2009-2010 Harvard Application Thread

[ksmi117]

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Yes you are a little paranoid because when it mentions applying twice, it means 2 cycles.

This.

You didn't submit. You'd know if you did. Also, you wouldn't be able to login and access it again.

 

[Snurping]

I'd really appreciate some advice on the requirement for LORs from all labs you've worked in.

Here's my situation:

1) I worked in a lab this summer, but sporadically, and it was fairly low-key/casual
2) I was working with my mom who also works in the lab (meaning the PI didn't get to know me that well, and the person who would really be able to comment on my work would be my mom...yikes, and not appropriate)
3) This experience is not listed on AMCAS

So - why asking about getting a LOR from my PI (who is not my mom)? Because, I wanted to mention in my "what have you been doing since you left college" essay that I've been doing research (give myself a little boost here, if I can, you know?). Since I wasn't planning on asking for a letter, I'm not sure if I should mention it. Any advice?

I know that they're not going to SCOUR my application for how many research experiences and how many letters I sent in, but I just wouldn't want to get rejected for something like that.

Also - should we assume that when they say research, they mean lab/scientific research? (I was an undergrad research assistant for a human rights place, but that's about as far away from a lab and science as you can get, but it's on my AMCAS).

Thank you!!

 

[Hirudo]

So, in the secondary they ask:

"If you are re-applying, briefly (4000 characters max) summarize your activities since your previous application."

and:

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

I both applied and graduated last year, so my response for these two essays would be the same. Do you think I should put the same essay twice or "See item 1F" in the second box?

Thanks!

 

[LINK1290]

May be too late for this, but I would have never listed on my AMCAS the older research experience where you could not get a letter - that was a red flag to you, and it is a red flag to schools. It is going to hurt you at any school that wants to hear from that PI - is Harvard the only school asking for that? Is this for HST, or NP?

If you can't get a letter, then you can't get a letter. I would follow the initial advice you got from the HMS person and send a letter explaining the circumstances so that something is in the file offering an explanation, or an excuse, for not getting all the LORs they require.

Are you kidding me?

I wasn't about to omit research that I received a scholarship to perform and did a poster presentation on just because my supervisor is deciding to play hide-and-seek. If Harvard can't wrap its head around the fact that I've done all I can do, and if they decide to change their admission decision based on the absence of a single letter (despite a great recommendation from my most recent supervisor), then Harvard can shove it.

To answer your question, this is for New Pathway.

 

[neuromcdoctor]

So I have taken calc 1+11 but I did not take differential equations or calculus based physics - how strict are these requirements for the HST program?

 

[Naijaba]

I can't say for sure, but differential equations usually has calculus, multivariable calculus, and linear algebra as pre-requisite courses; which means to have taken DE is to have taken all of those classes.

 

[JasonE]

do ppl do research under the NP? i want to do research in med school, but i dont think HST is for me (also i didnt take differential equations and I took ap physics so no 1 year of college level calculus based physics).

im just wondering if they would think it was weird that i didnt apply HST but wanted to do research. thoughts?

 

[andafoo]

Is everyone considering employment only as those that are paid? Where does volunteering in a lab fall?

 

[redrower]

volunteering is volunteering. youre not employed. employment requires monetary compensation

 

[flip26]

Are you kidding me?

I wasn't about to omit research that I received a scholarship to perform and did a poster presentation on just because my supervisor is deciding to play hide-and-seek. If Harvard can't wrap its head around the fact that I've done all I can do, and if they decide to change their admission decision based on the absence of a single letter (despite a great recommendation from my most recent supervisor), then Harvard can shove it.

To answer your question, this is for New Pathway.

No, I really wasn't kidding. A research experience for which you can't provide a strong letter of recommendation is a problem, unless the PI is dead.

You have a second research gig, with a letter, to present. Maybe if you did not have this you would have put down the first one. But with the second experience, I would not have listed the first one.

You need to physically track down the PI and get that letter; however, if he writes a bad one, you are screwed anyway.

 

[zpiff]

So I have taken calc 1+11 but I did not take differential equations or calculus based physics - how strict are these requirements for the HST program?

The requirements are usually pretty strict. I'm sorry to say that Calc 1 and 2 does not cover what you need. Diff Eq is usually taken after Calc 3 (multivariate).

 

[zpiff]

do ppl do research under the NP? i want to do research in med school, but i dont think HST is for me (also i didnt take differential equations and I took ap physics so no 1 year of college level calculus based physics).

im just wondering if they would think it was weird that i didnt apply HST but wanted to do research. thoughts?

Yes, people do research under NP. Most students at HMS will end up doing research in some way although HST students will most likely focus on bench research.

No, I don't think that they would think you applying to just NP is weird.

