2015-2016 Harvard Medical School Application Thread

Started by Ismet
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

Browse articles Compare schools My application plan Read Interview Feedback
Practice for interviews Ask an Advisor
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
I want to send a post-interview update letter to Harvard, and I interviewed for both Pathways and HST. I think I remember them saying that the two admissions committees don't really interact... is that correct? I'm just trying to figure out if I should send an update letter to both committees. Any advice would be much appreciated.
 
seatown93 said:
I want to send a post-interview update letter to Harvard, and I interviewed for both Pathways and HST. I think I remember them saying that the two admissions committees don't really interact... is that correct? I'm just trying to figure out if I should send an update letter to both committees. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Click to expand...
With something like this, I would call them instead of relying on SDN's neurotic premeds who think calling the admissions committee for something important such as updates and where they will be sent to in order for the proper individuals to receive them. 🙂 If you are in fact worried they will know who you are, hit *67 before you call them so your number is blocked and if they ask for your name (which they won't), say Amber Valentine - even if you're a man. <3
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
MissKitty2868 said:
With something like this, I would call them instead of relying on SDN's neurotic premeds who think calling the admissions committee for something important such as updates and where they will be sent to in order for the proper individuals to receive them. 🙂 If you are in fact worried they will know who you are, hit *67 before you call them so your number is blocked and if they ask for your name (which they won't), say Amber Valentine - even if you're a man. <3
Click to expand...

I second calling the office. Best safe than sorry.
 
Keepsmiling7 said:
Do you guys know when Harvard stops giving out Interview invites?
I know the interviews end in late January, and maybe they're already all filled up?
Click to expand...

Earlier in the thread it was mentioned they schedule interviews no greater than one month in advance, so in theory we are all in the running. That said, the holidays are nearing so if they are to extend IIs, they ought to do it relatively soon...

Really, who knows? It's been difficult assessing the schools' inner workings (in my experience, at any rate).
 
So I know Harvard claims their "average" GPA is 3.8, but what should one aim for to be on the safe side? 3.9? 3.95?
 
Hey guys, for those interviewing this cycle, it's for the New Pathways program, right? I still get confused between pathways and new pathways. Someone plz clarify.
 
Last edited:
Cerebral_Policy said:
Hey guys, for those interviewing this cycle, it's for the New Pathways program, right? I still get confused between pathways and new pathways. Someone plz clarify.
Click to expand...

If I remember correctly, the new curriculum (as of 2015) is called Pathways. The older curriculum is called New Pathways. Just a little confusing 😉
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Would you all agree that updating post-interview with this fall's grades and recent accomplishments is a good idea? I've heard of some schools not wanting any new updates to grades, but I would assume this one wouldn't mind!
 
The new curriculum is called Pathways and began with the class of 2019.

The old curriculum was called New Pathway (no 's').

Cerebral_Policy said:
Hey guys, for those interviewing this cycle, it's for the New Pathways program, right? I still get confused between pathways and new pathways. Someone plz clarify.
Click to expand...

Palindr0me said:
If I remember correctly, the new curriculum (as of 2015) is called Pathways. The older curriculum is called New Pathways. Just a little confusing 😉
Click to expand...
 
Do I start panicking now if I have only received one interview request (Not from Harvard incidentally. Sorry if it is a faux-pa posting about this here)? And is worthwhile to call schools to inquire about my status if I was completed in July and haven't heard anything back?
 
mistiblu02 said:
Do I start panicking now if I have only received one interview request (Not from Harvard incidentally. Sorry if it is a faux-pa posting about this here)? And is worthwhile to call schools to inquire about my status if I was completed in July and haven't heard anything back?
Click to expand...

I mean, panicking won't do ****. What you can do, though, is send some meaningful updates and possibly this semester's grades, as well as a statement communicating your continued interest in their programs. As a doctor should, don't freak out, just act in response to the situation you are in and make the best of what you have. If you've got one II, then ****ing kill it! Good luck 🙂
 
mistiblu02 said:
Do I start panicking now if I have only received one interview request (Not from Harvard incidentally. Sorry if it is a faux-pa posting about this here)? And is worthwhile to call schools to inquire about my status if I was completed in July and haven't heard anything back?
Click to expand...
I recently got an II at a school where I was complete in July, and I'm pretty sure they're not done yet! don't panic. A friend of mine and current student said we're only half-way done with the cycle, just hold on tight!
 
Last edited:
omnxbeast said:
Does anyone know the post interview process here? That is, "each interviewer ranks all the candidates they interview over the cycle from 1-x" or "each interviewer assigns you a number from 1-5" or "the interviewers merely 'reccomend for admission' / 'don't reccomend for admission' and then the committee reviews everyone in February"

I realize it isn't readily available, but I know at some places it has been shared and or even published in an extraneous place (i.e. Duke defining excellence PDF).

