Harvard HST Program

[khalad]

Hi all

Does anybody know how many students harvard HST interviews? And what do they look for in an applicant? I heard that Harvard HST only takes certain "kinds" of people? Is that true? If it is, what "kinds" of people do they take?

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[GuyLaroche]

Hi all

Does anybody know how many students harvard HST interviews? And what do they look for in an applicant? I heard that Harvard HST only takes certain "kinds" of people? Is that true? If it is, what "kinds" of people do they take?

I'm just in a posting-happy mood tonight.... Well, I'd imagine all medical schools pick certain "kinds" of people, and Harvard's HST program isn't any different. No one is privy to that bit of information. So, responses from SDN-ers should be taken with a large block of salt.

Regarding the number of interviewees, I have wondered the same thing. However, I did some calculations based on bits and pieces of information I gathered. It is not a scientific argument, I should warn you. So, at my interview, I was informed that 20 applicants were present. Some of us had interviewed for NP earlier that day. The interview was in December. I was told that the first month of interviewing was November. The admissions director also said that they'd interview into February and that they interviewed twice a month. So, my reasoning goes thus:

20 +(20*2 *3) = 140 applicants.

Of that they'll take 30 applicants. Remember that not all applicants will accept an admissions offer. Also, if going to Harvard is the main thrust for applicants, some of these applicants would have also interviewed for NP, and so they may also not accept an HST offer. (Quite frankly, financially, HST is by far the better program). So, I am guessing that odds of getting in are pretty high after an interview.

I'd really like to know if people agree with my analysis.

 

[khalad]

Mmmm...you are right...how about this, for those of you who have had HST interviews (or those who are in HST), what were your research backgrounds??

I guess I'll start with a list. I actually just got my interview invitation from HST and I am nervous as hell.

My research background is in Cell/Molecular Biology.






and GuyLaroche it looks like your analysis is sound, except what's with the first 20? Are you assuming that in Nov they only interview once?

 

[GuyLaroche]

and GuyLaroche it looks like your analysis is sound, except what's with the first 20? Are you assuming that in Nov they only interview once?

They only had one interview in November I remember the lady saying. If anyone has information to the contrary, please respond. Also, my analysis assumes that there are always 20 applicants at each interview. Again, if there were more or less at your interviews, please respond.

 

[GuyLaroche]

Anyone with any insight? I know there are many SDN-ers who went to the HST interview. Any opinions on this discussion?

 

[Tra La La]

Anyone with any insight? I know there are many SDN-ers who went to the HST interview. Any opinions on this discussion?

I did the NP interview on Nov. 15th, and then the HST interview on Nov. 16th. There were like five or six of us who interviewed on both days. However, after talking with the other HST applicants, I found out some had also applied to the NP but had not (yet) been invited for an interview.

I guess that goes to show that some applicants, as viewed by the Harvard ADCOM, don't fit both programs' goals.

On the 16th, I reckon there were about 20 interviewees (maybe a little more). But the HST people did not mention how often they interview or how many people they invite. And I am not even sure if Nov. 16th was the first day of HST interviews.

Sorry, but I have more questions than answers 🙁 😕 😱 .

 

[GuyLaroche]

I did the NP interview on Nov. 15th, and then the HST interview on Nov. 16th. There were like five or six of us who interviewed on both days. However, after talking with the other HST applicants, I found out some had also applied to the NP but had not (yet) been invited for an interview.

I guess that goes to show that some applicants, as viewed by the Harvard ADCOM, don't fit both programs' goals.

On the 16th, I reckon there were about 20 interviewees (maybe a little more). But the HST people did not mention how often they interview or how many people they invite. And I am not even sure if Nov. 16th was the first day of HST interviews.

Sorry, but I have more questions than answers 🙁 😕 😱 .

So, I just PM-ed an HST person, and was told I was in the ballpark. (I guess I am not as stupid as I'd imagined). Which did you prefer NP or HST?

 

[sweatybrain]

What's the format of the HST interview? A student and a faculty like the NP? How long are the interviews? Did you focus mostly on your research?

I know I have more questions than answers.

(FWIW, my background is a PhD from the same school...should have applied while I was still there to go from MEMP to the MD...would have saved a lot of $$$$ 🙁 )

good luck everyone!

 

[Tra La La]

So, I just PM-ed an HST person, and was told I was in the ballpark. (I guess I am not as stupid as I'd imagined). Which did you prefer NP or HST?

Hmm...I liked both. NP is obviously more laid back and easy going, whereas the HST is way more in depth and lecture-heavy. My main concern about the HST program is its limited long-term exposure to elements of patient care. But the HST will definitely help anyone interested in academia to achieve that goal.

Anyhow, I think both programs are great. I would love to be accepted, but I'm not too confident.

Plus, you can't beat Caleefornia's weather (most the time). So, I am more likely to stay here in CA than go.

 

[Tra La La]

What's the format of the HST interview? A student and a faculty like the NP? How long are the interviews? Did you focus mostly on your research?

There are two one-hour interviews for the HST program:

-a one-on-one interview with a current HST student (very laid back; this is an interview to get to know you rather than your research; I don't think this interviewer is on the ADCOM)

-a three-on-one panel interview, where the panel consists of a current HST student, and two HST professors (I think all these interviewers are on the ADCOM; be ready to answer questions about your research for about an hour, although you will probably also be asked personal questions as well)

 

[Tra La La]

Anyhow, good luck to you!

 

[Tina Sheen]

What's the format of the HST interview? A student and a faculty like the NP? How long are the interviews? Did you focus mostly on your research?

I know I have more questions than answers.

(FWIW, my background is a PhD from the same school...should have applied while I was still there to go from MEMP to the MD...would have saved a lot of $$$$ 🙁 )

good luck everyone!

Could you provide insight into how you can apply from MEMP? That's an MIT/HST program, right? If you are a student there, are you allowed to come in to HST or NP as a "transfer"?

Thanks for your advice.

~Tina

 

[sweatybrain]

Could you provide insight into how you can apply from MEMP? That's an MIT/HST program, right? If you are a student there, are you allowed to come in to HST or NP as a "transfer"?

Thanks for your advice.

~Tina

Ouch. The 3-on-1 sounds like a qualifying exam or research-proposal 🙂

Re the MEMP program.

I know several people who started off in the MEMP program, then "transfered" into the MD program. The nice thing about that route is that you get to take a LOT of HST courses as an HST student. In fact, you can finish most, if not all, of your HST preclinical classes as a PhD student. My friend only spent 1.5 years extra to finish her MD. I know 2 other MEMP students in my class who is now finishing up their MD.

(Of course, MEMP admission is no cakewalk either. Unless you really want to do a PhD in biomedical engineering, I don't see an advantage in going that route.)

Good luck!

 

[jankanator]

I'll be there Feb 1st shaking in my boots.

As far as how often they interview, I think they might do so more than twice a month. They initially offered me a date of Jan 18th, and when I rescheduled they gave me options of Feb 1st and Feb 8th, plus I think some one posted on a previous thread that they had one Jan 25th. That seems like they are interviewing every Tuesday.

For those who interviewed, did it seem like they were trying to find out a lot of information about you, or trying to trip you up and get you to a point where you didn't know an answer?

 

[sweatybrain]

the rumor floating around my interview day was that they interviewed 240 something and will offer 45. I couldn't believe the size of my interview group, which was the last interview day (at least for HST). We must have had 40 or 50 people interviewing!

I was told during the NP orientation that the last day of ad com meeting is 2/28, and the decisions will be send out the first week of March.