Harvard Post Bacc Pre Med Questions

[Calimadenurse]

I am currently an RN with Indian Health Services. I am currently debating on a Post bacc program for Pre Med. I graduated from Arizona State University with a 3.5 GPA and will have had 2 years of nursing experience when applying.

Questions for anyone who has been through the program or has the answers to any of these questions...

1. Is this a certificate program?
2. Is there an MCAT component to the program?
3. How did you balance working and going to school?
4. Can you take summer courses?
5. Was is easy forming study groups with people?
6. Did the program offer tutoring or resources to get outside help?

Any other info on the program would be very helpful!!!

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[Gurby]

1) It used to be, there is no longer a certificate to be gotten. Really the only benefit of the program is that they write you a committee letter (which, now that I'm starting the application cycle, seems to be somewhat important. Lots of schools want a committee letter, it makes the process of gathering letters easier, etc).
2) I don't think there is a specific cutoff but... Do well on the MCAT.
3) All lectures for pre-req classes are recorded and posted online so you can do things whenever you have time. Classes take place at night, multiple lab sessions including on the weekend. Program does a good job allowing you to fit it in with your schedule.
4) Yes. Super expensive though, since technically you take them through the Summer School and not the Extension School.
5) Extremely easy - especially if you go to office hours, help room, section, etc, almost everyone you meet will be looking to form study groups and collaborate on things.
6) The TF's are usually willing to help with things, but if you want a weekly tutoring session you'll probably have to pay out of pocket.

 

[Faha]

If you work at one of the Harvard affiliated hospitals or work for Harvard University you may be eligible for much reduced tuition rates.

 

[Hendeaux]

Just adding a few thoughts to the above from my experience, which on the whole has been very positive:

2. I think by this you mean formal MCAT preparation as a part of the program. There is not, BUT the courses are designed for premeds and they do prepare you well for the MCAT if you do well in them. I did very well on the MCAT, and basically attribute this to the courses here.
3. Agree with above. Only thing I'd add is that it's important not to bite off more than you can chew. I think working full time and taking two classes is really pushing it. Part time and 2-3 (at most) classes is a good fit.
4. There's an update on summer course pricing. Apparently a new perq of the program is that summer courses will be offered at normal tuition rates. In the past, the tuition had been exactly twice as much as during the year.
5. Yes, in my experience it is, but it is a commuter school. You can connect with people, but I think you have to be somewhat proactive about it. There are no formal cohorts or anything like that, and people take all the classes in different orders, so I think the community is kind of scattered.
6. The TAs are great and will help you, and instructor office hours are available. In general, I'd say students are well supported in the courses and instructors want you to succeed. Plenty of paid tutors are around if needed, and this can be a great thing to do with a group to cut down on cost.

 

[Gurby]

the courses are designed for premeds and they do prepare you well for the MCAT if you do well in them. I did very well on the MCAT, and basically attribute this to the courses here.

Just to give a concrete example of how in-touch Harvard is with the pre-med environment, they are offering a new Orgo class this summer that is more in line with med school admissions. Most schools are now only requiring 1 semester of Orgo and 1 semester of Biochem, so Harvard put together a brand new course for this year, that teaches you only the MCAT/medicine-relevant topics from organic chemistry.

https://www.summer.harvard.edu/courses/principles-organic-chemistry/33668