Harvard Extension Post-Bac 2017-2018

[MedSun]

Just starting a new thread for this cycle.

Who is applying to HES?

Dr. Fixen just emailed me: "We will begin reviewing applications as soon as we can but it will likely by a month or so before we start to make admission decisions. If you have any questions in the meantime, you are welcome to email me."

So I guess I have to be patient D;

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[MedSun]

I'm applying as well, I'm sending in my completed application tomorrow. Do you have any outside information as far as how competitive getting into the program is etc.? I've been looking for information online but I haven't seen anything about the acceptance rates into the program etc.

What are your stats?
From what I know as long as you have above 3.0 GPA and strong clinical experience you should be fine. And applying early also helps🙂

P.S. I haven't heard from them yet..

 

[MedSun]

Currently, I'm at 3.72 cumulative GPA and a 3.71 science GPA. Decent amount of research experience, tons of extracurriculars and a couple research presentations (with one being at Harvard Medical).

Oh, you have nothing to worry about🙂

 

[AnnFelis]

I received an e-mail today confirming acceptance; formal letter to follow but Dr. Fixen unsure when that would be sent. My understanding is the admission policy is quite liberal, so unless there were serious issues with your application or background I would expect an email soon. Good luck to those waiting 🙂

 

[AnnFelis]

do you mind me asking if you're currently a senior in college or did you graduate a number of years ago? Thanks!

I have an MA in an unrelated field from 2015. Relevant work experience since. My undergrad grades were similar to yours.

 

[BillyBobJoe]

I also received a confirmation of acceptance from Dr. Fixsen saying that they'll follow up with an official letter. I have an MA in accounting. Undergrad and grad were around a 3.5 and have relevant volunteer experience.

 

[AnnFelis]

I also received a confirmation of acceptance from Dr. Fixsen saying that they'll follow up with an official letter. I have an MA in accounting. Undergrad and grad were around a 3.5 and have relevant volunteer experience.

Congrats! Glad I'm not the only career changer.

 

[BillyBobJoe]

Congrats! Glad I'm not the only career changer.

I think there will be many more career changers. Congrats to you as well!

 

[BillyBobJoe]

Hey All,
Slightly irrelevant to the topic but if anyone is looking for a roommate or knows where to find cheap rent in the area, let me know. I know that regardless of the location, rent will still be relatively more expensive.

 

[AnnFelis]

When did you all submit your applications? I only recently sent mine in so hopefully they have just not look at it yet.

I don't recall precisely, but I think it was around 1/15. They are likely working through them in the order received.

Maximus, thanks for the congrats. As far as cheap rent in Boston, your best bet is a crossroad at midnight and a soul you're willing to part with...it's pretty challenging. If you're on a budget you will almost certainly need to have at least one roommate. I don't have any specific resources but there are a number of active roommate finder sites. If you're not familiar with the area, it's also good to know that the transit system is fairly extensive so you can look for something in a less competitive area if you're willing to take the T or a bus.

 

[BillyBobJoe]

I don't recall precisely, but I think it was around 1/15. They are likely working through them in the order received.

Maximus, thanks for the congrats. As far as cheap rent in Boston, your best bet is a crossroad at midnight and a soul you're willing to part with...it's pretty challenging. If you're on a budget you will almost certainly need to have at least one roommate. I don't have any specific resources (I stay with family outside of the city), but I have found a number of active roommate finder sites. If you're not familiar with the area, it's also good to know that the transit system is fairly extensive so you can look for something in a less competitive area if you're willing to take the T or a bus.

Any roommate finder sites that you might recommend?

 

[AnnFelis]

Any roommate finder sites that you might recommend?

I haven't used any, just looked at them, so unfortunately can't give any specific recommendations. Do a google search for 'roommate finder boston/Cambridge' and be smart in terms of too good to be true scams etc. You might also contact the extension school directly; I have not checked so I don't know for sure, but many schools have roommate finder programs internally or can recommend resources.

 

[BillyBobJoe]

I'm really having trouble deciding between Georgetown's post-baccalaureate and Harvard Extension school's. What do you guys think? Any thoughts will be appreciated. The main difference for me is that the extension school isn't actually part of Harvard. At Georgetown, you take courses with the rest of the undergraduate students.

 

[AnnFelis]

I would personally cry if I had to take courses with undergrads, but your tolerance may vary. It really depends on what you value and require, and how the schools compare on those points - location, cost (direct and indirect, e.g. housing), courses offered, advising offered, research and volunteer opportunities in the area, etc. Also search this forum for reports of people in each program to get a first hand feel.

 

[CJK421]

Applied in early February and got an email from Dr. Fixsen around the middle of the month confirming receipt. Graduated college a couple of years ago and work in marketing/communications...here's to hoping!

 

[twigsbffyoung]

I received an e-mail today confirming acceptance; formal letter to follow but Dr. Fixen unsure when that would be sent. My understanding is the admission policy is quite liberal, so unless there were serious issues with your application or background I would expect an email soon. Good luck to those waiting 🙂

Wait, you've already received your acceptance? Did they do interviews? That's incredibly fast.

