updates. Am I missing something here (I was accepted at Hopkins...)?

Hello everyone,

Quick question for you Harvard people. I applied there and I'm really surprised I wasn't even offered an interview. I'll be brief, but here is a summary of my stats:

GPA: 4.0
Major: Physics with a post-bacc that got me all my missing prereq's
MCAT: 40
LOR's:3 really good ones from professors I know personally
volunteering: average
research: a lot, mostly physics but some protein folding research too

Not saying I should get in or anything, but truthfully I'm shocked they didn't even interview me. I called to ask about my app status but they were rude to me and told me they don't give app updates. Am I missing something here (I was accepted at Hopkins...)?

Maybe your clinical experience was lacking? It seems like you're background is in physics, so maybe the "average" volunteering didn't show a commitment to medicine? I don't know, I'm just speculating based on your very short summary.

This process can be seemingly random at times. Penn didn't want to interview me, *shrug*. Congrats on Hopkins, it's a great school :)

you are complaining about harvard when you have an acceptance at JHU, just sayin :D

Perhaps the admissions didn't think you were a good fit or something. Maybe it was arrogance in your personal statement? :)

Hello everyone,

Quick question for you Harvard people. I applied there and I'm really surprised I wasn't even offered an interview. I'll be brief, but here is a summary of my stats:

GPA: 4.0
Major: Physics with a post-bacc that got me all my missing prereq's
MCAT: 40
LOR's:3 really good ones from professors I know personally
volunteering: average
research: a lot, mostly physics but some protein folding research too

Not saying I should get in or anything, but truthfully I'm shocked they didn't even interview me. I called to ask about my app status but they were rude to me and told me they don't give app updates. Am I missing something here (I was accepted at Hopkins...)?


Don't worry about it, there's a reason why people recommend appying to many schools, you just never know. Is your app fine? I just found out last week that even though they emailed me that I was complete back in late September, they never received my money.

but hey! If you don't want your Hopkins acceptance give it to me!:laugh:

Hello everyone,

Quick question for you Harvard people. I applied there and I'm really surprised I wasn't even offered an interview. I'll be brief, but here is a summary of my stats:

GPA: 4.0
Major: Physics with a post-bacc that got me all my missing prereq's
MCAT: 40
LOR's:3 really good ones from professors I know personally
volunteering: average
research: a lot, mostly physics but some protein folding research too

Not saying I should get in or anything, but truthfully I'm shocked they didn't even interview me. I called to ask about my app status but they were rude to me and told me they don't give app updates. Am I missing something here (I was accepted at Hopkins...)?


Did you physically get a rejection? It depends on when you were complete. Sometimes it takes a long time b/c so many people apply (7k this year). I have a friend who hasn't gotten his yet but I think he will eventually.

Hello everyone,

Quick question for you Harvard people. I applied there and I'm really surprised I wasn't even offered an interview. I'll be brief, but here is a summary of my stats:

GPA: 4.0
Major: Physics with a post-bacc that got me all my missing prereq's
MCAT: 40
LOR's:3 really good ones from professors I know personally
volunteering: average
research: a lot, mostly physics but some protein folding research too

Not saying I should get in or anything, but truthfully I'm shocked they didn't even interview me. I called to ask about my app status but they were rude to me and told me they don't give app updates. Am I missing something here (I was accepted at Hopkins...)?

Harvard is not just about your uGPA and MCAT score. They seek a certain type of student which you may or many not fit their profile. My guess is that you didn't. Not every student who has the academics is a good match for every medical school. My guess is that you were not a good match for Harvard based on your application and they rejected you.

Harvard has different admissions criteria from Hopkins. You got into Hopkins and you didn't get into Harvard. When I speak to my friends and colleagues who attended medical school there, community activism is one component that they look for and it doesn't seem that you have mentioned that you have this experience.

Harvard also looks for students who have excelled in something creative outside of medicine and research such as writing (remember Michael Creighton) etc. It doesn't look like you mentioned that experience either. Again, based on what I know about Harvard, you are outside of what they look for in a medical student in spite of your grades and MCAT score.

If you are not a good fit for whatever an admissions committee has set for their criteria, you can paint yourself with platinum and you won't get in. That's the criterion that you can't measure or put a number on in terms of admissions. In the end, this is a subjective process. If this was not the case, doing admissions work would be pretty easy for me. I could just line up the uGPA/MCAT scores and pick the top 145 from each year and offer admissions.

