2012-2013 Harvard Medical School Application Thread

[thelight02]

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Is anyone else having trouble saving/loading their secondary? Everytime I complete "page 1" and hit section complete it ends up loading for a long time then the website just times out.

My internet is fine and every other page i open/load is working.

 

[sugarmouse]

I am debating about one reference

This summer, I worked as a technician which only lasted for ~6 weeks and I don't think I will be able to get a good letter out of this experience. So when I emailed HMS people about it, this is what they stated:

The criteria listed for the letters of evaluation are not strict requirements. You may exceed the six letter maximum to include additional letters from research supervisors. However, if you do not believe a particular experience is relevant or beneficial to your application, you do not necessarily need to include a letter from that experience. Please choose the letters of evaluation that you believe best support your application.

So my questions are the following:
1. should I even bother mentioning my experience on my application?
2. if yes to 1, should I not submit any reference letter to them?

Without this technician job, I didn't really have much going on during the summer other than volunteering & TA experience. I don't want to look like I spent the summer doing nothing; on the other hand, I don't think adding this experience would help me any much.

 

[DokDakotaDok]

Sugarmouse, I wouldn't suggest including the reference letter. Any letter you send in needs to be strong or it will only hinder your application. You can speak of your experiences this summer in your interview if you happen to be invited. Six weeks as a technician really isn't that big of a deal, however.

 

[Ansar]

It's MD only, or PhD only (called MEMP - Medical Engineering & Medical Physics).

A bit of sidetrack, but reading some old threads (from 2005), there is a backdoor to an MD from the MEMP program (obviously in addition to the PhD), so I think all those programs under the HST umbrella can end up mixing if the student really wants to get their hands on more than just their own field after starting.

 

[follicle]

I only have one semester of calculus, not one year. But I took a year of calc-based physics and a statistics class. Do you guys think this will work?

 

[gotterdammerung]

When does Harvard start interviewing and/or start giving out invitations?

 

[Irish Football]

Does anyone here know what Harvard's policy is on viewing multiple MCATs? Do they look at most recent or average?

 

[DokDakotaDok]

Does anyone here know what Harvard's policy is on viewing multiple MCATs? Do they look at most recent or average?

I couldn't dig up the specifics for Harvard.

I believe the vast majority of schools [including Harvard] look at all scores. In that light, I would assume that the average of your scores is most likely to be approximately where you sit (ie: 30 and 36 average to a 33).

 

[Irish Football]

I couldn't dig up the specifics for Harvard.

I believe the vast majority of schools [including Harvard] look at all scores. In that light, I would assume that the average of your scores is most likely to be approximately where you sit (ie: 30 and 36 average to a 33).

Well I got a 29 my first time and 35 my second. Hope that doesn't put me out of the running at Harvard.

 

[DokDakotaDok]

Well I got a 29 my first time and 35 my second. Hope that doesn't put me out of the running at Harvard.

As a general consensus for any of the top MD schools, I would not put too much hope into one or the other, it will only make you a nervous wreck. These schools are so selective and have such a deep pile of excellent, worthy applicants that they do not know what to do with them. Keep positive, but do not expect anything.

Good luck!

 

[yellowfish]

Well I got a 29 my first time and 35 my second. Hope that doesn't put me out of the running at Harvard.

As a general consensus for any of the top MD schools, I would not put too much hope into one or the other, it will only make you a nervous wreck. These schools are so selective and have such a deep pile of excellent, worthy applicants that they do not know what to do with them. Keep positive, but do not expect anything.

Good luck!

I agree with Dakota. With that in mind, I'd say it's worth giving it a shot. If you want a definitive answer, you could call the admissions department to see if they'd be willing to tell you if you'd be screened out - but I highly doubt you would be on the basis of your 1st MCAT score alone.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

The heck? I received a recruitment letter in the mail. Harvard needs to recruit? News to me! It looks like anyone who checked the disadvantaged box on the MCAT & scored in an acceptable range gets the letter, so I don't know that it's anything to get excited about.

I didn't apply because I only took differential calculus & I don't really have any intention of taking integral calculus. I didn't plan to take biostats until I was enrolled in an MD/MPH program. Think there is any way around this?

 

[heart1]

The heck? I received a recruitment letter in the mail. Harvard needs to recruit? News to me! It looks like anyone who checked the disadvantaged box on the MCAT & scored in an acceptable range gets the letter, so I don't know that it's anything to get excited about.

I didn't apply because I only took differential calculus & I don't really have any intention of taking integral calculus. I didn't plan to take biostats until I was enrolled in an MD/MPH program. Think there is any way around this?

hey haha same here... dont know if its worth applying but i did qualify for the fee assistance waiver. my mcat and gpa aren't great.. prob below average. is there some special program for disadvantaged students or something? what do you guys think? worth a shot?

 

[Fivo]

hey haha same here... dont know if its worth applying but i did qualify for the fee assistance waiver. my mcat and gpa aren't great.. prob below average. is there some special program for disadvantaged students or something? what do you guys think? worth a shot?