Currently, I'm at 3.72 cumulative GPA and a 3.71 science GPA. Decent amount of research experience, tons of extracurriculars and a couple research presentations (with one being at Harvard Medical).

If you don't mind me asking, why are you applying to HES? Your GPA looks really good!

 

[AnnFelis]

Wait, you've already received your acceptance? Did they do interviews? That's incredibly fast.

My understanding is it's basically open admission as long as your GPA and background are decent. Not hard to get into. No interviews. Simple application.

 

[twigsbffyoung]

Huh! I was getting kinda worried about flying over there for an interview. That's good to know


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[AnnFelis]

Applied in early February and got an email from Dr. Fixsen around the middle of the month confirming receipt. Graduated college a couple of years ago and work in marketing/communications...here's to hoping!

Good luck! 🙂

Twigsbffyoung, the program website covers the application process. Interview not needed. They don't even require letters of rec.

 

[AnnFelis]

FYI, I received an official letter today. It included instructions for registering for classes - registration for fall reportedly opens mid-July. It also noted that ID cards and associated perks (I assume things like library access) are not available until after the Fall registration period has closed, and you've been confirmed to be registered for at least one premed class.

Remember the program has rolling admission (I think through June but check their website to be sure). If you've applied and not heard, I wouldn't panic. I applied very early.

 

[failureisnotfatal]

I am considering applying to them today, but I'm just not sure. I got my undergraduate degree in Boston (B.A. in Psychology). Have gotten my masters/specialist degree in psych in another state. Now, I'm trying to figure out which way to go. It will definitely either be Psychology (PhD) or Psychiatry (MD) for me, but I am still torn about which one. I originally started out pre med as an undergraduate and then left the pre med track for stupid reasons and have regretted it since then. Medical school just feels like such a huge leap, but I feel like I am going to regret it for the rest of my life if i don't at least try

 

[twigsbffyoung]

FYI, I received an official letter today. It included instructions for registering for classes - registration for fall reportedly opens mid-July. It also noted that ID cards and associated perks (I assume things like library access) are not available until after the Fall registration period has closed, and you've been confirmed to be registered for at least one premed class.

Remember the program has rolling admission (I think through June but check their website to be sure). If you've applied and not heard, I wouldn't panic. I applied very early.

I guess applying early is relative (I applied within the first week of February) but I'm hoping for that acceptance as well! Congratulations

I am considering applying to them today, but I'm just not sure. I got my undergraduate degree in Boston (B.A. in Psychology). Have gotten my masters/specialist degree in psych in another state. Now, I'm trying to figure out which way to go. It will definitely either be Psychology (PhD) or Psychiatry (MD) for me, but I am still torn about which one. I originally started out pre med as an undergraduate and then left the pre med track for stupid reasons and have regretted it since then. Medical school just feels like such a huge leap, but I feel like I am going to regret it for the rest of my life if i don't at least try

You should at least apply and then think about your choices later. Who knows what conclusions you'll reach later on (maybe even tomorrow!)


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[AnnFelis]

I am considering applying to them today, but I'm just not sure. I got my undergraduate degree in Boston (B.A. in Psychology). Have gotten my masters/specialist degree in psych in another state. Now, I'm trying to figure out which way to go. It will definitely either be Psychology (PhD) or Psychiatry (MD) for me, but I am still torn about which one. I originally started out pre med as an undergraduate and then left the pre med track for stupid reasons and have regretted it since then. Medical school just feels like such a huge leap, but I feel like I am going to regret it for the rest of my life if i don't at least try

I would identify what it is about an MD that makes you feel like you'll regret not pursing it. Is it just the general idea, or is there a specific reason (and is that reason reality based - e.g. if you think an MD = higher earning potential, is that true). If you're interested in researching or treating mental health issues, a PhD is a very versatile and wide ranging degree that gives you a lot of options in terms of where and with what sort of patients you work. PhD programs are also often funded, vs. the cost of med school.
If you're still not sure, and have the money, you can always do premed and still choose to pursue a PhD. The hard science background won't hurt. And as someone said, you can apply now and decide whether to attend later.

 

[Silky Cerberus]

Just accepted to 2017 cycle and looking to possibly start this summer (though still waiting to hear from Penn and Wash U St.L)! Feel free to PM me if you're also interested in the housing hunt (cheap rent is good rent)!

Since people seem to be asking about stats that were admitted, I had a cumulative 3.36 (major in a Great Books program, minor in Business Economics) and a sGPA of ~2.9 (flirted with pre-med freshman and sophomore year), so don't be too worried if you're hovering around the 3.0 "cutoff!" My admission is proof that you need a pulse and a half-decent narrative to be accepted.

 

[Kurokijo]

Hi I am also looked in Harvard Extension post-bac program. Does any body know how good this program is? How it is viewed by other medical programs and what is ranking for this program among post-bac programs?

 

[CJK421]

Update: Received email on Wednesday confirming acceptance, good luck to all!

 

[twigsbffyoung]

Just received a rejection in the mail. Dr. Fixsen explained that I've already taken a decent amount of science courses and that SMPs are a better fit for me

Cheers to the rest of you!


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