Hello everyone,

Quick question for you Harvard people. I applied there and I'm really surprised I wasn't even offered an interview. I'll be brief, but here is a summary of my stats:

GPA: 4.0
Major: Physics with a post-bacc that got me all my missing prereq's
MCAT: 40
LOR's:3 really good ones from professors I know personally
volunteering: average
research: a lot, mostly physics but some protein folding research too

Not saying I should get in or anything, but truthfully I'm shocked they didn't even interview me. I called to ask about my app status but they were rude to me and told me they don't give app updates. Am I missing something here (I was accepted at Hopkins...)?

You're not alone BravesFan. I'm in the same boat. I'm sure you had all the clinical experience yatta yatta yatta. It's just a fit thing. This process is very random. IMO, don't stress it -- they either were looking for something specific in apps that they didnt find in yours/mine, they found something that ruffled their feathers, or they lost your application (not likely, but you gotta wonder!). Either way, who cares. Hopkins is P/F first 2 years now. The main reason I'm still crossin my fingers for Harvard is to give me fin aid options. Else, take II for residency.

Hello everyone,

Quick question for you Harvard people. I applied there and I'm really surprised I wasn't even offered an interview. I'll be brief, but here is a summary of my stats:

GPA: 4.0
Major: Physics with a post-bacc that got me all my missing prereq's
MCAT: 40
LOR's:3 really good ones from professors I know personally
volunteering: average
research: a lot, mostly physics but some protein folding research too

Not saying I should get in or anything, but truthfully I'm shocked they didn't even interview me. I called to ask about my app status but they were rude to me and told me they don't give app updates. Am I missing something here (I was accepted at Hopkins...)?

You are the opposite of me. Hopkins didn't even offer me an interview (not rejected yet though) however I got a Harvard interview early in the process and my interviews went really well. Some of my recommenders got called immeadiately after my interview to talk more about me.

This just speaks to the randomness of the process. Both you and I will do well but it is the minor differences between us that lead to different successes.

You are the opposite of me. Hopkins didn't even offer me an interview (not rejected yet though) however I got a Harvard interview early in the process and my interviews went really well. Some of my recommenders got called immeadiately after my interview to talk more about me.

This just speaks to the randomness of the process. Both you and I will do well but it is the minor differences between us that lead to different successes.

wow, does H do this for all interviewers. I sure hope so!

Thanks everyone for your input on my post. I wasn't implying that since I got into JHU I should get into Harvard, only offering it as evidence that my app in general didn't raise any red flags with adcomms. I guess you guys are right that I just wasn't a fit for them. Still seems strange though...

Thanks everyone for your input on my post. I wasn't implying that since I got into JHU I should get into Harvard, only offering it as evidence that my app in general didn't raise any red flags with adcomms. I guess you guys are right that I just wasn't a fit for them. Still seems strange though...

Yea, I was accepted to Hopkins too, and still haven't heard from HMS. :(

you are going to UCLA over JHU? Is baltimore that cold or something, I've never been there.

you are going to UCLA over JHU? Is baltimore that cold or something, I've never been there.

Well Baltimore is a cake-walk compared to Boston. I was just at the H-Y football game and have never been so cold in my life, and I had ~6 layers on. I literally almost died. Almost.

you are going to UCLA over JHU? Is baltimore that cold or something, I've never been there.

UCLA is something like half the tuition. :)

did the "Harvard Pep Squad" pull off another "We Suck" prank? :D

The Deans of Admissions for these big name schools met up on July 4th last year and had their Premed Draft, I know it. The rules were only one student per school, with guaranteed acceptance. Some students were accidentally drafted more than once which had to be resolved by a waitlisting at one of the schools. Players like myself, 2pac, and coping were drafted by JHU very early on. Heck, Harvard did not even "officially" receive my declare to play in the 2009 season until just a few weeks ago. I smell conspiracy ;)

In reality, I would have to reject an invitation to Harvard because of funding and my JHU letter. Fortunately, I will not have to tell them no, because they have already subliminally told me no ^,^

