2014-2015 Harvard Medical School Application Thread
Started by gettheleadout
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Same here!
It isn't very uncommon to have communication errors during admission process, consider how much had to be done.
Hopkins send out error massage earlier this month as well.
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Anyone know how strict the requirement is to get letters from ALL supervisors? I have two research experiences, one for a year, and one for two years. I have a letter from the latter because it is the most recent; but I was unable to get one for the former due to the PI being on extended leave. Anyone have experience with this?
Generally they'll assume that if you didn't send it, then that means there was a problem between you and the prof. At least that's what I've been told for md-phd
I would say either don't mention that research experience if you can't get a letter, or just go forward with it and hope for the best. I doubt they'd just throw out your app because of it, but they just could have some doubts as to why the letter isn't available
It's not a hard requirement, your app won't be screened out because you're missing a research supervisor letter. Ask HMS yourself if you want closure.
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Does anybody know if interviews are rolling here? Wondering which schools to leave for last since ive lost track and become overflooded with secondaries
If you mean interview invites occur over time, aren't like all schools rolling for II's?
I would ask and explain the circumstances so they would at least note it on your file and not think it was a mistake on your part. I think someone on last year's thread asked and was told that if a letter could not be produced, your app would still be considered. It probably would hurt your app a little bit though - at most downplaying your research experience with that PI.
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Interviews are all rolling (the quicker you send it in, the more likely you will get an earlier interview). The decision process though differ among schools - can be rolling (decisions can be made anytime - most schools), semi-rolling (decisions are made ~3 times a year, ex. JHU), or non-rolling (decisions are made at a single date - Harvard, Yale, Duke, Columbia, etc.). For non-rolling schools, it is true that a later interview will not put you at a disadvantage, so feel free to spend more time on secondaries for non-rolling schools.
tl;dr - yes
Here were two quotes from last year about the LOR requirement - @Spritsker looks like you should be fine 🙂
how long did it take for you guys to receive secondaries? everyone receives one right?
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Yes everyone receives it. I got mine 3 weeks after the school received my data (I was verified before data transmission).
Very late August, last cycle.
Thank you! Funny thing is I ended up getting a response from my first PI and he wrote my letter for me within a day haha.
I didn't write the optional essay though, and it looks like I am in the minority based on this site...I submitted already. Did I make a mistake?
SDN has a very high reporting bias. I wouldn't worry - many, if not most, skip the optional essay.
Anecdotally, I know someone accepted to the HST program who did not submit letters from all research PIs. I would apply anyway.
Still have not received a secondary. AMCAS was verified 6/10, MCAT scores released 7/22.
That's strange. You might want to give "the Hahvarhd" a ring.
That makes no sense, your primary was verified a month before mine and we have the same MCAT date--score released on 07/22. And yet I received mine like an hour after my primary was verified on 7/21,
Yeah, it doesn't make sense at all to me. I have a friend who also got her MCAT scores on 7/22. She was verified after I was but got the secondary before MCAT scores came out. I'm not sure why it's not automatic if they don't screen.
yes
"The HST MD program draws on the combined resources of Harvard and MIT to provide a distinct preclinical education tailored to preparing students for careers as physician-scientists. HST classes are small, commonly include graduate students and have an emphasis on quantitative and analytic approaches, centered on understanding disease mechanisms and exploring therapies. Please explain how your prior experiences, including research, have prepared you for this challenging opportunity. In lieu of identifying specific HST faculty or research opportunities, please focus on your interests, experiences and aspirations. Please limit your comments to the equivalent of one page of single spaced text with a font size of 10 or 12."
Thanks. Anyone know if there are separate interviews for the HST and NP tracks? That is, if I win the lottery and get an II!
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Yes, I think the two tracks have separate admission screening and interviews. Good luck! 🙂
That is correct. Also separate decision process. They are completely independent.
Does anyone know if you can submit the HST/ NP essays independently? HST one is taking a while for me
I don't think so since they both have the same secondary. Don't worry about how long it is taking-- put as much of your time and effort into the essay as you want. Harvard in non-rolling admissions so while you have more chances for an interview the sooner you apply, there are not less spots in the class as the interview process continues. SDN always makes your feel like you're late, but just breath and be chill about it. 🙂 (If I'm wrong about non-rolling please do politely correct me).
Thank you! yeah definitely
Still have not received the secondary. I'm starting to think something went wrong with the processing of my application despite the email I got back from them last week.
My application was verified today, and I just received my secondary.
What is the acceptable minimum MCAT score? I e-mailed the admissions office, and this is what I received. "We do not have any minimum or cut-off regarding the MCAT score or GPA. The Committee on Admissions does take holistic approach to application review and your application will not be evaluated solely on the basis of your MCAT score. While we do not have information regarding the lowest accepted MCAT score, if you are interested in the average MCAT score and GPA for last year's incoming class, please visit the following webpage: http://hms.harvard.edu/departments/admissions/applying/selection-factors/admissions-statistics."
What is the acceptable minimum MCAT score? I e-mailed the admissions office, and this is what I received. "We do not have any minimum or cut-off regarding the MCAT score or GPA. The Committee on Admissions does take holistic approach to application review and your application will not be evaluated solely on the basis of your MCAT score. While we do not have information regarding the lowest accepted MCAT score, if you are interested in the average MCAT score and GPA for last year's incoming class, please visit the following webpage: http://hms.harvard.edu/departments/admissions/applying/selection-factors/admissions-statistics."
I would say they gave you a great answer, what more do you want? If you are below their 10th percentile forget about it (most likely) and being below average you need some great ECs and probably research.
I guess I just wanted them to give me a number that would tell me not to apply and save money instead? lol Anyways, you're right. Thanks for your reply.
I think stats can give you an idea of where you will be competitive but that's not to say don't shoot for the stars with a few apps! If you have a good application list that more or less matches your stat range then I say go for it if you can spare the $$ money to apply. Dream Big! Best of luck
Thanks! Yeah, I know I will regret if I don't even give it a try. Bye, $100!
The secondary application mentions that HMS takes a more analytical approach to a medical education. Apart from setting aside more time for students to do research, and have technical elective classes, can someone give me some examples of this? For example, what part of their standard medical student curriculum do they teach more analytically?
II! Wow, was not expecting this. Harvard is a mythical unicorn.
It is indeed!!! That's exciting and congratulations! Would you mind speak about your completion date?
Does Harvard send out II's in chronological order of completion?
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No. I was completed fairly early and I didn't get an II until October for a November interview.
When is your interview date?
September 27. The dates they offered originally were in the first 2 weeks of September, but I asked for an alternative date due to my work situation.
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