Harvard Extension versus Berkeley Extension

[texasm]

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I am NOT talking about the pre-medical diploma or the health career programs here {which I am not eligible for because I don't have a bachelor's degree}. Rather I am just talking about taking pre-med classes at either Harvard Extension or Berkeley Extension and completing all pre-med requirements in a year plus two summers.

Which of the two would you suggest and why?

From the scheduling point of view, would Berkeley Extension be a better bet?

From the med school's reputation point of view, would Harvard Extention be a better bet?

I heard it is {relatively} easier to get A's at Berkeley Ext and next to impossible to get A's at Harvard Ext. Should this favor Berkeley?

{Incidentally, I also considered two other great options overlooked by most students - Univ of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and U of Wisconsin - Madison but I eliminated them because I lived in both Wisconsin and Illinois and want to live elsewhere}

 

[rgerber85]

I'd go for the cheaper price while not sacrificing the educational value.

I'm looking @ the HEP:HCP (non-admitted) very seriously, but I'm also looking to BU's Met college and UMass Boston as a non-admitted for an informal Post-Bacc.

I just need

2 bio's + labs
1 english
2 orgo's + labs

and want to retake;
chem I
physics I

I'm not earning any certs or degrees, but I'm trying to show the program/s that I'm serious. I want this. Hello 5th year of undergrad.. only a summer after I graduated with an MS that means nothing to med schools. muahahaha FML.

but I want it.

I say search these forums - A LOT of VALUABLE information.

Good luck!

 

[texasm]

Both Harvard X and Berkeley X cost about the same. But if you consider the summers, Harvard S is very expensive whereas Berkeley S is the same price as Berkeley X.

 

[rgerber85]

Both Harvard X and Berkeley X cost about the same. But if you consider the summers, Harvard S is very expensive whereas Berkeley S is the same price as Berkeley X.

You missed what I was saying...

State school.

Cheap.

Competitive enough.

Rock the A.

Show the program you want.... accrue 20+ unit hours for classes with a GPA above a 3.6 and I'd think you'd be fine.

 

[texasm]

Why isn't much written about Berkeley Extension?
It seems to be better than Harvard Extension in terms of the % getting into medical schools.

Harvard X: 85% (of the sponsored 60) out of 300 or so = 17%
Of the 300, about 100 drop out after Physics, so you have about 200 left.
Double 17% and you still have only at most 35% who get into med schools from Harvard X

Berkeley X: 75%

 

[smiley27]

...

 

[smiley27]

Wait, I read in your OP that you aren't talking about the programs but just the schools. Why were you quoting acceptance stats when they're irrelevant to your situation, I would just go wherever is cheaper.

 

[texasm]

I read somewhere that berkeley contracts profs from other schools to teach their premed X classes. I think I read that some/most of the classes aren't even on berkeley's campus and some are at cc's. Im not sure you should look into it.

Re: H X, the profs teaching premed classes also teach H college classes. You are getting really good instruction that has a good track record for helping people do well on the mcat. H X HCP is well recognized by adcoms. If you are worried about not being able to get a 3.0 at H X to get sponsorship then you should re-evaluate your wanting to go to med school.

Does berkeley even have a premed program in their X school where you can get a composite letter?

Oh I can get a 3.0 for sure but HX grades very conservatively. I hear their Physics is brutal. So you graduate with a 3.2 or 3.3. At BX on the other hand, you graduate with a 3.8. It's easier to get into med school with a 3.8 than a 3.2. And yes BX has a formal pre-med program. But I am not talking about a formal pre-med program at either HX or BX. Just a do-it-yourself program because I don't have a UG degree yet.

 

[smiley27]

Oh I can get a 3.0 for sure but HX grades very conservatively. I hear their Physics is brutal. So you graduate with a 3.2 or 3.3. At BX on the other hand, you graduate with a 3.8. It's easier to get into med school with a 3.8 than a 3.2. And yes BX has a formal pre-med program. But I am not talking about a formal pre-med program at either HX or BX. Just a do-it-yourself program because I don't have a UG degree yet.

..

 

[MedWonk]

Really evaluate your desire and motivation to study and get into med school if you do come to H X, my roommate dropped after one week of summer saying he isn't cut out for H. My other roommate knows 2-3 additional people in her SS class that already dropped.