The Deans of Admissions for these big name schools met up on July 4th last year and had their Premed Draft, I know it. The rules were only one student per school, with guaranteed acceptance. Some students were accidentally drafted more than once which had to be resolved by a waitlisting at one of the schools. Players like myself, 2pac, and coping were drafted by JHU very early on. Heck, Harvard did not even "officially" receive my declare to play in the 2009 season until just a few weeks ago. I smell conspiracy ;)

In reality, I would have to reject an invitation to Harvard because of funding and my JHU letter. Fortunately, I will not have to tell them no, because they have already subliminally told me no ^,^

Haha. Yeah, it does seem funny. I got in to JHU, but nada from Harvard. Oh well. Sounds like I'm not quite what they were looking for.

did the "Harvard Pep Squad" pull off another "We Suck" prank? :D

Haha well when I say it was cold, I mean frigid. So frigid that no amount of liquor jacket could convince me to even bother going into the stadium. I went from the tailgate straight to a bar to watch the game indoors. I don't even think the annual MIT streakers showed their little behinds this year.

It's snowing outside right now but I honestly feel like I'm in CA in comparison to Cambridge/Boston. Weather really does become relative at some point.

Haha. Yeah, it does seem funny. I got in to JHU, but nada from Harvard. Oh well. Sounds like I'm not quite what they were looking for.


hmmm so i wonder if i got interviews at both jhu and hms, that means im def gonna get into at least one? :rolleyes:

harvard is non-rolling neway, so im sure u guys will be getting your invites soon enuff...have u all called 2 make sure there are no glictches/errors?

hmm i also have interviewed at both... except i don't feel confident about either at all.. cuz of my low score lol... not sure why they siked me out with these interviews lol.. on the other hand, it's been awhile and i haven't heard back from the schools that i thought i'd have a better shot statistically.. hmm random random random

hmm i also have interviewed at both... except i don't feel confident about either at all.. cuz of my low score lol... not sure why they siked me out with these interviews lol.. on the other hand, it's been awhile and i haven't heard back from the schools that i thought i'd have a better shot statistically.. hmm random random random
I'm interviewing at both and I feel exactly the same way. Don't feel like I have a real chance at the big 2, but at the same time my er..."more reasonable" schools are ignoring me..ha

hmm i also have interviewed at both... except i don't feel confident about either at all.. cuz of my low score lol... not sure why they siked me out with these interviews lol.. on the other hand, it's been awhile and i haven't heard back from the schools that i thought i'd have a better shot statistically.. hmm random random random

I have a colleague who was interviewed and was rejected from UCSF, UCSD and George Washington. Guess where he got in? Harvard Medical School. The process is pretty random every year. Don't try to make sense out of it and don't let rejection (or no contact) from one school color your impression of the competitiveness of your application.

Harvard reads every word on every application. They have a profile and likely, something that you wrote somewhere on your application fit the profile for this year. (Profile changes too). You got interviewed because the schools that interviewed you are considering accepting you. You could have been rejected pre-interview.

interview invite for hst today, complete 2nd week of nov - so there's hope for all the people who submitted late

lol..so does ne1 actually say "harvard" when people ask you what your top choice is? i always feel sheepish saying this. usually i just say, i'm waiting to hear back from schoools...but then ppl seem 2 keep pressing...usually ill be like the best one i get in to, or the cheapest one...i find im always changing my answer...but the few times ive said harvard i always feel really dumb saying that lol..

you are going to UCLA over JHU? Is baltimore that cold or something, I've never been there.


Well we are comparing two Top 10 schools, both with amazing hospitals...

Weather : UCLA Kills
Girls: UCLA Kills
Night life: UCLA Kills
Cost: UCLA Kills
Location: UCLA Kills
Safe environment: UCLA Kills (ghetto vs. bel-air/westwood)

I believe the decision is unanimous. :rolleyes:

I hear HMS has a pretty cool seal that they put on your rejection letter. I think it is a little lion or something.

I guess R-OH and the HMS seal will ease the painhttp://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:guo6uwa2q80UKM:http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/dermatology/global_img/logo_seal.gif (http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/dermatology/global_img/logo_seal.gif) of getting rejected when it happens.

I hear HMS has a pretty cool seal that they put on your rejection letter. I think it is a little lion or something.

