Official: Harvard 2007

[Maxprime]

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Yup - chem is always Thurs night (either gen or orgo), physics on Tues, bio Mondays & Wednesdays. People also say ochem helps you in bio (can't comment personally).

 

[Crawdad]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

Next question: I plan to take the four main prereqs during fall and spring semesters as opposed to summer school. I know that at least some folks tackle prereqs during the summer (Gen Chem seems to be the favorite), and they seem to find taking one summer course "do-able".

However, my (untutored) thought was that the fall/spring approach would amount to better preparation for the MCAT, but I really don't know one way or another. Does anyone have a different view?

Thanks in advance.

 

[DoctorPhud]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

Next question: I plan to take the four main prereqs during fall and spring semesters as opposed to summer school. I know that at least some folks tackle prereqs during the summer (Gen Chem seems to be the favorite), and they seem to find taking one summer course "do-able".

However, my (untutored) thought was that the fall/spring approach would amount to better preparation for the MCAT, but I really don’t know one way or another. Does anyone have a different view?

Thanks in advance.

Harvard won't allow you to do Organic and General Chemistry concurrently... Orgo depends on having completed General - you just can't do the former without the latter already complete. You won't understand the foundations of the material. Moreover, Organic and General Chem are both in the same time slot (Thursday 6pm-9pm), which is somewhat engineered to also ensure that you can't do them together.

Sorry, but you really need to do it as two years or a summer and a year. There's no way around it :-/

 

[Crawdad]

By referring to "fall and spring semesters", plural, I meant to indicate that I was planning on a multi-year sequence ... I wasn't clear, my bad.

I'll already have Gen Chem done before I get to HES (if I come). This will leave O-Chem + Bio for the first year at HES and Physics the second, for a post-bacc total of three years, UNLESS I become convinced that summer school treatment of one of these three remaining courses would provide roughly the same degree of preparation in the material for MCAT purposes that fall/spring semester treatment of the course would provide. Anyone have any opinions on this last point?

 

[Sundarban1]

By referring to "fall and spring semesters", plural, I meant to indicate that I was planning on a multi-year sequence ... I wasn't clear, my bad.

I'll already have Gen Chem done before I get to HES (if I come). This will leave O-Chem + Bio for the first year at HES and Physics the second, for a post-bacc total of three years, UNLESS I become convinced that summer school treatment of one of these three remaining courses would provide roughly the same degree of preparation in the material for MCAT purposes that fall/spring semester treatment of the course would provide. Anyone have any opinions on this last point?

With MCAT preparation underway, having taken all of the pre-reqs and seeing how the MCAT is skewed in terms of content, Ochem is definitely the least tested in terms of volume and depth compared to Bio and Physics. If I were in your position and absolutely needed to take one of these three classes over the summer, knowing what I know now, I would take Ochem for sure. It's not an easy course, especially over the summer, however if you can get with a good grade you will be in good position on the MCAT. Bio and Physics are such huge topics and high yield on the MCAT, you need mastery of the foundations of each subject, which is pretty hard to do over the summer.

 

[Crawdad]

With MCAT preparation underway, having taken all of the pre-reqs and seeing how the MCAT is skewed in terms of content, Ochem is definitely the least tested in terms of volume and depth compared to Bio and Physics. If I were in your position and absolutely needed to take one of these three classes over the summer, knowing what I know now, I would take Ochem for sure. It's not an easy course, especially over the summer, however if you can get with a good grade you will be in good position on the MCAT. Bio and Physics are such huge topics and high yield on the MCAT, you need mastery of the foundations of each subject, which is pretty hard to do over the summer.

Thanks again, Sundarban. You and the others have been been very helpful.

 

[WAWAgirl]

If anyone is looking for a job here in Boston, let me know. I work at Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard affiliated hospital) and my department has two openings for clinical research positions. One position is available now and another available to start next month. I can get your resume directly to my manager. PM me if interested.

 

[Maxprime]

+1 to taking orgo in the summer - tested very little and specifically on the MCAT.

To DoctorPhud, I would consider taking all 3 together or using the summer for one of them - unles you were doing other things, I think you'd find yourself bored w/ 1 class and I also think admissions people wouldn't be too fond of it. You'll need all 3 before you can officially apply, so you're going to have a glide year either way. I think that taking all 3 makes your life worse, but you finish finals in all 3 classes a few weeks before the June MCAT - never knowing the material any better.

 

[KiwiMD]

I know that a number of med schools (Harvard's included) want some calculus on your transcript. Do many of the HCP people take calculus? (Also, does anyone know if AP calc from high school counts?). Thanks!

