Harvard Decisions

[LizzyM]

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There is always a chance that a school may have to go to the waitlist. If, late in the summer, someone is unable to matriculate due to serious injury or illness or other unanticipated event, there is going to be a last minute need to fill that seat. There can also be situations where someone who gets off a waitlist elsewhere will dump a very good school. It might happen rarely but it can happen.

 

[Lests55]

There is always a chance that a school may have to go to the waitlist. If, late in the summer, someone is unable to matriculate due to serious injury or illness or other unanticipated event, there is going to be a last minute need to fill that seat. There can also be situations where someone who gets off a waitlist elsewhere will dump a very good school. It might happen rarely but it can happen.

Yeah, but you probably would get hit by lightning if you were hoping for that.

 

[pyrois]

If, late in the summer, someone is unable to matriculate due to serious injury or illness or other unanticipated event, there is going to be a last minute need to fill that seat.

Nice😛

If I get in, I'm not telling anybody.

 

[LizzyM]

If, late in the summer, someone is unable to matriculate due to serious injury

Nice😛

If I get in, I'm not telling anybody.

😱 That never crossed my mind!

 

[ambidigital11]

Gives a whole new meaning to being a gunner 😱

 

[PropofolandPorsche]

Not to be a downer, but an "insider" told me that because of all the applications this year, decisions might come a little bit after the 9th (until the 15 maybe). Of course its not definite, but just so that we don't all freak out when certain envelopes don't show up on time.

 

[dudemeister]

One week, everyone!

 

[Meeher]

How valuable do you think sending fall semester grades is right now? I've heard it really doesn't make much difference, so I'm not sure.

 

[amester07]

A current student told me: "I am not sure when it's going to be mailed out. I guess it's march 9th =). I believe all the decisions have been made at this point."

*Holding my breath* ... I've never cried for a school. This will be my first time if I get a thin envelope.

 

[Bubblehead-to-MD]

Not to be a downer, but an "insider" told me that because of all the applications this year, decisions might come a little bit after the 9th (until the 15 maybe). Of course its not definite, but just so that we don't all freak out when certain envelopes don't show up on time.

Do you happen to know if Harvard extended its interviewing season this year? If they did not, then the increased number of applications should not affect the timeline for mailing decision letters.

 

[cabgdoc1]

A current student told me: "I am not sure when it's going to be mailed out. I guess it's march 9th =). I believe all the decisions have been made at this point."

*Holding my breath* ... I've never cried for a school. This will be my first time if I get a thin envelope.

is this student on the adcom? if not, than his/her guess is as good as ours.

 

[PropofolandPorsche]

Do you happen to know if Harvard extended its interviewing season this year? If they did not, then the increased number of applications should be irrelevant to the mailing of decision letters.

Good call, they actually did extend their interview season. This person normally does interviews but wasn't planning on it this year because she had other things going on. Except that mid january HMS asked her to interview some applicants because they had so many and they wanted to be done on time.

 

[LadyKae]

Good call, they actually did extend their interview season. This person normally does interviews but wasn't planning on it this year because she had other things going on. Except that mid january HMS asked her to interview some applicants because they had so many and they wanted to be done on time.

sorry, not to get hung up on details, but if they recruited her to interview so that they'd be done on time...doesn't that mean they may have interviewed more applicants than expected but are still "done on time"?

 

[wannabedoc85]

Wow

 

[PropofolandPorsche]

No problems. it's the details that count, right? I asked her about march 9th, and if decisions would go out then. She said they're aiming for that date, but because they did more interviews than they planned on (whatever that means), she wouldn't be surprised if it took them a few days more (to do whatever it is that they do).
So I'm hoping for the 9th. But i just wanted to put it out there so that you guys would know.

 

[melissainsd]

No problems. it's the details that count, right? I asked her about march 9th, and if decisions would go out then. She said they're aiming for that date, but because they did more interviews than they planned on (whatever that means), she wouldn't be surprised if it took them a few days more (to do whatever it is that they do).
So I'm hoping for the 9th. But i just wanted to put it out there so that you guys would know.

Ugh. Just send my reject already so I can move on...

 

[doughgirl]

Hey guys, I know this is silly but i am just curious. do you guys know if the acceptance letter comes in a big envelope while the rejection letter comes in a small env like undergraduate process??!!! i just want to mentally prepare myself if i see a small envelope in my mailbox.

 

[PropofolandPorsche]

Alrighty. So I called the admissions office to get their take on it. To sum it up: They know that least year decisions went out the 9th. But this year b/c of more people and whatever, letters will not go out before mid-march. They are aiming for the 15. Like Shakespeare said "Beware the ides of march."

We've made it this far, what's another week?