If you have $134 to drop, why not? 👍

 

[Luckystrike13]

I know that this was discussed earlier, but is there a sense of how necessary it is to do the optional essay? I have heard that HMS loves diversity and that this would be a good chance to showcase that, but I think my primary application was relatively comprehensive... that and I don't want to do another essay...

 

[dwills]

I know that this was discussed earlier, but is there a sense of how necessary it is to do the optional essay? I have heard that HMS loves diversity and that this would be a good chance to showcase that, but I think my primary application was relatively comprehensive... that and I don't want to do another essay...

I'm assuming you're applying to more than one school? Surely you have written a diversity essay that you can copy and paste with minimal editing? I've used the diversity essay i just submitted in about 8 other secondaries.

Also...

Just submitted! Looking forward to my rejection in a few weeks

 

[Luckystrike13]

I'm assuming you're applying to more than one school? Surely you have written a diversity essay that you can copy and paste with minimal editing? I've used the diversity essay i just submitted in about 8 other secondaries.

Also...

Just submitted! Looking forward to my rejection in a few weeks

That makes sense, but for some reason I got the sense that they didn't want you writing the traditional sort of diversity essay but rather show them if there is something notably unique not mentioned elsewhere.

 

[PreMedGirl88]

That makes sense, but for some reason I got the sense that they didn't want you writing the traditional sort of diversity essay but rather show them if there is something notably unique not mentioned elsewhere.

I guess I was a little hesitant to describe my sexual orientation. It's difficult to write about, though I am openly bisexual. I come from a pretty conservative family and some of them are doctors who sit on admissions committees at other schools. I know this may sound silly, but even at a place as relatively liberal/accepting as HMS, I am worried that they might not respond positively to me discussing the role that my bisexuality has played in my passion for medicine.

I think it really does shape your perspective, similarly I am openly gay and come from a Muslim background, so I understand exactly where you're coming from (with the conservative family and how it plays a role in medicine) .... even though HMS is actually such a long shot for me, it's always great to know how supportive the medical community can be when it comes to gender and sexuality.

 

[speakwhales]

I know that this was discussed earlier, but is there a sense of how necessary it is to do the optional essay? I have heard that HMS loves diversity and that this would be a good chance to showcase that, but I think my primary application was relatively comprehensive... that and I don't want to do another essay...

You probably would want to do it just to show that you're interested.

 

[DokDakotaDok]

I'm assuming you're applying to more than one school? Surely you have written a diversity essay that you can copy and paste with minimal editing? I've used the diversity essay i just submitted in about 8 other secondaries.

Also...

Just submitted! Looking forward to my rejection in a few weeks

I took this essay, as the poster below you stated, in a different way. I do not think they are asking for the typical "tell us why you're diverse" but rather something completely off the wall or not easily recognized in your primary application.

I made sure my primary application mentioned my diversity, and my activities reflect that. Therefore, the 'diversity' essay I was using for other schools elaborated on this, and HMS does not seem to want you to regurgitate what is already stated.

Of course, I am just another premed, so I could be completely off here, and I highly doubt it could ever negatively impact your application. So if you wish, go ahead! A current HMS student might have more insight (ie how many people in their class filled this out, etc).

 

[Luckystrike13]

I took this essay, as the poster below you stated, in a different way. I do not think they are asking for the typical "tell us why you're diverse" but rather something completely off the wall or not easily recognized in your primary application.

I made sure my primary application mentioned my diversity, and my activities reflect that. Therefore, the 'diversity' essay I was using for other schools elaborated on this, and HMS does not seem to want you to regurgitate what is already stated.

Of course, I am just another premed, so I could be completely off here, and I highly doubt it could ever negatively impact your application. So if you wish, go ahead! A current HMS student might have more insight (ie how many people in their class filled this out, etc).

I dont think that they had this question last year

 

[Turpulus]

Has Harvard sent out interview invites yet? If so, when did you complete your secondary?

 

[Silverwing]

First day of school was wonderful!! The entire class shared hopes and fears, and our Intro to the Profession course director reminded us of why we're all here with moving personal stories of patients she formed relationships with over the years. We have a full two weeks coming up next of shadowing doctors, discussing case studies, and awesome social events in the evening before we start "real classes" on Aug 31. White coat ceremony tomorrow! Just wanted to give you guys a brief snapshot, hope it'll keep your spirits up through the application process! 🙂

 

[lcck]

I haven't been verified yet, but I received the secondary invitation today. Is there any significance to this?

 

[Irish Football]

I haven't been verified yet, but I received the secondary invitation today. Is there any significance to this?

No.

 

[DokDakotaDok]

First day of school was wonderful!! The entire class shared hopes and fears, and our Intro to the Profession course director reminded us of why we're all here with moving personal stories of patients she formed relationships with over the years. We have a full two weeks coming up next of shadowing doctors, discussing case studies, and awesome social events in the evening before we start "real classes" on Aug 31. White coat ceremony tomorrow! Just wanted to give you guys a brief snapshot, hope it'll keep your spirits up through the application process! 🙂

Exceedingly jealous!