 

[Maxprime]

AP's don't count (to my knowledge) - I know one person that took calc here, no complaints.

 

[atis]

Perhaps this isn't the place for it, but I'm planning on starting down the postbac path at HES, and I'd like to take gen chem this summer (I really think summer is the only way I can get through this course, believe me, I've tried.) I was wondering - is it possible to do anything else while taking the summer gen chem course at harvard?

I'd like to be able to take another course elsewhere concurrently (which meets mondays and wednesdays from 2:30-6pm) The Harvard website only shows scheduled times for the lectures (and mentions the labs and reviews but not when they are) - has anyone here done summer chem or is familiar enough with it to give me an idea about how labs and reviews are scheduled? And do you have to go to review? I tried to get in touch with the Harvard summer session folks but they really don't have any info. for me, so I thought I'd ask here. Thanks all, any input would be much appreciated!

 

[Sundarban1]

Perhaps this isn't the place for it, but I'm planning on starting down the postbac path at HES, and I'd like to take gen chem this summer (I really think summer is the only way I can get through this course, believe me, I've tried.) I was wondering - is it possible to do anything else while taking the summer gen chem course at harvard?

I'd like to be able to take another course elsewhere concurrently (which meets mondays and wednesdays from 2:30-6pm) The Harvard website only shows scheduled times for the lectures (and mentions the labs and reviews but not when they are) - has anyone here done summer chem or is familiar enough with it to give me an idea about how labs and reviews are scheduled? And do you have to go to review? I tried to get in touch with the Harvard summer session folks but they really don't have any info. for me, so I thought I'd ask here. Thanks all, any input would be much appreciated!

I believe the class meets every day, labs on the weekends, tests every Monday, or something to that affect. I don't think you'd be able to take another class.

 

[Maxprime]

Definitely can't take another class - 8 credits is the max enrollment @ Harvard during the summer. You can try to appeal it, but I didn't even get a response.

Aside from that, it is a lot of work - there's not much you can pick up that is a small enough time committment (PT job, etc.). I'd suggest, once you start, that if you have extra time to volunteer or do something along those lines.

 

[Sundarban1]

Definitely can't take another class - 8 credits is the max enrollment @ Harvard during the summer. You can try to appeal it, but I didn't even get a response.

Aside from that, it is a lot of work - there's not much you can pick up that is a small enough time committment (PT job, etc.). I'd suggest, once you start, that if you have extra time to volunteer or do something along those lines.

Interestingly enough the head TF said that although summer Orgo is the bane of many students existance, a greater number of students earn A's in the summer session compared to the full 2 semester course.

 

[atis]

One more question...

I know this has been asked before but I can't seem to find it: have any of you taken summer chem elsewhere and then taken the rest of your prereqs at HES? Due to scheduling and cost, I'm thinking of signing up for Northeastern's summer chem course and taking the rest of my postbac courses (o-chem, physics, some bio) at harvard.

Is this kosher? Or looked down on? I have some science from undergrad and don't know how med schools look upon such a mishmash. I did see that Northeastern seems to be looked down on - but is it going to really adversely affect my app?
thanks!

 

[Sundarban1]

Is this kosher? Or looked down on?

From what I've heard first hand from our advisor at HES, taking classes at Northeastern is definitely looked down upon. Reason being is that they have a history of giving "easy" A's but then having their pre-med students do poorly on the MCAT.

I did see that Northeastern seems to be looked down on - but is it going to really adversely affect my app?
thanks!

That depends on how you do on the MCAT. Again our advisor seems to think it's well known, at least to medical schools in New England, that Northeastern standards are not very high. Take it for what you will, but when I asked the same question I was advised to not take courses there.

 

[Sundarban1]

 

[prav]

I love Post Secret!

 

[Kate6058]

Hi, everyone. I'm starting the program in the fall but will be taking Gen Chem here at home this summer (can't afford anything else), so I was planning a similar timeline to what a lot of you have described: two courses during the year and one next summer plus MCAT. I was planning to do Physics and Organic Chem in the fall and spring, leaving bio for the summer because it's what I'm most familiar with, but after reading this thread, I'm reconsidering. I just want to confirm what some of you have recommended: for maximum MCAT success, it's smarter to take bio over two full semesters and leave orgo for the summer. I wanted to take orgo over the full year because it will be new material, but it makes sense to do bio if it gives me a better foundation. You can probably tell I haven't gone too deep into my MCAT exploration yet. So... can someone elaborate more on this?