If you are worried about it being "brutal" then think about your decision to go to H X. It is tough. Some people can't hack it, the others get sponsored. Your 3.2 estimate shows a lack of multiple adjectives.

People come here for the challenge and for the quality mcat prep. The harder the better.

I generally agree. I'm taking summer chem, and frankly, it's not some insurmountable obstacle. You'll get out of it what you put in. If you work hard and go to office hours/email prof and TF for help when you need it, you should be doing well in the course.

If your attitude towards this is to just go with what's easier to try to juke your stats, you're going to have a hard time later on when more is expected of you. It's fine to get a 3.8 in an easy course of study, but the MCAT and any higher level courses will expose the holes you have in your knowledge. It's better to just take the pain now.

 

[texasm]

The thing about HX I have heard is that the professors there have a chip on their shoulder because HX is not true Harvard, so they grade brutally and damage a student's transcript. At BerkeleyX you can relax with respect to grading and focus on getting a higher MCAT score. I haven't made up my mind yet on where to join. I could go with either HarvardX or BerkeleyX. To a certain extent, I am even reconsidering Univ of Illinois - UC. They are very inexpensive.

If any of you have any other suggestions about inexpensive schools, do post them. I am looking for schools that are at least the tier of Univ of Michigan or Univ of Illinois - UC {or higher tier}.

Thanks

 

[MedWonk]

The thing about HX I have heard is that the professors there have a chip on their shoulder because HX is not true Harvard, so they grade brutally and damage a student's transcript.

Thanks

Having taken classes there, I can tell you that this is simply not true. Are there professors that suck? Sure there are. But I can tell you that most of the professors I've taken classes with and have asked about are good and do actually care about you doing well in their courses.

 

[SisterDisco08]

If any of you have any other suggestions about inexpensive schools, do post them. I am looking for schools that are at least the tier of Univ of Michigan or Univ of Illinois - UC {or higher tier}.

Thanks

...Then why don't you just do U of Michigan MS in Physiology...?

 

[ghostman]

Harvard X: 85% (of the sponsored 60) out of 300 or so = 17%
Of the 300, about 100 drop out after Physics, so you have about 200 left.
Double 17% and you still have only at most 35% who get into med schools from Harvard X

Whoa whoa whoa. Hold up there. Are you sure you have your numbers right? Yes, I believe 85% of the 60 sponsored students get admitted. I would even agree that of the original 300 students, 100 drop out after Physics. But who said the remaining 140 non-sponsored students don't get into med school? Harvard HCP has no way of knowing what happened to these students since they are not the students' pre-med adviser. To assume all of them DON'T get into med school is a bit of a stretch. Many of these students have significant background in the sciences (I met a neuroscience PhD who decided to do veterinary work and had to retake classes due to the number of years she was out of school), which is why they were not accepted as part of HCP. Some only needed to fulfill one or two science classes.

The thing about HX I have heard is that the professors there have a chip on their shoulder because HX is not true Harvard, so they grade brutally and damage a student's transcript. At BerkeleyX you can relax with respect to grading and focus on getting a higher MCAT score. I haven't made up my mind yet on where to join. I could go with either HarvardX or BerkeleyX. To a certain extent, I am even reconsidering Univ of Illinois - UC. They are very inexpensive.

I don't know where you heard this, but you are very misinformed. Tucci, Matchacheep, McCarty, Rueckner and Anderson (that's all the professors for the pre-med courses) are VERY willing to help out the students. They welcome students to their office hours and, if you are having trouble, I strongly suggest you take advantage of it. I would even say they are the complete opposite of "having a chip on their shoulder" and seem to highly respect the students. Some professors may not be as good lecturers as others, but no one holds a grudge due to the Harvard Ext vs. Harvard College thing. I've not encountered that once, from students or professors.

Having said that, it does not automatically mean you will do well in class because the professors are approachable. The courses, by nature, are difficult. Physics and Organic Chem are dealbreakers for many pre-meds, no matter where you take the course. I don't know whether Harvard Ext is harder than Berkeley Ext, but I will say you have to put everything you've got into Harvard Ext science courses. They don't make topics easier just because you're in Ext.