Enjoy! 🙂

 

[Ankaa]

nvm

 

[pfaction]

Every time someone bumps this topic, I keep thinking statuses are updated...

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Every time someone bumps this topic, I keep thinking statuses are updated...

Admissions here aren't rolling anyways. 😴

 

[Richard Dawkins]

is it march yet?

 

[bearintraining]

I haven't been verified yet, but I received the secondary invitation today. Is there any significance to this?

Same here.. I was wondering why they didn't send me the secondary shortly after the submission??.. maybe they did a first round or something..

anyway, good luck! I'm still probably about 10 days away from verification.r

 

[bearintraining]

OK.. wondering if anyone could give me some insight/advice.

I will be completing a PhD prior to entering MD. I'm wondering if there's any real purpose for me to say I'm interested in the HST program on the secondary? Would there be any benefit? Would it look like a negative if I don't?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[MDMPHletsdothis]

So, is Harvard sending out their secondaries in batches this year? They're the only school that I haven't heard anything back from and I was under the impression that they don't screen. Has anyone else had a wait time of more than a couple days post-verification?

 

[scottydsntkno]

So, is Harvard sending out their secondaries in batches this year? They're the only school that I haven't heard anything back from and I was under the impression that they don't screen. Has anyone else had a wait time of more than a couple days post-verification?

This ...

I don't think they pre-screen because my numbers would definitely pass, I think it's in batches- if anyone else could confirm or shed light

 

[yellowfish]

They don't screen and they do send out secondaries in batches.

 

[medhopefuls2016]

Ahhh this is nostalgic. 🙂 Canadian....interviewed here for NP last year. Currently attending a Top 20 med and will be doing a fellowship at HMS soon. Any Canadian here?

 

[zaq]

.

 

[Chaser716]

Ahhh this is nostalgic. 🙂 Canadian....interviewed here for NP last year. Currently attending a Top 20 med and will be doing a fellowship at HMS soon. Any Canadian here?

Here!!! Any advice for Canadians? 😍

 

[bearintraining]

Here!!! Any advice for Canadians? 😍

Canadian here also..

 

[medhopefuls2016]

Here!!! Any advice for Canadians? 😍

Canadian here also..

Glad to see the Canadian represents here 🙂 I wish you two (along with the many other Maple Leafers here) the best of luck!

As for advice....above all, stay true to yourself and be unique when the interviews start rolling in. I wrote an thread in premed 101 under the American forum about U.S applications.

http://www.premed101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64438

Good luck and have fun (seriously). I had great fun travelling from East to West in the States and in Canada during interview season and meeting some of the most extraordinary people whose friendships I now treasure.

 

[bearintraining]

Glad to see the Canadian represents here 🙂 I wish you two (along with the many other Maple Leafers here) the best of luck!

As for advice....above all, stay true to yourself and be unique when the interviews start rolling in. I wrote an thread in premed 101 under the American forum about U.S applications.

http://www.premed101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64438

Good luck and have fun (seriously). I had great fun travelling from East to West in the States and in Canada during interview season and meeting some of the most extraordinary people whose friendships I now treasure.

Thanks medhopefuls.. you obviously had a stellar application. I'm hoping the US and Canadian schools will show me some grace 🙂

 

[s3dition]

would it be appropriate to copy in my AMCAS MD-PhD essay for the HST prompt if it addresses those questions?

 

[Hello678]

Is Harvard really non-rolling? I'm thinking of adding it as my dream school, but not sure if it is too late in the cycle...anyone know how long it takes to receive the secondary from the time it is added?

 

[Fivo]

Is Harvard really non-rolling? I'm thinking of adding it as my dream school, but not sure if it is too late in the cycle...anyone know how long it takes to receive the secondary from the time it is added?

If this is your dream school, then submitting your app here shouldn't even be a question. I received the secondary 5 days after I applied. But definitely submit now and go with the flow.

 

[Donald Blake MD]

Does Harvard send out rejections before March?

 

[Silverwing]

No, decisions come out all together in March.

 

[thelight02]

No, decisions come out all together in March.

dang, that's so far away 🙁

i'm going to creep on last year's thread to see when interviews started coming out.

EDIT: looks like 8/30!

 

[Donald Blake MD]

Thanks Silverwing!!! Also I already read this whole thread, and saw what was written about this topic, but there was not a conclusion...

How strict is Harvard with the letters from research supervisors? And what do they consider legitimate research experience??

 

[aps91]

No, decisions come out all together in March.

They don't even do pre-interview rejections?

Drat!

My significant other is applying to their dental school. All of their acceptances come out at the same time but they have rolling rejections.

 

[Markov110]

My AMCAS primary application was verified/processed as of August 17th. However, It is now August 27th and I still have not gotten a secondary invitation from Harvard. How soon do they send out invitations, a.k.a. how soon should I be worried that something is wrong?
All of my other schools (Yale, Columbia, BU, Tufts, UPenn etc.) have sent me secondary invitations already.

Note:
I read on their website that Harvard sends out secondary invitations to all applicants who have verified AMCAS applications. I don't think this is because my MCAT scores have not yet arrived (they arrive tomorrow in fact)

Thank you!