Harvard Extension Sponsorship

[andyfromseattle]

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Hi guys,

I was planning on going to the information meeting last week but my Delta flight got cancelled and nothing else was available (I was flying last minute) so I'll go to the meeting in January. I was hoping I could get some advice/direction.

My story (skip if you wish):
I busted through 4 years of college in 2 years and graduated when I was 19 with a GPA somewhere right around 3.0 with a BA in General Studies. I had to get done with college and start making some money.

I started an internet services company and just sold it for 1.2 million 👍

Now I'm 22 years old, my parents' financial issues are solved and I'm feeling very good about it. Anyway I've wanted to go to medical school for a couple years now but I had some back problems I had to finally deal with and have solved them.

From what I can tell, most formal post bacc programs would not accept me, especially the top tier ones so I'm planning on going to the Harvard Extension School program because of their relatively easy entrance standards.

MY QUESTIONS

1) Would anyone steer me away from Harvard Extension School/Summer School and point me in the direction of somewhere else? Tuition and living expenses are not important.

2) If I go there and perform is it likely that I can earn the sponsorship and reccomendation to medical school despite my subpar GPA from undergrad?

3) What volunteer experience would be ideal over the next year? Everyone always says "clinical experience" but I'm not totally clear on what that means. I am a CPR Instructor and HIV/AIDS Educator (certified by red cross) but I'm not sure any medical school would be interested in that.

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it.

 

[122]

1) Would anyone steer me away from Harvard Extension School/Summer School and point me in the direction of somewhere else? Tuition and living expenses are not important.

I am just starting my second year at the Extensions School's Health Careers Program and I think it is great. I would definitely give it a solid recommendation.

2) If I go there and perform is it likely that I can earn the sponsorship and reccomendation to medical school despite my subpar GPA from undergrad?

Getting the sponsorship will depend on A.) your performance on the classes you take at HES (namely 3.0 or better in the requirred number of units...usually 32 if UG GPA is below 3.0) and B.) your performance on the MCAT (the sub 3.0 UG GPA brings with it a program requirement of 30 or better on the MCAT. The Health Careers Program website covers these details. So yes, it is likely.

3) What volunteer experience would be ideal over the next year? Everyone always says "clinical experience" but I'm not totally clear on what that means. I am a CPR Instructor and HIV/AIDS Educator (certified by red cross) but I'm not sure any medical school would be interested in that.

Can't help you here...there are many recipes for this dish and best bet would be to discuss it with a program advisor.

Good luck with your decision!