I think you are going about this the wrong way. I chose HES because I heard the classes are not easy. I needed this to tell me whether I could handle medicine, since it only gets harder. Yes, I had friends at HES that dropped a class because it was too difficult; they found UMass Boston courses to be easier. But this is going to hurt when the MCATs/DATs/whatever exam rolls around.

 

[texasm]

...Then why don't you just do U of Michigan MS in Physiology...?

I actually need only pre-med courses because I can't take them at my community college. I don't have a BS degree to get into an MS program.

 

[texasm]

Whoa whoa whoa. Hold up there. Are you sure you have your numbers right? Yes, I believe 85% of the 60 sponsored students get admitted. I would even agree that of the original 300 students, 100 drop out after Physics. But who said the remaining 140 non-sponsored students don't get into med school? Harvard HCP has no way of knowing what happened to these students since they are not the students' pre-med adviser. To assume all of them DON'T get into med school is a bit of a stretch. Many of these students have significant background in the sciences (I met a neuroscience PhD who decided to do veterinary work and had to retake classes due to the number of years she was out of school), which is why they were not accepted as part of HCP. Some only needed to fulfill one or two science classes.

I don't know where you heard this, but you are very misinformed. Tucci, Matchacheep, McCarty, Rueckner and Anderson (that's all the professors for the pre-med courses) are VERY willing to help out the students. They welcome students to their office hours and, if you are having trouble, I strongly suggest you take advantage of it. I would even say they are the complete opposite of "having a chip on their shoulder" and seem to highly respect the students. Some professors may not be as good lecturers as others, but no one holds a grudge due to the Harvard Ext vs. Harvard College thing. I've not encountered that once, from students or professors.

Having said that, it does not automatically mean you will do well in class because the professors are approachable. The courses, by nature, are difficult. Physics and Organic Chem are dealbreakers for many pre-meds, no matter where you take the course. I don't know whether Harvard Ext is harder than Berkeley Ext, but I will say you have to put everything you've got into Harvard Ext science courses. They don't make topics easier just because you're in Ext.

I think you are going about this the wrong way. I chose HES because I heard the classes are not easy. I needed this to tell me whether I could handle medicine, since it only gets harder. Yes, I had friends at HES that dropped a class because it was too difficult; they found UMass Boston courses to be easier. But this is going to hurt when the MCATs/DATs/whatever exam rolls around.

That is good to know! I was afraid because when I met Dr. Fixsen in Cambridge and talked to some of the HES students, I came away with a strong impression of what the ALBers at HES called "transcript damage". Then some Harvard College students told me that they make HES so deliberately hard that Harvard College students who take HES courses end up with a damaged transcript. I am afraid of applying to medical schools with a damaged transcript just because, like someone at HC told me, "HES wants to prove that even HC students do badly when they enroll for our courses"

 

[deleted248403]

I actually need only pre-med courses because I can't take them at my community college. I don't have a BS degree to get into an MS program.

Now I am completely confused.

You don't have a BS/BA? So you are you looking at post-bacs?

If you are working on your BS/BA, you could do your pre-reqs whilst an undergrad.

And if you went to community college, and got an associates - you do realize you will 99% need a bachelors to get into medical school right?

 

[ghostman]

Now I am completely confused.

You don't have a BS/BA? So you are you looking at post-bacs?

If you are working on your BS/BA, you could do your pre-reqs whilst an undergrad.

And if you went to community college, and got an associates - you do realize you will 99% need a bachelors to get into medical school right?

Quite true. I missed that on the original post.

Are you planning to do the ALB program at Harvard Ext? Taking pre-med courses probably won't be enough. You'll need a bachelors degree.

 

[texasm]

And if you went to community college, and got an associates - you do realize you will 99% need a bachelors to get into medical school right?

My community college awards BS degrees.

 

[deleted248403]

My community college awards BS degrees.

Doesn't that by definition make it not a community college?

And are you going to have a bachelors by the time you hope to enroll whatever program?

 

[texasm]

Quite true. I missed that on the original post.

Are you planning to do the ALB program at Harvard Ext? Taking pre-med courses probably won't be enough. You'll need a bachelors degree.

