2014-2015 Harvard Medical School Application Thread

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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If you have already graduated, briefly (4000 characters max) summarize your activities since graduation.

If there is an important aspect of your personal background or identity, not addressed elsewhere in the application, that you would like to share with the Committee, we invite you to do so here. Many applicants will not need to answer this question. Examples might include significant challenges in access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, identification with a minority culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Briefly explain how such factors have influenced your motivation for a career in medicine.(4000 character maximum)

Our interview season runs from mid-September through January. Please indicate any significant (three or more weeks) restriction on your availability for interviews during this period. If none, leave blank. (1000 characters max)

Good luck to everyone applying! :luck:
 
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Super reach, but taking the plunge!
 
Also a super-reach, but I love this school. Applying (OOS) for sure. Have you seen their list of electives? Its awesome. And extensive.
 
AspiringERMD said:
Also a super-reach, but I love this school. Applying (OOS) for sure. Have you seen their list of electives? Its awesome. And extensive.
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I actually can't find it on their website. Could you post a link?
 
Hey everyone! Just wanted to pop my head in here and say that I'm open to answering to my best ability any questions you guys might have about HMS, the application cycle, or any other general inquiries. I'm a rising MS2 here (currently doing research in the summer between MS1/2) so I'll best be able to answer questions about preclinical stuff. If you're borderline about applying, I encourage you to apply rather than to not. The small additional money/effort is definitely worth it - don't be intimidated by the name/competition, you are all highly qualified!
 
Thanks for doing this guys. I posted this over at the Pitt thread but I also have the same question to HMS students. Knowing that it IS the research powerhouse, is having a 1.5yr bench research, no pubs be enough? What other kinds of things, if at all besides research, does HMS look for in an applicant? Does having a strong, longitudinal clinical exp mask the fact that I didn't do much research?
 
Applying because "why not?" I have a unique story even if there's much I cannot explain.
 
Thanks for doing this guys. I posted this over at the Pitt thread but I also have the same question to HMS students. Knowing that it IS the research powerhouse, is having a 1.5yr bench research, no pubs be enough?

-Yes, that's enough. There will be applicants with more, and applicants with less research experience.

What other kinds of things, if at all besides research, does HMS look for in an applicant? Does having a strong, longitudinal clinical exp mask the fact that I didn't do much research?

-Research is only ONE of the many factors that medical schools look for. It's by no means the most important component of the application (one of the less important in my opinion, actually). All the usual things apply for HMS - leadership, exposure to healthcare, volunteering, unique life experiences, and even all kinds of things unrelated to medicine (such as artistic pursuits and so forth). There really isn't a formula, although academic excellence is a must (as is for all medical schools). Anyways, if you're worried about not having pubs or more extensive research, it definitely won't prevent you from getting an admission.
 
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TheKDizzle said:
Thanks for doing this guys. I posted this over at the Pitt thread but I also have the same question to HMS students. Knowing that it IS the research powerhouse, is having a 1.5yr bench research, no pubs be enough?

-Yes, that's enough. There will be applicants with more, and applicants with less research experience.

What other kinds of things, if at all besides research, does HMS look for in an applicant? Does having a strong, longitudinal clinical exp mask the fact that I didn't do much research?

-Research is only ONE of the many factors that medical schools look for. It's by no means the most important component of the application (one of the less important in my opinion, actually). All the usually things apply for HMS - leadership, exposure to healthcare, volunteering, unique life experiences, and even all kinds of things unrelated to medicine (such as artistic pursuits and so forth). There really isn't a formula, although academic excellence is a must (as is for all medical schools). Anyways, if you're worried about not having pubs or more extensive research, it definitely won't prevent you from getting an admission.
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So, do your thoughts on research experience apply to all of the top research institutions? (e.g. Stanford, Harvard, Hopkins, etc.)
 
The Milkman said:
So, do your thoughts on research experience apply to all of the top research institutions? (e.g. Stanford, Harvard, Hopkins, etc.)
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Yep. Not having done research at all will definitely make it hard for an applicant, but having pubs and multi-year research etc. etc. is not a requirement by any means. There are plenty of other ways to differentiate oneself.
 