 

[Doe87]

So I have taken calc 1+11 but I did not take differential equations or calculus based physics - how strict are these requirements for the HST program?

I didn't apply to HST because it isn't really for me since I don't care so much for being a scientist after med school. However, I took engineering as one of my undergrad majors. They also mentioned physics and engineering aspects of HST. I can tell you that diff eq and probably multivariable will be very important in these subject areas. You may still have time to take these courses, but if not, I wouldn't recommend bothering to apply.

 

[zpiff]

No, I really wasn't kidding. A research experience for which you can't provide a strong letter of recommendation is a problem, unless the PI is dead.

You have a second research gig, with a letter, to present. Maybe if you did not have this you would have put down the first one. But with the second experience, I would not have listed the first one.

You need to physically track down the PI and get that letter; however, if he writes a bad one, you are screwed anyway.

I disagree. I would still put the research experience down even if you can't find the PI.

 

[mdeast]

I took multivariable but not differential equations. It seems like a sort of extravagant requirement...especially since that class is probably the farthest from having relevance to any biological research I've ever done. Should I bother applying? I graduated a year ago so I obviously can't take differential equations this year so easily.

 

[zpiff]

I'd really appreciate some advice on the requirement for LORs from all labs you've worked in.

Here's my situation:

1) I worked in a lab this summer, but sporadically, and it was fairly low-key/casual
2) I was working with my mom who also works in the lab (meaning the PI didn't get to know me that well, and the person who would really be able to comment on my work would be my mom...yikes, and not appropriate)
3) This experience is not listed on AMCAS

So - why asking about getting a LOR from my PI (who is not my mom)? Because, I wanted to mention in my "what have you been doing since you left college" essay that I've been doing research (give myself a little boost here, if I can, you know?). Since I wasn't planning on asking for a letter, I'm not sure if I should mention it. Any advice?

I know that they're not going to SCOUR my application for how many research experiences and how many letters I sent in, but I just wouldn't want to get rejected for something like that.

Also - should we assume that when they say research, they mean lab/scientific research? (I was an undergrad research assistant for a human rights place, but that's about as far away from a lab and science as you can get, but it's on my AMCAS).

Thank you!!

I would try to get that letter from the PI. Someone other than your mom has seen the results from whatever experiments you were running I presume?

I would not assume that research means lab research. Public health research is research as well.

 

[Doe87]

I wouldn't do it. It really isn't an extravagent requirement for the HST program from what I read. Differential equations is used A LOT in the high level classes that are math oriented like physics and engineering and even chem. Also, I imagine Harvard doesn't pull punches with that stuff either. You'd only be screwing yourself really.

 

[mdeast]

I wouldn't do it. It really isn't an extravagent requirement for the HST program from what I read. Differential equations is used A LOT in the high level classes that are math oriented like physics and engineering and even chem. Also, I imagine Harvard doesn't pull punches with that stuff either. You'd only be screwing yourself really.

I actually just looked at the course list...very few of which had anything to do with physics, math or engineering. I could take it next summer if I really needed to (haha, assuming the .1% chance I'm accepted goes through). I think I might just apply anyway, I've already passed through Physical Chemistry and Quantum Chemistry (haha maybe they satisfy it?) and multivariable. Seems silly I'd have to prove my quantitative skills any further.

 

[Doe87]

It's not quantitative skills really. It's about problem solving. It also ties together linear algebra with calculus. My basis was on the description they gave for the program. It's also your choice. Diff eq isn't hard, but a lot of it would make no sense without the background. I really don't know how much you need to know, but I doubt p chem and multivariable would count because diff eq is a vastly different world.

 

[musica11]

does everyone really have a letter from a non-science professor? I need to get one of those if so....

 

[erotangos]

does everyone really have a letter from a non-science professor? I need to get one of those if so....

according to my pre-health advisor, non-science professor is covered by a recommendation from someone like a physician you shadowed. not necessarily a professor who didn't teach science, but rather a person who is not a science professor

 

[musica11]

hmmm ok good idea i'll have to call my pre-health advisor...thats ok i don't really think i had a shot anyway 😛

 

[adele87]

I wouldn't do it. It really isn't an extravagent requirement for the HST program from what I read. Differential equations is used A LOT in the high level classes that are math oriented like physics and engineering and even chem. Also, I imagine Harvard doesn't pull punches with that stuff either. You'd only be screwing yourself really.

I'm pretty sure I know people who have gotten interviews and even gotten into HST without taking diff eq (obviously these are not verified facts; take what I say at face value). I'm sure higher-level math will be useful for a scientifically rigorous program like HST, but if you have a strong quantitative background, I would say just apply. Say you'll take diff eq in the future. If you're interested and are already applying to NP it carries no extra risk... don't let other people discourage you from applying!!