The ALB is very very brutal. Most of my life will be spent on getting through required courses from what I hear. Also ALB students that I met in Cambridge (like B____ R____) were not successful in getting into medical schools in the US. B___ R___ went to the Caribbean. Again, one explanation is in transcript damage at the ALB. The second explanation is that the ALB focuses you to spend so much insane time on brutal classes like Expo-15 and Expo-25 that you end up performing badly on the MCAT. The ALB also takes way too long as you plod through it bit by bit. Only a tiny % end up graduating from the ALB.

The way I see it is what's the point getting an ALB from Harvard Extension if students end up going to the Caribbean at the end of it? Medical schools may add 0.9 points to your GPA if you study at Harvard Extension but you're still not going to get into medical school by damaging your transcript at the ALB.

 

[texasm]

Doesn't that by definition make it not a community college?

And are you going to have a bachelors by the time you hope to enroll whatever program?

No, some Cargegie Classification still calls it a community college and the word "community college" is in the name of the college.

And I am not going to have a BS by the time I enroll in the program.

 

[deleted248403]

No, some Cargegie Classification still calls it a community college and the word "community college" is in the name of the college.

And I am not going to have a BS by the time I enroll in the program.

Then forget all this extension crap and go get a bachelors and finish your pre-reqs there.

The number of people getting into medical school only an AA degree is veeeerrrrry small. (I think there is a table/graphic in the MSAR about this, I gave my copy to a friend so if some kind soul finds it in the MSAR, i think it would be a useful stat in this thread)

And I hope for your sake you have 3.5+ at your CC, anything lower than that isnt going to bode well for medical school

 

[smiley27]

anyone else a little confused with all this community college hypothetical he said/she said nonsense going on? 😕

Since when do cc's award bachelors degrees? Whats the name of your school so i can look it up. I'm not doubting you im just curious.
And this is a postbac forum, not ug premed forum. Take this somewhere else. Dont come back until you get your 4 year degree or are very very close to getting it.

 

[texasm]

Almost 20 states allow community colleges to award bachelor’s degrees.

Google it. Or see this for instance.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/education/03community.html

 

[deleted248403]

Almost 20 states allow community colleges to award bachelor's degrees.

Google it. Or see this for instance.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/education/03community.html

To be frank: who the eff cares

You will need a bachelors to get into medical school. (edit: and one from a CC doesn't carry the same weight as a 4-year one; this debate has been waged on here for ages, and it boils down to that a CC doesn't equal a 4-year, and thus medical schools don't very them equally).

Go get one, do your pre-reqs while you are there and then figure out where you stand for med school admissions

 

[texasm]

Here are some community colleges that give BA/BA degrees

http://www.accbd.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/CCBA-Membership-List-October-2010.pdf

 

[texasm]

To be frank: who the eff cares

I gave out this info only because Smiley27 asked for it. Sorry if that offended you.

 

[deleted248403]

I gave out this info only because Smiley27 asked for it. Sorry if that offended you.

I'm not offended.

I just think you are missing the plot in this thread.

Your focus is wrong and you seriously don't understand the process and competition ahead of you

 

[SisterDisco08]

Honestly this seems like a really weird way of you trying to pad your resume/transcript. I don't think it matters at what heavy-named awkward program you do your pre-reqs, as soon as they see CC BS/BA you'll be out of the running. There are people coming from better 4-year schools, with higher MCATs, and stronger ECs than you (and all of us) not getting into med school every year. What will you have against your competition? A BS/BA from a CC with a few credits from a well-respected school? It's not going to be enough, even though it might seem cool to say "I did a Harvard program" at cocktail parties when you're 30 and still trying to get into med school because you're avoiding a four-year school.

Sure, take some classes this year, maybe work a little, or something like that. Get on the boat early come September and you may even find a 4-year school that will let you transfer in at the start of second semester. You will be doing yourself a disservice by throwing together some "unique" hodge-podge program. AdComs won't look at your application and say "this is interesting, why don't we invite this person in to tell us why they did things this way!" They'll just move on to the next one, that doesn't raise questions.