TheKDizzle said:
Yep. Not having done research at all will definitely make it hard for an applicant, but having pubs and multi-year research etc. etc. is not a requirement by any means. There are plenty of other ways to differentiate oneself.
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Can you tell me more about Harvard's new curriculum?
 
acquiescing said:
I know, right? I don't feel confident in applying anywhere, let alone Harvard.
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Haha seriously, I'm applying for the hell of it and because I've done some work at MGH and BWH. Amazing school and definitely more of a what-the-hell application.
 
No Limits said:
Can you tell me more about Harvard's new curriculum?
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Depends, what do you already know? It's going to be a 1-year preclinical curriculum and the principal clinical experience - i.e. the current 3rd year - will be done during the 2nd year. The preclinical curriculum is going to be moved to an integrated block system where normal/pathologic process of each organ system will be covered all together. After the 2nd year clinical experience there will be a return to more advanced basic science topics. For example, there will be a new dedicated "scholarship block" and selectives consisting of advanced topics tailored to interest and career path.

I haven't been involved in the curriculum structuring at all so I'm not very well informed. I'll keep you posted if/when I get more details.
 
TheKDizzle said:
Depends, what do you already know? It's going to be a 1-year preclinical curriculum and the principal clinical experience - i.e. the current 3rd year - will be done during the 2nd year. The preclinical curriculum is going to be moved to an integrated block system where normal/pathologic process of each organ system will be covered all together. After the 2nd year clinical experience there will be a return to more advanced basic science topics. For example, there will be a new dedicated "scholarship block" and electives consisting of advanced topics tailored to interest and career path.

I haven't been involved in the curriculum structuring at all so I'm not very well informed. I'll keep you posted if/when I get more details.
Click to expand...

Wow. This seems exciting.
 
Skull Pell said:
Thanks for doing this guys. I posted this over at the Pitt thread but I also have the same question to HMS students. Knowing that it IS the research powerhouse, is having a 1.5yr bench research, no pubs be enough? What other kinds of things, if at all besides research, does HMS look for in an applicant? Does having a strong, longitudinal clinical exp mask the fact that I didn't do much research?
Click to expand...

Pubs are definitely not required for acceptance, at Harvard or at any other school (take it from personal experience). It's a holistic process. Honestly, I don't even know how much weight schools actually place on pubs - a lot of people seem to inflate its importance, since for undergrads, it's more about luck than actual effort. (ex. some basic research labs can take years to get a publication going, while some people can drop in a lab for a few months and get a publication under their name.) It's much more important to show commitment to research (the process) than to just wave results to the admission committee.

Just to add about the new curriculum for people who may not be too aware of it - it will start for this incoming year's accepted students. The administration is not sure yet though how the clinical rotations are going to work, since next year's incoming students will be in the clinic their 2nd year, which will coincide with the class of 2018 (my year) since we still have clinical in the 3rd year. There are plenty of hospitals to rotate through, however, so the administration is not really worried.

Agree that if you are hesistant about applying, you should take the plunge. I didn't even think I would get an interview, but yet here I am ^_^ (incoming MS1). Happy to answer any questions as well about the application process, but I will leave any in-depth questions about HMS to @kdizzle since he's been there for a year. 🙂
 
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YamNMangos said:
Just to add about the new curriculum for people who may not be too aware of it - it will start for this incoming year's accepted students. The administration is not sure yet though how the clinical rotations are going to work, since the incoming year will be in the clinic their 2nd year, which will coincide with the class of 2018 (my year) since we still have clinical in the 3rd year. There are plenty of hospitals to rotate through, however, so the administration is not really worried.
Click to expand...

Do you have any sources or detailed info? I tried looking for it, but didn't find anything fruitful.
 
Heday said:
Do you have any sources or detailed info? I tried looking for it, but didn't find anything fruitful.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, no. They will still be writing the curriculum this year (at least from what they told us during Revisit Weekend). You will probably hear more about it during the interview trail.
 
Thanks for the response @YamNMangos Thanks for the encourgement! You're right, im on the borderline in applying here.

Any thoughts on how HMS views applicants who have some JC credit?

In my case: international college student but went to the US as a first gen immigrant -> took cc credits cause can't afford univ tuition with international visa -> stopped school cause of financial hardship -> obtained a green card after 2 years and was able to qualify for student loans -> rocked it at a 4 year. Now just hoping for the same for my July MCAT.
 