 

[LAman10]

uhh I just submitted, and I thought I marked down HST and NP. But I never got to a page where it asked for an HST essay. Am I supposed to go somewhere else for that or is it supposed to automatically come up when I mark it?

Maybe I didn't actually click the HST box... 😳

 

[Hirudo]

So, in the secondary they ask:

"If you are re-applying, briefly (4000 characters max) summarize your activities since your previous application."

and:

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

I both applied and graduated last year, so my response for these two essays would be the same. Do you think I should put the same essay twice or "See item 1F" in the second box?

Thanks!

Yes, no, maybe so?

 

[johncalvin]

Prompts

...

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.

Are you guys mentioning final exam week in this above section? Thanks.

 

[redrower]

i didnt. i will sacrifice studying for one final if i happen to get a HMS interview lol

 

[twoinone]

Are you guys mentioning final exam week in this above section? Thanks.

Yeah I think it's more for if you are going to be out of the country etc. I don't think finals count 😛

 

[Doe87]

They don't really mean a week or so. They mean if you will be away for like a month. No medical school gives you one interview date. They allow you to choose from a couple of options, so you can find a way to work it out.

 

[Snurping]

I would try to get that letter from the PI. Someone other than your mom has seen the results from whatever experiments you were running I presume?

I would not assume that research means lab research. Public health research is research as well.

Thanks for the advice zpiff. I ended up asking the PI for a letter, and it's not problem, so we're all set there. With the human rights research, I'm not going to contact anyone because it wasn't even public health research (man, that would have been cool). I was mostly just creating a database. Plus, the woman who supervised me now lives in argentina.

 

[ksmi117]

They don't really mean a week or so. They mean if you will be away for like a month. No medical school gives you one interview date. They allow you to choose from a couple of options, so you can find a way to work it out.

This isn't true. Some just tell you when to show up, but you can always reschedule.

 

[johncalvin]

Yeah I think it's more for if you are going to be out of the country etc. I don't think finals count 😛

I will be out of the country (but only for about 4 days), smack dab in the middle of 2 finals I will be having lol. Any advice? I will just put in that I will be out of the country for the 4 days.

 

[torino]

It's a requirement. http://hms.harvard.edu/admissions/default.asp?page=researchapply

My college has an advisory committee, so we had to submit 5 LORS to the committee for the advisor to write an overall letter. Now, one of my LORS comes from a professor under whom I did independent research, but it counted as course credit. Would this be a long stretch in considering this professor one "with whom I have taken classes"?

Also, would an associate dean constitute as a professor? He teaches a section of an honors-level class at my school, and I don't know if deans are considered professors.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Podalarius]

Harvard gives you a choice of dates for interviews. I applied very late in the cycle and so I didn't have too many options with interview dates, but there were options, and they'll accommodate you as long as you are reasonable.

 

[maybee]

This thread has been entertaining.

Here's a question: If you have already graduated, briefly (4000 characters max) summarize your activities since graduation.

Do they want a condensed list of activities, or a more detailed description including lessons learned, etc.

I'm just confused because it says "briefly," but it also gives a 4000 char limit.. I can "briefly" summarize my activities in less than 1000 characters. :[

Thanks!

 

[dw2158]

so i submitted more than a week ago but i just realized... all we get as confirmation of submission is an email saying they got our app and "if you haven't already done so," please verify it. i wish there were confirmation that we had, in fact, verified it. (i got 2 identical emails, one when i submitted and the other a minute later... i'm assuming this is post-verification.)

 

[shemarty]

This thread has been entertaining.

Here's a question: If you have already graduated, briefly (4000 characters max) summarize your activities since graduation.

Do they want a condensed list of activities, or a more detailed description including lessons learned, etc.

I'm just confused because it says "briefly," but it also gives a 4000 char limit.. I can "briefly" summarize my activities in less than 1000 characters. :[

Thanks!

I wrote my essay in paragraph form, but was very straight-to-the-point. I didn't write anything about lessons learned, significance to me, etc. I didn't even use any paragraph breaks. I took 1 year off, and I wasn't in class for winter/spring of senior year, and I used 1903 characters.

 

[DNAbaby]

This thread has been entertaining.

Here's a question: If you have already graduated, briefly (4000 characters max) summarize your activities since graduation.

Do they want a condensed list of activities, or a more detailed description including lessons learned, etc.

I'm just confused because it says "briefly," but it also gives a 4000 char limit.. I can "briefly" summarize my activities in less than 1000 characters. :[

Thanks!

My essay was 3,513 characters. I took two years off (graduated in 2007). I discussed my professional life since graduation and my involvement in my community. I discussed how these events influenced my decision to apply to HMS specifically.