I guess R-OH and the HMS seal will ease the painhttp://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:guo6uwa2q80UKM:http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/dermatology/global_img/logo_seal.gif (http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/dermatology/global_img/logo_seal.gif) of getting rejected when it happens.
nicely said

Mmmmm interview invite for NP today....

:soexcited::biglove::soexcited:

Mmmmm interview invite for NP today....

:soexcited::biglove::soexcited:

Congratulations! I like non-trads.

Hahvahd, I miss you.

Mmmmm interview invite for NP today....

:soexcited::biglove::soexcited:

Same here! and I got a hopkins invite 2 days earlier. This week has been good to me:D

Well we are comparing two Top 10 schools, both with amazing hospitals...

Weather : UCLA Kills
Girls: UCLA Kills
Night life: UCLA Kills
Cost: UCLA Kills
Location: UCLA Kills
Safe environment: UCLA Kills (ghetto vs. bel-air/westwood)

Celtics vs. Lakers in the finals: Harvard kills

:D true that, true that.

Patriots vs Rams in the superbowl: UCLA kills

oh wait, Rams, moved to St Louis.

Patriots vs Rams in the superbowl: UCLA kills

oh wait, Rams, moved to St Louis.

Um, I think you need a refresher course in super bowl history

Celtics vs. Lakers in the finals: Harvard kills
I like the Lakers more in this respect, so UCLA kills?
But everyone knows it's going to be a Houston Rockets championship season this year, so Baylor will KILL.

Um, I think you need a refresher course in super bowl history

no i dont.

tom brady moved the ball with 1 minute left rather than taking a knee. 50 yard field goal won the game. I watched the game with like 10 buddies, I was in middle school back then.


I was just teasing.

Well we are comparing two Top 10 schools, both with amazing hospitals...

Weather : UCLA Kills
Girls: UCLA Kills
Night life: UCLA Kills
Cost: UCLA Kills
Location: UCLA Kills
Safe environment: UCLA Kills (ghetto vs. bel-air/westwood)

I believe the decision is unanimous. :rolleyes:

Looks like SDN has found UCLA's silverlining

PS: have you ever been to boston? After living in LA for my ENTIRE life I can say that without a doubt boston girls are just as fine (if not more) as any westwood girl

anyone know how many people get interviewed for the ~30 hst spots?

anyone know how many people get interviewed for the ~30 hst spots?

I heard about 200 people.

Has Harvard finished sending interview invites?

I submitted their secondary the last day possible, so sometime mid november or even december. I looked at the interview invite thread, it seems only like 2 or 3 people were invited for the HST...is it really likely that the other 190 don't wanna brag or they haven't sent out all the invites yet? I am under the impression interview invites are finished with for the big H. Can someone pronounce it?

Has Harvard finished sending interview invites?

I submitted their secondary the last day possible, so sometime mid november or even december. I looked at the interview invite thread, it seems only like 2 or 3 people were invited for the HST...is it really likely that the other 190 don't wanna brag or they haven't sent out all the invites yet? I am under the impression interview invites are finished with for the big H. Can someone pronounce it?

i don't think so. i know people who got interview invites in january last year who are enrolled there. i certainly haven't put my information in the interview invite thread because when i did once it somehow got deleted and i don't have time to continually make sure my entries got through. also sdn is probably a small small proportion of the applicant/invite/etc pool. and even a smaller portion of those that actually go on sdn post things.

in short, there are probably a lot of other lurkers who haven't posted and also other invites to give out. of course i don't know for sure. so take that for what its worth

Hey,

Should I send an update letter to Harvard? I interviewed in October and I don't know whether my file has been reviewed or not. I would send the update around mid January.

Have they already reviewed my file?? Ahhhhh.. i don't know why i am agonizing over this, but I can't bear to think my decision is just sitting there and I have no further control over the outcomee!!!

Hey,

Should I send an update letter to Harvard? I interviewed in October and I don't know whether my file has been reviewed or not. I would send the update around mid January.

Have they already reviewed my file?? Ahhhhh.. i don't know why i am agonizing over this, but I can't bear to think my decision is just sitting there and I have no further control over the outcomee!!!

Um. They're non-rolling. No one finds out until March. If you want to send in new grades or whatever else is in your update, go for it. But don't panic because you haven't heard yet, because NO ONE has. And don't expect a response on the status of your application as a result of sending in your update.