For those looking for places to live in Boston: a great neighborhood in Brookline (technically its own city but feels like a Boston neighborhood) is Coolidge Corner. There are lots of restaurants and an awesome independent theater, it's on the T (Green Line, close to C and B, short ride to downtown), and Harvard Ave (which runs through the middle) is on the 66 bus route; one way directly connects to Harvard Square in Cambridge and in the other direction is Longwood medical area (Harvard Med School, almost all the Boston hospitals). Longwood is actually just about a 20 min walk from Coolidge Corner. I love Brookline and highly recommend it!

 

[Sundarban1]

for maximum MCAT success, it's smarter to take bio over two full semesters and leave orgo for the summer. I wanted to take orgo over the full year because it will be new material, but it makes sense to do bio if it gives me a better foundation. You can probably tell I haven't gone too deep into my MCAT exploration yet. So... can someone elaborate more on this?

Yes, you do not want to do bio over the summer. The BS section of the MCAT is 75-80% general bio, so it would be best to take the full year version. Take orgo over the summer! Not only is it not high yield on the MCAT but our head TF admitted that more students get A's in orgo over the summer vs. the full year simply because they don't have a chance to forget anything with weekly exams! Good luck!

 

[Maxprime]

+1 to that - take orgo in the summer & bio during the regular year.

 

[Ailleurs]

Hi guys! I was just wondering if there were people who took the 8-week summer intro to bio class with Fixsen? If so, I have some questions!

1. Is it more doable than over the year? (aka do you know if he's slightly more lenient?)

2. If you got in the B+?A-/A range, what exactly did you do to get there? eg: did you study a chapter a day, pre-read the txtbook, make flashcards, memorize all day and all night...

3. Does he curve his tests if the average (i hear the avg is 55/60ish) is not decent?

4. Is he approachable and friendly; will he insult me or belittle me if I ask him what to me is a difficult concept to understand, but for him, well obviously, something I should be understanding..

5. What did you wish you knew before taking the class/while taking the class?

6. If you could take the class again, how would you approach it differently, or what would you do differently?

7. How did you go about conceptualizing and correlating all the information...

Whew, sorry that sounds like questions on some mini-application or something..

But I'm a Tufts Student (yayyy go jumbos!) and since they dont offer bio over the summer.......I will be taking it at Harvard. So I just want some background info before I really make the commitment...

THANKS IN ADVANCE. you guys are greatttttttttttt!

BTW. random i know, but has anyone got the SDN pre-medical handbook book/guide majig? I ordered one!!

- Ru 🙂

 

[Maxprime]

I'll preface my comments with this - it really depends on why you want to take this class. If you want to take it in order to crush the bio section of the MCAT, that's one thing. If you want to take it just to get it out of the way - that's quite another. Unfortunately, you can't have both.

1. Is it more doable than over the year? (aka do you know if he's slightly more lenient?)

I've heard that he is more lenient because he has to be. Those of us taking it during the normal year let it ruin our lives a couple times a semester - it would just be too much to learn at the level of conceptual understanding he normally requires.

2. If you got in the B+?A-/A range, what exactly did you do to get there? eg: did you study a chapter a day, pre-read the txtbook, make flashcards, memorize all day and all night...

Again, speaking from a non-summer student. Memorizing in this class will get you somewhere in the C+ to B- minus range. He may not punish memorization as badly in the summer, but conceptual knowledge gets you A's on the exams.

3. Does he curve his tests if the average (i hear the avg is 55/60ish) is not decent?

It depends a lot on how the class does as a whole - last semester one test was curved by 5 points, since then there hasn't been a curve.

4. Is he approachable and friendly; will he insult me or belittle me if I ask him what to me is a difficult concept to understand, but for him, well obviously, something I should be understanding..

He holds office hours before every lecture specifically for people to ask questions and discuss topics - he's extremely approachable IMO.

5. What did you wish you knew before taking the class/while taking the class?

I wish I had taken bio before - seriously. If you don't know the basics, the first half of the course is much more difficult. I didn't know what an endoplasmic reticulum was, so figuring out the biochem of how it builds membrane proteins was further down my list. Definitely read ahead as much as you can.

6. If you could take the class again, how would you approach it differently, or what would you do differently?

As a general rule - don't get behind or you'll get left in the dust. Keep up with readings and make sure you understand everything before moving on. Ask questions - def. my #1 suggestion for this class. Whenever you don't understand, ask why. When you understand how a process works completely, knowing the details is much easier. A lot of the first semester ties concepts together - for example when you do genetics it's based on an understanding of cell division. If you know meiosis in detail, it's much easier to understand recombination, etc.