 

[musica11]

question-i just got a prof to write me a non-science recommendation, but already sent my letters and stuff in via amcas...the school will be recieving my letters for scanning/distribution...what do i do to make sure harvard gets my new letter?

 

[shemarty]

I discussed how these events influenced my decision to apply to HMS specifically.

In retrospect, maybe that would've been a better approach. After all, DNAbaby got in 😉

 

[New Vocab]

Can anyone tell me why anyone would want to subject themself to applying to a school like Harvard Medical School beyond the prestigious name they have on their diploma?

Are you offered higher salary because you went to Havard? More lucrative positions? Or is it just to say you went to Harvard? I mean, it's not like Harvard Law School where you'll be offered a lucrative position after you graduate just because you went to such a renowned school, so what's the point?

 

[bigman225]

Can anyone tell me why anyone would want to subject themself to applying to a school like Harvard Medical School beyond the prestigious name they have on their diploma?

Are you offered higher salary because you went to Havard? More lucrative positions? Or is it just to say you went to Harvard? I mean, it's not like Harvard Law School where you'll be offered a lucrative position after you graduate just because you went to such a renowned school, so what's the point?

No one thinks that a HMS admission is a ticket to success, atleast if they've seen the Doctor's Lives documentary on PBS . But it seems like it would be an incredible place to study medicine. Top notch faculty and excellent research and clinical opportunities.

 

[New Vocab]

No one thinks that a HMS admission is a ticket to success, atleast if they've seen the Doctor's Lives documentary on PBS . But it seems like it would be an incredible place to study medicine. Top notch faculty and excellent research and clinical opportunities.

So, lol, there is no real benefit beyond "the joy of studying", and clinical opportunities? Do you get special residencies? If not, then 😕.

 

[bigman225]

So, lol, there is no real benefit beyond "the joy of studying", and clinical opportunities? Do you get special residencies? If not, then 😕.

Believe it or not, some of us are actually passionate about these things 🙂
edit--damn, looked at this dude's post history and he's definitely a troll. I'm too dumb for Harvard 🙁

 

[Demas567]

Can anyone tell me why anyone would want to subject themself to applying to a school like Harvard Medical School beyond the prestigious name they have on their diploma?

Are you offered higher salary because you went to Havard? More lucrative positions? Or is it just to say you went to Harvard? I mean, it's not like Harvard Law School where you'll be offered a lucrative position after you graduate just because you went to such a renowned school, so what's the point?

I'm guessing that you go to Boston University School of Medicine.

 

[sewcurious]

Can anyone tell me why anyone would want to subject themself to applying to a school like Harvard Medical School beyond the prestigious name they have on their diploma?

Are you offered higher salary because you went to Havard? More lucrative positions? Or is it just to say you went to Harvard? I mean, it's not like Harvard Law School where you'll be offered a lucrative position after you graduate just because you went to such a renowned school, so what's the point?

There is prestige that comes with it is very helpful to anyone planning on doing something that isn't purely practicing medicine

Can you tell me why anyone would take time out of their day to be pointlessly condescending to strangers?

 

[Demas567]

I'm guessing that you go to Boston University School of Medicine.

Either that, or he's just a f*cking troll. 👎

 

[DNAbaby]

question-i just got a prof to write me a non-science recommendation, but already sent my letters and stuff in via amcas...the school will be recieving my letters for scanning/distribution...what do i do to make sure harvard gets my new letter?

Hi - I was in your exact situation. I had only science letters submitted via AMCAS. I was not able to obtain a non-science letter until early September. I solved this problem in three ways:

1) I had my non-science recommender send the letter to HMS admissions office
2) Simultaneously I sent it to AMCAS to be added to my file
3) I also had my recommender's secretary fax it over to HMS admissions office

The letter reached their office by mail first, but I figured that sending it in three different ways was fail-safe.

 

[New Vocab]

Believe it or not, some of us are actually passionate about these things 🙂
edit--damn, looked at this dude's post history and he's definitely a troll. I'm too dumb for Harvard 🙁

I'm not a troll, dude, I'm just naturally this indignant and vulgar. I was being 100% serious when I asked the questioned such that it occurred to me earlier most MD's are seen as the same thing regardless of what school you attended.

 

[musica11]

Hi - I was in your exact situation. I had only science letters submitted via AMCAS. I was not able to obtain a non-science letter until early September. I solved this problem in three ways:

1) I had my non-science recommender send the letter to HMS admissions office
2) Simultaneously I sent it to AMCAS to be added to my file
3) I also had my recommender's secretary fax it over to HMS admissions office

The letter reached their office by mail first, but I figured that sending it in three different ways was fail-safe.

Thanks DNA baby-i appreciate it