Tangentially, do current students perhaps know how likely it is that an update letter uploaded to the portal at this stage would be read?

Finally, is it a school where once you reach interview then everything is dependent on the interview or is interview just a fraction of the decision?

Any insight on any of the points is much appreciated!
Click to expand...

+1
 
omnxbeast said:
Does anyone know the post interview process here? That is, "each interviewer ranks all the candidates they interview over the cycle from 1-x" or "each interviewer assigns you a number from 1-5" or "the interviewers merely 'reccomend for admission' / 'don't reccomend for admission' and then the committee reviews everyone in February"

I realize it isn't readily available, but I know at some places it has been shared and or even published in an extraneous place (i.e. Duke defining excellence PDF).

Tangentially, do current students perhaps know how likely it is that an update letter uploaded to the portal at this stage would be read?

Finally, is it a school where once you reach interview then everything is dependent on the interview or is interview just a fraction of the decision?

Any insight on any of the points is much appreciated!
Click to expand...
I'm merely an applicant that interviewed here few weeks ago, but I feel like I can give my take on this.

More than any other school I've been to, it seems that the interview is just a fraction of the decision. I heard multiple students say that they felt like they had bad interviews, and they obviously got in; I've never really experienced something like this at other schools I've been to. To me, the interviews seemed more conversational and open ended (i.e. tell me about "X") than interrogational. It was more of just expanding/updating on your application. Another thing is that it seems that there are a lot of people who do interviews, so its not like the interviewers are a close-knit group of people who share a vision of what they want. In fact, sometimes students do interviews, but most of the time its just faculty.

This may seem counterintuitive given the post-interview acceptance rate ~25%, but it is nevertheless the impression I had. Some other schools, namely Stanford, made it seem like the interview is what gets you through the last cut (guy in admissions at Stanford on interview day literally said "lets put it this way, your grades/test-scores/experiences are what got you to this point, so we think all of you here have what it takes to exceed academically and this MMI is what tells us who we're really looking for).

As far as processing goes, I couldn't really say. If I had to guess, I'd say that the interviewer writes a few comments about their experience with you, but I don't imagine that there is a quantitative scale. Possibly there's a yay/nay but who knows; to be frank, I couldn't imagine interviewers throwing out too many "no" recommendations unless you just couldn't carry on a conversation, given the structure of the interview.
 
My interviewer actually described the post-interview process to me at the end of my interview, voluntarily. Your interviewers will discuss you and if you are deemed acceptable [based on whatever criteria they gleaned from the interview], your application is then sent to a pile that is voted upon by a large committee (96 members with 20 students; I think he said 1st and 3rd years are on the committee) in the Spring. So if your interviewers had a bad impression, you are out before the vote. He also jokingly said the students can be a huge influence since they can form groups when voting. None of the students that you meet during the interview day are on the voting committee though. Hope that helps!
 
MaxPlancker said:
My interviewer actually described the post-interview process to me at the end of my interview, voluntarily. Your interviewers will discuss you and if you are deemed acceptable [based on whatever criteria they gleaned from the interview], your application is then sent to a pile that is voted upon by a large committee (96 members with 20 students; I think he said 1st and 3rd years are on the committee) in the Spring. So if your interviewers had a bad impression, you are out before the vote. He also jokingly said the students can be a huge influence since they can form groups when voting. None of the students that you meet during the interview day are on the voting committee though. Hope that helps!
Click to expand...


wow that does seem like a rather large committee...
 
MaxPlancker said:
My interviewer actually described the post-interview process to me at the end of my interview, voluntarily. Your interviewers will discuss you and if you are deemed acceptable [based on whatever criteria they gleaned from the interview], your application is then sent to a pile that is voted upon by a large committee (96 members with 20 students; I think he said 1st and 3rd years are on the committee) in the Spring. So if your interviewers had a bad impression, you are out before the vote. He also jokingly said the students can be a huge influence since they can form groups when voting. None of the students that you meet during the interview day are on the voting committee though. Hope that helps!
Click to expand...
Do ALL of those people read one's whole application file? Whoa
 
I'm not sure but I think they have assigned primary readers who basically summarize files? It doesn't seem plausible that they would ALL read the files; but I would imagine they would probably have time for a 1-2min skim? I'm not sure on this as my interviewer didn't mention anything that detailed.
 
II!!!! Not too long ago (earlier this week). In disbelief. Trying not to get too flustered because as mentioned above, an interview is no guarantee of anything. Hopefully I'll see some of you in January 😉

Complete late August, cGPA ~3.7x... significantly lower than their median. Oh well. Looks like they are still looking through late August apps, so keep your chins up! Cheers.
 
