I'm entering into my second year at the HCP, researching 40 hours/week at MGH, and I'm an executive of the HEPS (Harvard Extension PreHealth Society). So, I'll see if I can provide any insight.
1) I've yet to take the MCAT, but due to how rigorous the courses are, I've heard that they serve as adequate prep for the test.
2) It depends on what you deem "best". Cambridge and surrounding areas of Boston are incredibly expensive (and I came from San Diego!). There are also some areas that are a little rough--not unlike other major cities--so the best area for a student would probably be something closer to campus, relatively cheap, and in a safe neighborhood. Hard to come by.
3) No. Just....no. Although each class is only 4 units on paper, you sink about 10-15 hours a week into that one course. There are labs, sections, review days, homework, and studying to consider for each. I currently work 40 hours/week while taking two classes and everyone says that I am insane. Even the Director of the program. But, the research position I have is absolutely invaluable to me, so I make it work. I have a couple of friends who took 3 courses (and did NOTHING ELSE), so if you'd like I can give you their information and they can tell you how grueling it was.
4) I wish I had really known the scope of how rigorous this program is. I'm going to be very blunt with you: our attrition rate is about 60-70%. Approximately 400 students enter into each class and by the end of the two years, only about 40 sponsorship letters are written. The program is an absolute ass kicker. For instance, I came away with 4 B's by the end of last year, completely stagnating my GPA. This isn't to say that I would go anywhere else: I think that the Harvard program is pumping out some very qualified and prepared candidates. But, really be prepared for what you're up against. I've learned from my mistakes and now know what I'm up against for the second year, so I intend to rock it. But, people getting C's in these course is not uncommon.
As a side note about physics: Yes, this course is crazy difficult. The learning will be the complete responsibility of the student as the professor doesn't teach concepts, and the text is too convoluted to glean any solid information from. Taking Rueckner's class is definitely a rite of passage. And, after we took the first mid-term, about half of the class dropped out the next day. But, again, the BS that we put ourselves through is probably going to pay off when it comes time to take the MCAT (or, at least that's what we tell ourselves to get us through the nights).