7. How did you go about conceptualizing and correlating all the information...

Most successful students I know in this class read, take notes in lectures, and kind of wait for the cram for the week or two heading up to the exam. Then re-synthesize everything into a study guide from notes, handouts, and the book. He gives out problem sets that are a great guide for exams. Last, do the old exams and see exactly what type of questions he asks. You go from knowing too much to whittling it down to details - but he can't catch you with many curve balls that weren't on old exams. I don't know if this is possible in the summer b/c of timeline.

If it's the only thing that fits your schedule - go for it. But it's far too much material to master in a summer - you'll be at a strong disadvantage for the MCAT compared to students that take the full course. Just my opinion, hope someone can chime in who took it over the summer.

 

[Sundarban1]

I just want to pass on the opinions of others that the summer class is not more lenient in terms of what you are responsible for. Dr. Fixsen does not change the material for anyones lesiure. You are simply expected to know in 8 weeks what others learn if 6-8 months. From what I've heard from very capable students is that this class should be avoided over the summer. All of your other questions are too subjective to answer adequately. Good luck.

 

[Ephesus]

Yes - check the website for specifics on how many hours you need & MCAT score to match your GPA for sponsorship.

What does sponsorship mean?

Thanks.

 

[Sundarban1]

What does sponsorship mean?

Thanks.

http://www.extension.harvard.edu/2006-07/programs/hcp/sponsor/

 

[KiwiMD]

I am starting the HCP program this summer and I am starting to freak out about money. I have looked into the FAFSA loan amount which I believe is max $10,500. Bank loans have to fill in after that. Do most of the HES HCP students work part-time? How much debt are you expecting to accumulate taking post-bac courses before med school? The thought of living without an income for the next 6 years scares the hell out of me...

Any thoughts??

 

[Ailleurs]

thank you for your responses Maxprime and Sunderban1!

could anyone else who took it during the summer, give their opinions? that would be really helpful 😀

 

[korsian]

edit

 

[prav]

For all of you considered working full-time:

Sundarban is my sugar-daddy, and I suggest to you all that you get in his good graces to attain my position. 😱 Just kidding.😛

No, but really, don't mess around by working too many hours. You'll really want to devote some focused evening time to your schoolwork.

 

[Maxprime]

For all of you considered working full-time:

Sundarban is my sugar-daddy, and I suggest to you all that you get in his good graces to attain my position. 😱 Just kidding.😛

No, but really, don't mess around by working too many hours. You'll really want to devote some focused evening time to your schoolwork.

Agreed - the classes require time - I don't know of anyone that lasted the full 2 semesters with A's while working more than 40 hours a week - it's just absurdly tough to do.

 

[Maxprime]

I second babyxpink's question. I am currently an undergraduate at Harvard and need to take a pre-medical requirement during the summer. I think I know what you guys mean by "conceptual knowledge" and not memorization, as that's what our professors emphasize during the term, but I would like additional opinions too.

Thank you so much for your responses!

My best example is poisons - best test question ever. You learn all about how neurons work and the intricacies of the molecular pathway to contraction. On test day, the big points come from a question like:

"_______ is a toxin that causes no Ca++ release in cattle. Explain what effect this would have if used as a treatment for epilepsy."

I didn't think through the details of the question - but it's a good example, Knowing everything will get you a B - but knowing how to extrapolate on understanding gets you an A.

 

[Kate6058]

Hi again, everyone. Thanks for the advice on bio vs. orgo, full year vs. summer. Does anyone have suggestions/warnings for me going into bio and physics in september (summer prep? I haven't taken this stuff since high school)? I appreciate the help!

 

[usethe4ce]

Besides conceptual material & poisons, I'll note that Fixsen really loves the chemical & molecular side of things. On the first day of class this semester he drew a diagram from molecule up to population, pointed right in the middle to cell, and said that this semester we'd be learning about things from there on up to populations. Here is how that's worked out so far:

• reproduction - "Will your answer change if the aequorin-injected eggs are placed into Ca++-free seawater just prior to fertilization? Explain."
• evolution - "If ancient prokaryotes had not evolved a way to use water as a source of electrons and protons, which of the following processes is least likely to have evolved later on?"
• homeostasis - "A toxin that specifically blocks active transport in the loop of Henle might result in what?"
• digestion - "Which of the following enzymes is most similar in mode of action to carboxypeptidase?"
• neurology - "The binding of ACh to muscarinic receptors results in the opening of otherwise closed K+ channels. Discuss this statement with respect to the autonomic control of heart rate."

 

[korsian]

edit

 

[Sundarban1]

So would you guys suggest that I choose Physics over Biology this summer? I have already finished General Chemistry and will be done with Organic Chemistry this semester.