Hey guys, a current HMS student here. Just to respond to a prior post.. I would say not to discount the interview as just being a minor part of the process. The reason why questions are so open-ended is that HMS values individuals with experience, perspective, and individuality. A standard list of Q's and MMI format isn't going to capture that. Your interviewer can be a huge advocate for you. Also, if you do get to the final "voting pile," it's about a pretty high chance of getting accepted at that point (at least this was what my interviewer told me when I interviewed a while ago). Good luck guys and hang in there. I know that this is just one long waiting game..
 
Last edited:
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Hello all! So I have an interview coming up fairly soon and am currently looking for flights out of Boston the night of my interview. On the admissions portal it mentions not booking a flight before 7:30 pm to be safe. Can anyone comment on how important it is to schedule this late of a flight, or anyone who has successfully booked and made an earlier flight? From what I've seen on this thread it appears that when you're done with your interview relies pretty heavily upon where and when your interviews are.
 
Pastamahn said:
Hello all! So I have an interview coming up fairly soon and am currently looking for flights out of Boston the night of my interview. On the admissions portal it mentions not booking a flight before 7:30 pm to be safe. Can anyone comment on how important it is to schedule this late of a flight, or anyone who has successfully booked and made an earlier flight? From what I've seen on this thread it appears that when you're done with your interview relies pretty heavily upon where and when your interviews are.
Click to expand...
I think the latest second interview on my interview day was at 330 pm, if that interview lasted ~1 hr (which is to be expected) then you're out by 430. I'm from Boston and if you took the T (public transit) it would take you ~1 hr during rush hour to get to the airport. If you choose to play it safe and take a taxi or an uber (which I recommend) you're looking at closer to a ~30-40 min ride to the airport if there's heavy traffic. This puts you at the airport by 530 at the latest, leaving you 2 hrs for security and to get to your gate. However, I've gotten to Logan about an hour before my flight and have always been able to catch my flight, the TSA there are pretty friendly and they keep the security line moving. I think you could probably get away with a 7pm flight, maaaybe 645 if you take a cab. But I wouldn't go any earlier, just in case... it would stink to miss your flight

edit: good luck to you and @zedsdead!!
 
It depends on your personal interview schedule and interview track. Some people finish both interviews in the morning but others have some in the afternoon. One girl had one at 4:30 pm and another had to get hers rescheduled to late afternoon. I think it's wise to schedule it as they recommend. I scheduled my flight for around 8pm and made it with enough time to grab dinner at the airport. The only downside is that you have less flight options.

Edit: If you're a Gold or higher medallion member for Delta, you could book an earlier flight and then change for free to a later flight.
 
Pastamahn said:
Hello all! So I have an interview coming up fairly soon and am currently looking for flights out of Boston the night of my interview. On the admissions portal it mentions not booking a flight before 7:30 pm to be safe. Can anyone comment on how important it is to schedule this late of a flight, or anyone who has successfully booked and made an earlier flight? From what I've seen on this thread it appears that when you're done with your interview relies pretty heavily upon where and when your interviews are.
Click to expand...
Most of the interviewees during my interview day were done by 4pm. I'm guessing the 7:30pm recommendation was taking into account unforeseen circumstances like if an interviewer needed to reschedule you for a later time. This happened to someone in my group, his second interview was scheduled for 2pm I think and they moved it to around 4pm at MGH, so he had to take a taxi there and back. Pretty sure he still made his 7pm flight. I suggest scheduling a later flight just in case something like this happens. If your interview day ends early think of it as more time to hang out with med students (who are all very accommodating and like to take to interviewees!).
 
Do you guys know what is HMS interview invite timeline? When is the last day that they send out interview invites?
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
avgn said:
HMS wraps up interviews end of Jan so it's logical to assume that no IIs are being given out with only 1 week's notice. I'd even say end of this week is a good time to give up...2 week's notice is just too short and most schools book ~1 month in advance.

(Same goes to Columbia for me... 🙁)
Click to expand...
They don't STOP interviewing mid January, they stop handing out interview invites.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
2025-2026 Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Application
Replies
35
Views
11K
Namingishard
N
chilly_md
2025-2026 Harvard
2 3 4 5
Replies
200
Views
98K
ssdviod2097
ssdviod2097
wysdoc
2025-2026 ASU John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering
4 5 6 7 8
Replies
351
Views
80K
FutureDrGriffi
FutureDrGriffi
wysdoc
2024-2025 Harvard
5 6 7 8 9
Replies
410
Views
217K
iloveharvard
I
chilly_md
2025-2026 New York Medical College
4 5 6 7 8
Replies
371
Views
134K
Zorazk
Z