This topic has been brought up before, but I'm looking for more up to date detailed information. I have narrowed down schools to finish medical school prereqs to Harvard-X and UC Berkeley-X and was hoping some of you could provide more in depth information (both program websites are somewhat limited). What is the difference between the two in terms of academic rigor and quality? I've heard various opinions about the programs structure (facilities other than Berkeley campus?) Any information about these would be much appreciated as I try to decide between the two programs, thanks!
Harvard Extension VS UC Berkeley Extension
- Thread starter drlove4
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deleted248403
There is a giant HES thread; I struggle to believe you can't find all you need to know about that program in that thread.
Not to mention we have a search feature that also reveals such information...
Not to mention we have a search feature that also reveals such information...
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Hey guys, are there any drawbacks to HES? From what I've read, it's cheap, you get a great education from Harvard profs, and apparently the committee letters are pretty helpful.
As of now, I'm highly considering it. I have no med school prereqs done. My CCC GPA is around a 3.0. My UC Berkeley GPA is a 3.6. I'll be graduating May 2012 with a BA in Psychology.
When should I apply? Do I have a shot?
Thanks a ton for the help, guys!
As of now, I'm highly considering it. I have no med school prereqs done. My CCC GPA is around a 3.0. My UC Berkeley GPA is a 3.6. I'll be graduating May 2012 with a BA in Psychology.
When should I apply? Do I have a shot?
Thanks a ton for the help, guys!
hey, being a UC Berkeley student yourself, what's your opinion on their extension? Any experiences that might drive you away from their program? Theres alot of mixed reviews about Berkeley X and much of the feedback is outdated. Thanks!
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Honestly, I don't know all that much about UCB-X. I'm a senior undergrad :-/. I can try to find out some information on it. Let me get back to you within the next day or so. I'll call up the Extension and figure out the real deal.
Anything you specifically want to know?
Anything you specifically want to know?
I'm a senior psych undergrad in a similar situation as well! I just want to get a feel for what UCB-X is really like as I've never been there or spoken with any alumni/faculty (other than calling the program)...both programs are very affordable and fit the evening class schedule I'm looking for, I just don't want to jump into a program such as berkeley blindly.
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deleted248403
Just an FYI: quality of undergrad means nothing in terms of quality of post-bac
Drawbacks to HES? Hmm... The classes are at night, so you won't get done with class until after 9pm. It usually one class per week, so exams come up surprisingly soon. If you're in HCP, you can get some guidance. But there isn't much hand-holding; you have to keep track of everything you need to get done (MCAT scheduling, asking for recommendation letters, getting volunteer experience, etc.). If you qualify for the committee letter, you'll still have to pay $500 for it. Physics and Bio could be better, but you can still pull off A's in the courses.
Having said that, I thought HCP/HES was great. The chem classes are very well taught. It's challenging, but you'll be prepared for the MCATs. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
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Last questions: 😀
First of all, is HCP in the Harvard campus?
Also, since I'm a senior in college, would I be applying to HCP in the fall of this year or spring 2012? And will my OOS status (I'm from California) matter at all?
First of all, is HCP in the Harvard campus?
Also, since I'm a senior in college, would I be applying to HCP in the fall of this year or spring 2012? And will my OOS status (I'm from California) matter at all?
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Yes, HCP is in the main Harvard campus in Cambridge; in fact, most of the classes are held in the Harvard Science Center.
The out of state status won't matter. All that matters is a decent GPA. There is no application deadline, but they typically stop accepting applications by mid-late June. I applied in mid-May and heard back within two business days.
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I'm a current first year HES student and here is what I can say for the program:
1. Our chemistry professor and the structure of TF's and review sessions is the best I have ever encountered. Yes, I said it, the best. Tucci is healing wounds from an awful high school experience every week. It makes me excited for orgo (which is incredibly strange to admit).
2. If you don't ask questions or keep pushing yourself, you will not do well. The advisers, while approachable and invested in your growth, will not coddle you. Fixsen makes it very clear what he and the program expect from you. If you do not study or blow off the homework and labs, it will not end well. Stay on top of your work, forsake an active social life, and you will be pleased with your grades.
3. Classes are on Harvard campus. If you are in the diploma program, you will be granted a Harvard ID and access to amenities including the libraries and dining halls. Luckily, even if you are going a la carte, you have access to several on campus libraries including Grossman and Cabot. I have the ID, but prefer to go to the Cabot library over all the others.
4. It is extremely affordable and you can receive small loans to supplement your studies.
5. The classes are at night and the hospitals are hungry for research assistants and volunteers. If you'd like extra opportunities in healthcare, there is no better city than Boston.
6. I've formed some close connections with people in the program simply by attending class. It is a great idea to have a study group and web of classmates who share your schedule and drive to learn. I don't think these Saturday study sessions would be possible without a group of close friends and program mates.
7. Cambridge, for all its eccentricities, is quite lovely.
8. It is possible to live cheaply in Somerville.
9. While I regret the loss of my free time in changing careers, the program is relatively short and, should you wish it, leaves room for freedom in summer.
10. It is Harvard. The Extension School is part of the University as much as the Business School or the Medical School. The university states this explicitly.
Feel free to PM me with any further questions. Hope you find yourself in a position to decide between either program.
1. Our chemistry professor and the structure of TF's and review sessions is the best I have ever encountered. Yes, I said it, the best. Tucci is healing wounds from an awful high school experience every week. It makes me excited for orgo (which is incredibly strange to admit).
2. If you don't ask questions or keep pushing yourself, you will not do well. The advisers, while approachable and invested in your growth, will not coddle you. Fixsen makes it very clear what he and the program expect from you. If you do not study or blow off the homework and labs, it will not end well. Stay on top of your work, forsake an active social life, and you will be pleased with your grades.
3. Classes are on Harvard campus. If you are in the diploma program, you will be granted a Harvard ID and access to amenities including the libraries and dining halls. Luckily, even if you are going a la carte, you have access to several on campus libraries including Grossman and Cabot. I have the ID, but prefer to go to the Cabot library over all the others.
4. It is extremely affordable and you can receive small loans to supplement your studies.
5. The classes are at night and the hospitals are hungry for research assistants and volunteers. If you'd like extra opportunities in healthcare, there is no better city than Boston.
6. I've formed some close connections with people in the program simply by attending class. It is a great idea to have a study group and web of classmates who share your schedule and drive to learn. I don't think these Saturday study sessions would be possible without a group of close friends and program mates.
7. Cambridge, for all its eccentricities, is quite lovely.
8. It is possible to live cheaply in Somerville.
9. While I regret the loss of my free time in changing careers, the program is relatively short and, should you wish it, leaves room for freedom in summer.
10. It is Harvard. The Extension School is part of the University as much as the Business School or the Medical School. The university states this explicitly.
Feel free to PM me with any further questions. Hope you find yourself in a position to decide between either program.