 

[texasm]

Unfortunately I have severe locational constraints 🙁

 

[ztaxin]

I am NOT talking about the pre-medical diploma or the health career programs here {which I am not eligible for because I don't have a bachelor's degree}. Rather I am just talking about taking pre-med classes at either Harvard Extension or Berkeley Extension and completing all pre-med requirements in a year plus two summers.

Which of the two would you suggest and why?

From the scheduling point of view, would Berkeley Extension be a better bet?

From the med school's reputation point of view, would Harvard Extention be a better bet?

I heard it is {relatively} easier to get A's at Berkeley Ext and next to impossible to get A's at Harvard Ext. Should this favor Berkeley?

{Incidentally, I also considered two other great options overlooked by most students - Univ of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and U of Wisconsin - Madison but I eliminated them because I lived in both Wisconsin and Illinois and want to live elsewhere}

After reading a few of the comments in the thread, i felt compelled to say a few things. I can't speak for Berkeley, but I did do my post-bac at Harvard Extension. While the program is somewhat okay, and a few of the teachers really go the extra mile, overall it was a poor experience. I can qualify this statement.

1) Professors, for the most part, were very poor teachers (Rueckner, Andersen). If you are even THINKING about understanding Physics or Biology, I would strongly recommend fulfilling those courses elsewhere. The summer physics professor (McCarty) is significantly better as a teacher, and is more qualified. Incidentally, he also teaches Organic Chemistry. So that should give you a sense for how thin their academic resources are stretched.

2) There is relatively little support for students, administratively, throughout the process. Many friends of mine had to struggle to get advice and would often glean little information from their talks with purported "advisers". In fact, a very close friend of mine had his letter of recommendation lost multiple times (!!!!) by one of the incompetent administration lackeys at 51 Brattle. The whole process is very unclear, and little direction is given to students on how to move through the admissions game.

On the plus side, the tuition is quite cheap--I think it must be subsidized--and living in the Cambridge bubble is fun...for a little while, at least. Also, you have the opportunity to get involved in the research and hospitals in the Greater Boston area, which is probably one of the top places in the world for that sort of thing.

 

[ztaxin]

After reading a few of the comments in the thread, i felt compelled to say a few things. I can't speak for Berkeley, but I did do my post-bac at Harvard Extension. While the program is somewhat okay, and a few of the teachers really go the extra mile, overall it was a poor experience. I can qualify this statement.

1) Professors, for the most part, were very poor teachers (Rueckner, Andersen). If you are even THINKING about understanding Physics or Biology, I would strongly recommend fulfilling those courses elsewhere. The summer physics professor (McCarty) is significantly better as a teacher, and is more qualified. Incidentally, he also teaches Organic Chemistry. So that should give you a sense for how thin their academic resources are stretched.

2) There is relatively little support for students, administratively, throughout the process. Many friends of mine had to struggle to get advice and would often glean little information from their talks with purported "advisers". In fact, a very close friend of mine had his letter of recommendation lost multiple times (!!!!) by one of the incompetent administration lackeys at 51 Brattle. The whole process is very unclear, and little direction is given to students on how to move through the admissions game.

On the plus side, the tuition is quite cheap--I think it must be subsidized--and living in the Cambridge bubble is fun...for a little while, at least. Also, you have the opportunity to get involved in the research and hospitals in the Greater Boston area, which is probably one of the top places in the world for that sort of thing.

also, you don't need any of that silly diploma/health careers program stuff. just take the classes, get the credits, and get out.

 

[UnclePhil]

Here are some community colleges that give BA/BA degrees

http://www.accbd.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/CCBA-Membership-List-October-2010.pdf

The bachelor's degree thing is a bare minimum. I'm not sure that you understand the process.

Transfer into a 4 year institution, full time, and don't just fill out pre-reqs there, get your degree there. Regardless of whether its an AA or a BS, it's from community college, it's going to hold less weight. If you didn't also believe this yourself, you wouldn't be looking to take pre-reqs elsewhere.

When people say that adcoms don't like seeing pre-reqs taken at community college... they are referring to students from 4 year universities take pre-reqs at CC to get easy A's. If you are serious about getting into medical school, you will need to transfer into a true 4 year undergraduate school. Being a student preparing to get into medical school is not just something that you do on the side, and if you are a non-trad, it's going to require significant sacrifices in both time and money.