OH i know I won't find out until march, but I was wondering if it is worth sending an update if they have already made a decision.

Opinions??

OH i know I won't find out until march, but I was wondering if it is worth sending an update if they have already made a decision.

Opinions??

My guess is that some sort of evaluation has already been made. Maybe the just score everyone, and then look at the top 100 or so in March.

I interviewed early Dec., and the director of admissions told us before our interviews that "if you have won the Nobel Prize, please let us know. Otherwise there is no need to update us."

Did people on other dates receive the same message??

I interviewed early Dec., and the director of admissions told us before our interviews that "if you have won the Nobel Prize, please let us know. Otherwise there is no need to update us."

Did people on other dates receive the same message??
wow..

wow..

I'm inclined to agree with the whole Nobel Prize thing. If you haven't done something really important, like got a 1st authorship in Nature, your competitiveness really hasn't been changed that much. I mean, I've been shadowing at Mayo clinic some more and volunteering at a homeless shelter clinic this winter, but these aren't really that impressive, nor are they out of line with what I've had in my original application. Writing them to tell them that you got all A's this semester is kinda useless. At this point in the game, does an increase of 0.03 in your GPA really justify a review of your application. "Well timmy was borderline with a 3.9 and his experiences working with TB victims, but now with a 3.93 he's exactly what we were looking for!" :laugh:

I suppose that if I had starred in a dance performance or something, I'd let them know. I personally don't feel that I have done anything to justify an update. I included my class schedule in my application, and I'm sure they can extrapolate my grades from my past performance (though I don't know how much it would matter to them at this point...). I've continued all of my activities that I put in my EC's and indicated that I was going to be doing them until May 2009, and a few more shadowing experiences or a grand total of 20 more clinical volunteering hours really doesn't add much more flavor to my application.

I'm inclined to agree with the whole Nobel Prize thing. If you haven't done something really important, like got a 1st authorship in Nature, your competitiveness really hasn't been changed that much. I mean, I've been shadowing at Mayo clinic some more and volunteering at a homeless shelter clinic this winter, but these aren't really that impressive, nor are they out of line with what I've had in my original application. Writing them to tell them that you got all A's this semester is kinda useless. At this point in the game, does an increase of 0.03 in your GPA really justify a review of your application. "Well timmy was borderline with a 3.9 and his experiences working with TB victims, but now with a 3.93 he's exactly what we were looking for!" :laugh:

I suppose that if I had starred in a dance performance or something, I'd let them know. I personally don't feel that I have done anything to justify an update. I included my class schedule in my application, and I'm sure they can extrapolate my grades from my past performance (though I don't know how much it would matter to them at this point...). I've continued all of my activities that I put in my EC's and indicated that I was going to be doing them until May 2009, and a few more shadowing experiences or a grand total of 20 more clinical volunteering hours really doesn't add much more flavor to my application.

i disagree with you. sending grades i think could be important. say, for example, your gpa is lower but shows an incredible upward trend. stellar grades this term could help support that and remove any doubt they have about how real that upward trend is. i would say to send them whatever and they can throw it out if they don't care, but i doubt it can hurt you.

:thumbup:i disagree with you. sending grades i think could be important. say, for example, your gpa is lower but shows an incredible upward trend. stellar grades this term could help support that and remove any doubt they have about how real that upward trend is. i would say to send them whatever and they can throw it out if they don't care, but i doubt it can hurt you.

I would follow this advice:

"if you have won the Nobel Prize, please let us know. Otherwise there is no need to update us."

Thats what the director of admissions at Harvard Medical School asked applicants to do.



But you just go ahead and send those grades in! :thumbup:

:thumbup:

I would follow this advice:

"if you have won the Nobel Prize, please let us know. Otherwise there is no need to update us."

Thats what the director of admissions at Harvard Medical School asked applicants to do.



But you just go ahead and send those grades in! :thumbup:

oh because you heard it directly from the director's mouth? or are just blindly believing an anonymous post on the internet from someone likely vying for the same spot as you...

What is the name of the director of admissions again? That really nice lady pediatrician who seemed a bit over enthusiastic?