 

[QuantumMechanic]

Hey guys, I know this is silly but i am just curious. do you guys know if the acceptance letter comes in a big envelope while the rejection letter comes in a small env like undergraduate process??!!! i just want to mentally prepare myself if i see a small envelope in my mailbox.

small letter either way...I guess they want to make you read the rejection...oh the pain🙁

 

[QuantumMechanic]

Alrighty. So I called the admissions office to get their take on it. To sum it up: They know that least year decisions went out the 9th. But this year b/c of more people and whatever, letters will not go out before mid-march. They are aiming for the 15. Like Shakespeare said "Beware the ides of march."

We've made it this far, what's another week?

I'd prefer the decisions not go out until the 15th anyway...I'm going to be at the beach for spring break, and I couldn't stand to know that the letter was waiting for me at my mailbox.

 

[CaramelDlite]

I took a look at some of last year's threads and it seems that letters were slated to go out March 9th originally and the first week in March were pushed back to being mailed on the 13th. Its probably going to be the same thing this year so looks like more waiting. As if five months has not been long enough🙁

 

[cgscribe]

I'm on the West coast, so at least I'll have some warning before I start compulsively checking the mail.

 

[p9142]

I'm on the West coast, so at least I'll have some warning before I start compulsively checking the mail.

Would you seriously turn down in-state tuition at UCSF to attend Harvard?

 

[cgscribe]

I would give it serious consideration. Also, since I feel equally strongly about both schools, I would probably see if that would affect my financial offers.

 

[XildUpNawth]

I would give it serious consideration. Also, since I feel equally strongly about both schools, I would probably see if that would affect my financial offers.

Have you lived in New England before?

 

[Gabujabu]

The weather in Boston was absolutely atrocious today! 😳

 

[cgscribe]

I have not lived in New England before. It's that bad, huh?

 

[monday_best]

San Francisco native here. I don't know. I grew up in Miami, and I think the weather in SF is overrated.

It never gets too cold here, but it never gets warm enough for me (60s - low 70s plus fog and freezing cold ocean make me sad). I like it balmy, dammit!

Ever hear the Cole Porter lyrics, "I hate California/It's cold and it's damp?" I'm beginning to understand that line.

So, no mail from Harvard for another couple weeks? The suspense... the anxiety!

For you overachievers out there, how do you feel about Harvard vs. substantial scholarship at another great school?

 

[Towelie]

San Francisco native here. I don't know. I grew up in Miami, and I think the weather in SF is overrated.

It never gets too cold here, but it never gets warm enough for me (60s - low 70s plus fog and freezing cold ocean make me sad). I like it balmy, dammit!

Ever hear the Cole Porter lyrics, "I hate California/It's cold and it's damp?" I'm beginning to understand that line.

So, no mail from Harvard for another couple weeks? The suspense... the anxiety!

For you overachievers out there, how do you feel about Harvard vs. substantial scholarship at another great school?

I would go with the substantial scholarship, but that's just me. The Harvard name is nice, but where you go to school seems not to make a gigantic difference when applying for residency, so long as you are not talking Harvard vs. Hollywood upstairs medical college.

That said, as a school I liked Harvard much better than anywhere.

 

[crimsonkid85]

you have no idea. i'm from texas...and...yea. *shiver shiver* today was an icy, sopping MESS...

 

[Hednej]

I would go with the substantial scholarship, but that's just me. The Harvard name is nice, but where you go to school seems not to make a gigantic difference when applying for residency, so long as you are not talking Harvard vs. Hollywood upstairs medical college.

That said, as a school I liked Harvard much better than anywhere.

I'd take the scholarship only if it's at a top 15, otherwise I'd go to Harvard.

 

[monday_best]

I'd take the scholarship only if it's at a top 15, otherwise I'd go to Harvard.

15 is the magic cutoff? What about 16-20? 😉

I also really liked Harvard a lot when I visited; much more than I orignally expected. I guess I've been relying on comparing the match lists from the other schools under consideration.

If a school has almost everything you want, and can get you to the same place for substantially less debt... what really is the advantage of turning that down? I think I need to hear from people who have.

Ah well, MGH or B&W for residency, then? 🙂

 

[XildUpNawth]

Yeah, after being informed (in my 4th winter here) by my PCP that "next year, we're getting you a light box," I'm starting to take SAD a little more seriously. The weather is no joke. I would take it under hefty advisement if I were deciding between Boston and someplace with light. Any light. At all. (From November-May, that is.) Regardless of the golden glow of HMS, your personality will suffer from a lack of neurotransmitters about half the year.

 

[XildUpNawth]

15 is the magic cutoff? What about 16-20? 😉

I also really liked Harvard a lot when I visited; much more than I orignally expected. I guess I've been relying on comparing the match lists from the other schools under consideration.

If a school has almost everything you want, and can get you to the same place for substantially less debt... what really is the advantage of turning that down? I think I need to hear from people who have.

Ah well, MGH or B&W for residency, then? 🙂

In true Boston fashion, I will now point out that it's "BWH," not "B&W," which sounds a lot like a root beer. Up here, we live to point out others' mistakes.