 

[texasm]

I am not a non-trad. Just a rural kid with severe locational constraints

 

[SisterDisco08]

I am not a non-trad. Just a rural kid with severe locational constraints

Unless you are chained to someone's bedpost pumping their heart for them this will mean nothing to AdComs. It will translate as "this kid has other priorities" and you won't be considered.

And if you can do either Berkeley or Harvard X, clearly your "location constraints" aren't "severe." Go to the closest available 4 year that will take you.

 

[texasm]

And if you can do either Berkeley or Harvard X, clearly your "location constraints" aren't "severe." Go to the closest available 4 year that will take you.

You won't say that if you actually knew me.
I can get away for a year plus summer, not more.
Trust me, I do have strong locational constraints.

 

[Jennet]

also, you don't need any of that silly diploma/health careers program stuff. just take the classes, get the credits, and get out.

Judging by your distaste of the program, I have to ask:

1. Were you in HCP?
2. Did you obtain sponsorship?
3. Did you get above a 3.5?
4. Did you get into medical school?

Just curious. As for friends getting "answers from advisers", I've gotten all my information easily, promptly, and straight from Fixsen or the advisers in financial aid. Not sure what information your friends needed, but it seems like you have a real chip on your shoulder.

 

[texasm]

ztaxin had only one post before he or she posted two responses to this thread. When I see someone like that, the word "sockpuppet" immediately comes to my mind and the post has credibility issues as far as I am concerned.

 

[texasm]

The summer physics professor (McCarty) is significantly better as a teacher, and is more qualified. Incidentally, he also teaches Organic Chemistry. So that should give you a sense for how thin their academic resources are stretched.

It is NOT true that the guy who teaches Physics also teaches Organic Chemistry. And even if something like this was true, you're talking about Harvard Summer School here. Harvard Extension and Harvard Summer are two completely different entities.

 

[deleted248403]

I am not a non-trad. Just a rural kid with severe locational constraints

You are also very confused with the process and seem to be ignoring everything we tell you about needing a bachelors degree.

I'm done going around in circles with you. You will not get into medical school if you go do the pre-reqs somewhere only as you currently seem planning on doing.

Good luck to you and when you realize you were wrong, have some spine and come back and admit it

 

[texasm]

You are also very confused with the process and seem to be ignoring everything we tell you about needing a bachelors degree.

I'm done going around in circles with you. You will not get into medical school if you go do the pre-reqs somewhere only as you currently seem planning on doing.

Good luck to you and when you realize you were wrong, have some spine and come back and admit it

My community college does award a BS degree. I have heard from three associate deans, two more adcoms and one advisor that they don't mind a community college degree as long as my pre-med courses are at a challenging university. Should I heed the advice of three associate deans, two more adcoms and one advisor or the anonymous internet advice of a robflanker who asks me to have a spine?

 

[Jennet]

My community college does award a BS degree. I have heard from three associate deans, two more adcoms and one advisor that they don't mind a community college degree as long as my pre-med courses are at a challenging university. Should I heed the advice of three associate deans, two more adcoms and one advisor or the anonymous internet advice of a robflanker who asks me to have a spine?

I think that Rob is trying to say that they are giving you solid advice are a bit flustered that you seem to have your own agenda. Let me try. Why would you go to an Extension school and community college instead of a good 4 year? Why waste time and effort getting a community college BS (which is definitely considered on your AMCAS) instead of attending a solid program that offers you more opportunities for the same amount of 2 programs? You are complicating this more than necessary.

Also, I second SisterDisco's statements about your location. If you are making a life change and "do not have the time" or "cannot leave your location", then maybe this isn't right for you. Becoming a doctor takes a LOT and this is just the beginning. If you have constraints in your life keeping you from being where you need to be, chances are you will end up not doing well or not utilizing your education. It sounds like: "I'd love to do it, but only as a part-time thing where I can work around it." It is a commitment to a school and a career path, not something you need to "fit into a year and a half". Recently, a friend dropped from the program because he realized that it didn't fit into his lifestyle. I'm really hesitant to even give advice to someone who does not seem like they are willing to change their life.