Skull Pell said:
Thanks for the response @YamNMangos Thanks for the encourgement! You're right, im on the borderline in applying here.

Any thoughts on how HMS views applicants who have some JC credit?

In my case: international college student but went to the US as a first gen immigrant -> took cc credits cause can't afford univ tuition with international visa -> stopped school cause of financial hardship -> obtained a green card after 2 years and was able to qualify for student loans -> rocked it at a 4 year. Now just hoping for the same for my July MCAT.
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Not sure about the JC credit part - I don't think you will be looked upon negatively (if that's what you are worried about), especially with your background. That would be an interesting story to tell in the optional essay that Harvard has (if you haven't already done so in your personal statement).
 
I'm playing the Harvard lottery also... Come on 7 !
 
Decided to send an application here, my fingers are crossed for an interview. I have only been to Boston once, but I liked it quite a lot. HMS would be an incredible place to spend the next 4 years of my life.

I will never be a Red Sox/Patriots fan though.
 
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Temerit said:
Decided to send an application here, my fingers are crossed for an interview. Only been to Boston once, but I liked it quite a lot. HMS would be an incredible place to spend the next 4 years of my life.
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I love Boston~
 
BigEinstein said:
Where is your sense of humor?
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not on sdn, besides you're giving all the prospective applicants with 35s-40 mcats who put their life and dreams into harvard panic attacks since they'll be competing against you 😀.
 
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YamNMangos said:
Pubs are definitely not required for acceptance, at Harvard or at any other school (take it from personal experience). It's a holistic process. Honestly, I don't even know how much weight schools actually place on pubs - a lot of people seem to inflate its importance, since for undergrads, it's more about luck than actual effort. (ex. some basic research labs can take years to get a publication going, while some people can drop in a lab for a few months and get a publication under their name.) It's much more important to show commitment to research (the process) than to just wave results to the admission committee.

Just to add about the new curriculum for people who may not be too aware of it - it will start for this incoming year's accepted students. The administration is not sure yet though how the clinical rotations are going to work, since next year's incoming students will be in the clinic their 2nd year, which will coincide with the class of 2018 (my year) since we still have clinical in the 3rd year. There are plenty of hospitals to rotate through, however, so the administration is not really worried.

Agree that if you are hesistant about applying, you should take the plunge. I didn't even think I would get an interview, but yet here I am ^_^ (incoming MS1). Happy to answer any questions as well about the application process, but I will leave any in-depth questions about HMS to @kdizzle since he's been there for a year. 🙂
Click to expand...

Nice! I love going through changes and carving my own way out of the fog of uncertainties. This also means I might get to do rotations side by side with a very very attractive guy that I went to school with and a very very nice red hair girl I used to work with...if I get in...my stats are okay for Harvard (MCAT isn't out yet...deep breath), and other areas, research, exposure stuff are okay as well. But so does load tons of other people. My premed advisor once told me, you'd be surprised by how many 4.0 out there...Nothing can be sure. Got to keep my expectation low. SUNY downstate would be good enough and pretty affordable.

Big thumbs up for helping the prospect students here!
 
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Friendly_female_house said:
my stats are okay for Harvard (MCAT isn't out yet...deep breath)
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The MCAT is a pretty important component to be sure about before deciding if stats are "okay" for HMS, I think. Whatever it comes out as though, good luck, sincerely!
 
a
 
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Secondary received. Essays look the same, but I didn't look very closely.
 
D. If you have already graduated, briefly (4000 characters max) summarize your activities since graduation.
Character Count Meter4000

E. If there is an important aspect of your personal background or identity, not addressed elsewhere in the application, that you would like to share with the Committee, we invite you to do so here. Many applicants will not need to answer this question. Examples might include significant challenges in access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, identification with a minority culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Briefly explain how such factors have influenced your motivation for a career in medicine.(4000 character maximum)
Character Count Meter4000
 
And submitted! I really like these easy secondaries.
 
In previous years, people have debated over whether or not to respond to the optional essay if they haven't experienced any incredible hardships. A lot of people who don't add anything still get interviews.
 
Yeah, I considered that essay, but ultimately decided that I had nothing to add that wasn't on my primary application.
 
Are there any HST students on SDN that might be able to talk about their experiences in the program?
 
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