I agree that you shouldn't send update letters with more of the same, but if you need to show continued commitment to something you started just before you applied it might be worth it. Like what streetlight said about improved grades. Or if you picked up on an new interest late in the game you could be doing something to deepen your understand of the topic (internship, conference presentations, things you published, not necessarily in Nature)

And I would also like to know if anybody else heard about the "no Noble Prize, no update" statement.

I did, but I can't verify that I heard it at Harvard. I HAVE heard those exact words though.

I'm not sure where these nonsensical notions started, but - Harvard or not - do any of you really believe that sending in an update not of "Nobel Prize" caliber is going to hurt your chances of being accepted? No offense, but that strikes me as being the stuff of SDN legend (or maybe just neuroticism), not actual fact. I would only give it credit if a lot of different individuals were to mention it, but since there is only one source, I find it very hard to believe. Again, I mean no offense, but I do think that such extreme statements need to be well-qualified before they are treated as facts.

If you have an update that you feel is worth sharing, I would recommend that you just send in a letter and take these SDN rumors with a grain of salt. I cannot imagine any sensible adcom using such a letter to harm an applicant's chances of being accepted, since the letter - even if it contains no updates that will actually strengthen the application - is still an affirmation of the candidate's interest and shows that he/she has a strong interest in the school. I would guess that the worst-case scenario is it having no effect at all.

I would just say that if thats what they said at Harvard, then thats how I would go for that particular school, not necessarily every one though.

My guess is that at the begining of the interview season, they dont talk about udates,. By December, when they are recieving all sorts of updates from interviewed students, then maybe the Harvard director wanted to let students know that they dont need to update them.

Fair enough, although I think that the school would make an effort to let the students know about its stance on updates were it so opposed to receiving non-essential ones (as is the case with some other schools, which clearly state in at least one conspicuous location that they do not want to receive them). When I interviewed, neither the director nor the interview packet made any mention of how update letters were treated. Nor can any information about them be found on the HMS website.

What is the name of the director of admissions again? That really nice lady pediatrician who seemed a bit over enthusiastic?

She's not the director of admissions, but she is an incredibly nice woman. I had one of my interviews with her and had the best talk of any of my 20+ interviews with her. I don't know how this will reflect upon me come March, but she is great.

And I would also like to know if anybody else heard about the "no Noble Prize, no update" statement.

I didn't hear any comment about not sending in updates, but I did interview in October. Just to be sure I will call them to ask in early January before I send in my updates.

To those who have interviewed, approximately what time did the interview day end? It says in the email that its not advisable to schedule a flight before 8 pm, but I can't find anything leaving after 6 pm. I really don't want to have to spend an extra night, so is it safe to schedule an outgoing flight at 6 pm? Thanks!

To those who have interviewed, approximately what time did the interview day end? It says in the email that its not advisable to schedule a flight before 8 pm, but I can't find anything leaving after 6 pm. I really don't want to have to spend an extra night, so is it safe to schedule an outgoing flight at 6 pm? Thanks!

The interview day effectively ends at 3:00 PM for most people. 5:00 PM at the very latest. A 6:00PM flight is definitely safe.

HST interview lasted a bit longer, but still ended around 5:00.

I'm not sure where these nonsensical notions started, but - Harvard or not - do any of you really believe that sending in an update not of "Nobel Prize" caliber is going to hurt your chances of being accepted? No offense, but that strikes me as being the stuff of SDN legend (or maybe just neuroticism), not actual fact. I would only give it credit if a lot of different individuals were to mention it, but since there is only one source, I find it very hard to believe. Again, I mean no offense, but I do think that such extreme statements need to be well-qualified before they are treated as facts.

If you have an update that you feel is worth sharing, I would recommend that you just send in a letter and take these SDN rumors with a grain of salt. I cannot imagine any sensible adcom using such a letter to harm an applicant's chances of being accepted, since the letter - even if it contains no updates that will actually strengthen the application - is still an affirmation of the candidate's interest and shows that he/she has a strong interest in the school. I would guess that the worst-case scenario is it having no effect at all.

Admissions officers do get annoyed when you send useless stuff. At Stanford, they made a point of saying only send things that are worth hearing about. Like an ACCEPTED publication in a peer reviewed paper. Maybe a new LOR (although he stressed that most people send in too many LORs). So not quite Nobel prize, but something that would make them take the time out of their day to look at your application. Not "I still keep visiting those little old ladies at the retirement home."