Just my two cents. You should be less defensive and really listen to the people here and what they are saying versus pushing your own agenda and asking for people to support it.

 

[texasm]

The summer physics professor (McCarty) is significantly better as a teacher, and is more qualified. Incidentally, he also teaches Organic Chemistry. So that should give you a sense for how thin their academic resources are stretched.

A friend checked with Dr. Fixsen at Harvard Extension if this was indeed true. Here is his reply:

"I actually have no idea what this person is talking about. You can easily see for yourself by going to the appropriate websites that Physics is taught by Drs. French and Offner in the summer while organic chemistry is taught by Drs. McCarty and Grachan.

Dr. William Fixsen
Senior Lecturer on Molecular and Cellular Biology
Director of the Health Careers Program
Director of Science Instruction"

 

[Jennet]

A friend checked with Dr. Fixsen at Harvard Extension if this was indeed true. Here is his reply:

"I actually have no idea what this person is talking about. You can easily see for yourself by going to the appropriate websites that Physics is taught by Drs. French and Offner in the summer while organic chemistry is taught by Drs. McCarty and Grachan.

Dr. William Fixsen
Senior Lecturer on Molecular and Cellular Biology
Director of the Health Careers Program
Director of Science Instruction"

Thanks for clearing that up! Obviously, Fixsen is very prompt to reply as we said before! : D

 

[texasm]

You should be less defensive and really listen to the people here and what they are saying versus pushing your own agenda and asking for people to support it.

I remember you - you are the person that suggested a "let me google that for you" link when I asked a question in another thread.

I am not pushing any agenda! Why in the world do you Jennet think I am pushing an agenda? I am just trying to assess whether I should take pre-med courses at Harvard Extension or Berkeley Extension. I am leaning to Harvard Extension because Dr. Fixsen and another HES staffer have been encouraging me to join HES. And I am inclined to believe the advice given to me by people like Dr. Fixsen rather than by anonymous people on the internet.

 

[texasm]

If you are making a life change and "do not have the time" or "cannot leave your location", then maybe this isn't right for you. Becoming a doctor takes a LOT and this is just the beginning. If you have constraints in your life keeping you from being where you need to be, chances are you will end up not doing well or not utilizing your education.

An HES staffer and Dr. Fixsen have been encouraging me to join HES because they know the personal circumstances I am trying to overcome. On the other hand, you know nothing about me Jennet, so don't be so judgmental. You have absolutely no idea what my constraints are, so you shouldn't be so judgmental about me not being able to leave my location. I may have a baby in a nursing home on life support. I may be a severely handicapped person. Or it may be something very serious why I have locational constraints. You have no idea about my personal circumstances, so you shouldn't judge and tell me I don't have what it takes to be a doctor. And I never said I don't have the time to get an education. I must say it will be wonderful to meet someone like you at HES!

 

[Jennet]

An HES staffer and Dr. Fixsen have been encouraging me to join HES because they know the personal circumstances I am trying to overcome. On the other hand, you know nothing about me Jennet, so don't be so judgmental. You have absolutely no idea what my constraints are, so you shouldn't be so judgmental about me not being able to leave my location. I may have a baby in a nursing home on life support. I may be a severely handicapped person. Or it may be something very serious why I have locational constraints. You have no idea about my personal circumstances, so you shouldn't judge and tell me I don't have what it takes to be a doctor. And I never said I don't have the time to get an education. I must say it will be wonderful to meet someone like you at HES!

I'm really not judging you, it was honestly trying to clarify what I think Rob was saying. I have no input on it either way. I'm not trying to antagonize you or put you on the defensive, really. It is hard to convey any intent in an online forum. Perhaps you didn't understand the google joke, but I edited the post. You were asking me for advice on something completely out of context that I obviously could not answer. I've not even gone to a single class at HES, so I don't represent the whole population. If Dr. Fixsen wants you to go, then why are you asking anyone else?

 

[smiley27]

This is a great, unbiased discussion that will be helpful to future postbacs searching for info on these two programs. If anyone else has any questions, just ask the HES representative texasm and he will answer them or get an official response (email sig included) for you.

 

[smiley27]

Extremely subtle Univ. of Illinois trolling in this thread. Nice job texasm, you get a 32O.