HES students: Can you do the HCP with 1 prereq fulfilled?

[SMBand]

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During my freshman year of college, I took Intro to Biology 1 & 2 (2 semesters total) but I would like to repeat these courses to improve my grades and because I took them 10 years ago.

On the HCP application, it says, "Participants in the Health Careers Program, who will be taking all the major prerequisites here (i.e., general chemistry, introductory physics, introductory biology, and organic chemistry), and WHO HAVE NEVER TAKEN THEM BEFORE are eligible for the Diploma in Premedical Studies Program."

Does anybody know the answers to these questions:

* Is there a distinction in between attending the HCP PreMed ALB post bacc as a diploma candidate VERSUS as a non-diploma candidate?

* Am I disqualified from applying to HCP because I took Biology 1 & 2, even though it was ten years ago?

** If not, would HCP allow me to retake these courses along with the rest of my premedical curriculum (preferably as a diploma candidate)?

If you have the answers to these questions, then please let me know!

 

[novabossa]

First, there is a distinction between the ALB and the HCP programs. The ALB grants a Bachelors Degree (Non-trad) and is thus a separate program from the HCP, which can only grant a diploma and a sponsorship letter. Non-diploma candidates are also eligible for sponsorship letters. You are not disqualified from applying to the HCP even with Bio 1/2 already taken, although they probably won't let you be part of the diploma program. You're going to have to call and make sure. They might make an exception considering how long ago you took those courses. All the best.

 

[SMBand]

First, there is a distinction between the ALB and the HCP programs. The ALB grants a Bachelors Degree (Non-trad) and is thus a separate program from the HCP, which can only grant a diploma and a sponsorship letter. Non-diploma candidates are also eligible for sponsorship letters. You are not disqualified from applying to the HCP even with Bio 1/2 already taken, although they probably won't let you be part of the diploma program. You're going to have to call and make sure. They might make an exception considering how long ago you took those courses. All the best.

Thanks. I emailed the HES-HCP office the question. If I don't hear back, maybe I'll give them a call. I was just confused when looking at the HCP application because one of the questions is: "ARE YOU NOW OR DO YOU INTEND TO BE A DEGREE CANDIDATE AT HARVARD EXTENSION SCHOOL? IF SO, SPECIFY PROGRAM: (_) ALB (_) ALM "

I thought this meant that I had to choosing an undergraduate level postbac (like a Program A) or a masters level postbac (SMP) sort of deal. I was just massively confused when I saw it and I figured that ALB was the same thing as HCP post bacc since it was on the HCP application. Anyway, I completely understand your explanation and am clearer about it now.

If I go to HES, let's hope they waive my 10 year old biology course and allow me to retake it. It would be nice to be a diploma candidate versus a non-diploma candidate as long as I do the same amount of work, you know what I mean?

 

[novabossa]

Haha, yep. It's not a big deal either way though. I think the only benefits that diploma candidates get over the non-diploma candidates are: 1) access to more libraries (since they get a Harvard ID card), and 2) access to gym facilities. I'm sure there are a couple of other minor little things too. The biggest benefit you can get from the program (both diploma and non) is the sponsorship letter. The diploma itself isn't of much use. Good luck!

 

[SMBand]

Haha, yep. It's not a big deal either way though. I think the only benefits that diploma candidates get over the non-diploma candidates are: 1) access to more libraries (since they get a Harvard ID card), and 2) access to gym facilities. I'm sure there are a couple of other minor little things too. The biggest benefit you can get from the program (both diploma and non) is the sponsorship letter. The diploma itself isn't of much use. Good luck!

Thanks, novabossa. Owen Peterson from HCP emailed me back, and he confirmed that I am ineligible for a diploma because I already took Intro. to Biology 1/2 (albeit ten years ago!). Oh well. He said I am welcome to retake Biology at HCP and complete the HCP program (as a non-diploma candidate). I am still going to try to apply as a diploma candidate anyway and beg/petition them to waive my 10-year old biology course. (My philosophy in life is to keep trying, until I exhaust all my avenues of recourse. 🙂 ) Besides, my undergraduate college required us to take 2 semesters of lab science in order to fulfill our gen-ed core requirements anyway, so there really was little I could've done differently, in retrospect. It is what it is! No big deal.

Thanks, again!