 

[amester07]

15 is the magic cutoff? What about 16-20? 😉

I also really liked Harvard a lot when I visited; much more than I orignally expected. I guess I've been relying on comparing the match lists from the other schools under consideration.

If a school has almost everything you want, and can get you to the same place for substantially less debt... what really is the advantage of turning that down? I think I need to hear from people who have.

Ah well, MGH or B&W for residency, then? 🙂

I think it's the people that matter, I feel like every school's student body has a slightly different culture/vibe to it. And I definitely felt most at-home (like I belonged) at harvard.

We should choose wherever that gives us the warm & fuzzy feeling inside right? 🙂 This is going to sound so cliche, but happiness is what matters, you can't buy that with money. As physicians, we won't be rich, but I think (hope?) we'll make sufficient to pay off our debt soon enough. Scholarships & full-riders are tempting ... well I guess I'll know for sure *IF* I get in and go to a re-visit. ... yes, huge IF there 🙄

Btw, I've lived in Boston through the winter months. The wind could be unbearable sometimes, but ... just don't go outside then! 😛 I think the only sacrifice for me would be the inability to do outdoor activities during some months of the year (I'm from the westcoast), but that's really a small price to pay 🙂 *really* small ... Vandy has a gym after all ^^

All in all, just go with your gut feeling, I say.

 

[beenthere2]

In true Boston fashion, I will now point out that it's "BWH," not "B&W," which sounds a lot like a root beer. Up here, we live to point out others' mistakes.

This is true. Someone referred to BWH as Brigham's (on another thread I think). I believe that's an ice cream store.

 

[Towelie]

I'd take the scholarship only if it's at a top 15, otherwise I'd go to Harvard.

Really? This is interesting. I think the top 20 would be my cutoff, just because there are 2 schools in the 15-20 range (Vandy, Pritzker) that offer scholarships. I couldn't turn down a scholarship to either of those 2 to go to Harvard--it just wouldn't make logical sense to me.

 

[Pancho Villa]

Really? This is interesting. I think the top 20 would be my cutoff, just because there are 2 schools in the 15-20 range (Vandy, Pritzker) that offer scholarships. I couldn't turn down a scholarship to either of those 2 to go to Harvard--it just wouldn't make logical sense to me.

would you turn down super cheap in-state tuition such as baylor?

 

[i'm the map]

This is true. Someone referred to BWH as Brigham's (on another thread I think). I believe that's an ice cream store.

You know, it's common practice to call it "the Brigham" as well.

 

[Towelie]

would you turn down super cheap in-state tuition such as baylor?

Maybe. My guess is that the overall cost difference between Harvard and Baylor would be something like $60K. For that difference, I would probably go to Harvard.

The difference between Harvard and a full ride at Vandy would be $150K. That's just too much for me to turn down (after residency accruement and 20 years of payback that could add up to ~$300K).

 

[foofish]

You know, it's common practice to call it "the Brigham" as well.

Alright, I've been trying to boycott this thread, but I give in. Now they're sending decisions out a week later? Arrrggggggg!

Yeah, it's The Brigham (and some EMTs call MGH The General, but that hasn't really caught on, thank God)....but Brigham's definitely is an ice cream/"casual dining" restaurant.

 

[beenthere2]

You know, it's common practice to call it "the Brigham" as well.

You're right! Only a few proper nouns use "the"...like "the Brigham", "the General", and "the Pope".

I think that people at "the General" prefer MGH.

Oh...and of course...."the Bronx"!

 

[Pancho Villa]

i heard "MassGen" a couple times while i was up there...

just thought i'd throw that out there.

 

[pyrois]

"Our financial aid program strives to help students meet a shortfall of funds after the student and his/her family have made the maximum financial effort."

Aww🙁

I dunno man, Mayo is looking better and better.

 

[mdm2fly]

I'd take the scholarship only if it's at a top 15, otherwise I'd go to Harvard.

Harvard is ranked 25th in primary care...so I'm guessing top 15 in trad reputation?

 

[corranh314]

Random update: the Financial Aid website still is not working. I now get the response, "We could verify neither your longin name nor pin". Also, an acquaintance involved with admissions seconded the mid-march estimate.

 

[tch001]

Random update: the Financial Aid website still is not working. I now get the response, "We could verify neither your longin name nor pin". Also, an acquaintance involved with admissions seconded the mid-march estimate.

🙁

 

[foofish]

Hmm, no change to the status page ("decisions will be mailed by the second week in March")...although, I wouldn't really expect them to bother changing it.

SDN needs a :bouncing-off-the-walls-with-anxiety: icon.

 

[Lests55]

Hmm, no change to the status page ("decisions will be mailed by the second week in March")...although, I wouldn't really expect them to bother changing it.

SDN needs a :bouncing-off-the-walls-with-anxiety: icon.

Stolenspatulas said in the other thread he/she was thinking about shooting themselves in the foot for distraction. Not a bad idea....

 

[tuttut]

Hi!
Does anyone know if Harvard sends decisions to the current or the permanent address? thanks!