Tough choice. I'd go w/ physics if your math is decent. It's a shame anyone has to take these over the summer.

 

[korsian]

I guess it's because the sample questions you posted scare me half to death. 🙂 I didn't know Fixsen was that harsh! But I plan on taking the MCAT in late May. Would it be OK to have done this:

Freshman Year: Gen Chem
Sophomore Year: Organic Chem
Sophomore/Junior Summer: Physics
Junior Year: Biology - MCAT on May 31st

Sorry for hijacking a thread aimed primarily for the Health Careers Program and the pre-med classes at HES, but I would appreciate any help, especially since you guys definitely have more experience regarding these issues than I do.

 

[Sundarban1]

I guess it's because the sample questions you posted scare me half to death. 🙂 I didn't know Fixsen was that harsh! But I plan on taking the MCAT in late May. Would it be OK to have done this:

Freshman Year: Gen Chem
Sophomore Year: Organic Chem
Sophomore/Junior Summer: Physics
Junior Year: Biology - MCAT on May 31st

Sorry for hijacking a thread aimed primarily for the Health Careers Program and the pre-med classes at HES, but I would appreciate any help, especially since you guys definitely have more experience regarding these issues than I do.

Are you only taking 1 class a semester? Why don't you PM one of us and let us know what your plans are as far as working, living, etc. I'd be able to give better advice in regards to scheduling if I knew more about what your planning on doing while in school.

 

[UMass13]

I am starting the HCP program this summer and I am starting to freak out about money. I have looked into the FAFSA loan amount which I believe is max $10,500. Bank loans have to fill in after that. Do most of the HES HCP students work part-time? How much debt are you expecting to accumulate taking post-bac courses before med school? The thought of living without an income for the next 6 years scares the hell out of me...

Any thoughts??

I worked 40+ hours a week while taking Orgo I & II and it was pretty tough, but do-able. The plus was I was eligible for tuition reimbursement through work. This year I'm taking 2 grad level courses while still working fulltime and doing well (last semester A-&B+). Most of the HES students I've encountered do work at least part-time, and those that didn't had the benefit of living at home.

One thing to consider (I hope this isn't too harsh) is are you a solid applicant? If not, I'd seriously consider trying to work to limit your debt. I know it sounds a bit counter intuitive, but I have a close friend that spent a year in optometry school and unfortunately failed-out. They racked up 70K in loans for 1 years tuition and a year post-bac (plus room and board) and now is miserably trying to pay them off while working a medium-salaried job. It probably wouldn't be nearly as bad if they had finished.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Ailleurs]

Besides conceptual material & poisons, I'll note that Fixsen really loves the chemical & molecular side of things. On the first day of class this semester he drew a diagram from molecule up to population, pointed right in the middle to cell, and said that this semester we'd be learning about things from there on up to populations. Here is how that's worked out so far:

• reproduction - "Will your answer change if the aequorin-injected eggs are placed into Ca++-free seawater just prior to fertilization? Explain."
• evolution - "If ancient prokaryotes had not evolved a way to use water as a source of electrons and protons, which of the following processes is least likely to have evolved later on?"
• homeostasis - "A toxin that specifically blocks active transport in the loop of Henle might result in what?"
• digestion - "Which of the following enzymes is most similar in mode of action to carboxypeptidase?"
• neurology - "The binding of ACh to muscarinic receptors results in the opening of otherwise closed K+ channels. Discuss this statement with respect to the autonomic control of heart rate."

Wahhhh, that sounds tough 😱 Does he at least teach you or make you learn about the key elements of the above questions?

Like, for evolution, you would have to learn about how prokaryotes evolved to be able to answer the question. Also, you would also need to learn what carboxypeptidase does and what it works on and also need to know about peeing (lol ) and the loop of Henle and shizzle, before you could answer those questions right?! So does he teach you the concepts? Or is it like where he assumes "you know" it and pops a weird question?

Sorry if this doesn't make sense

Btw, you guys have been really helpful. Although all of this makes Fixsen sound a little scary, ok VERY scary, I like challenges.

 

[Sundarban1]

Don't forget that any foreign material looks "scary" before you actually have it explained to you in lecuture or study it afterwards. You will be aptly prepared to answer these types of questions if that is your concern.

 

[LiveinChicago83]

Can I just say I am now in love with the HES program -- and I used to be frustrated with it because of juggling a job with it (don't do it if you abs don't need the money -- it's too tiring). You won't get your hand held as much as Bryn Mawr, but it's much more inclusive of all types of people. Honestly, I'm having a better experience in my post-bacc than I did at college (I found college to be campy, actually). Here there are so many amazing people, who've all had run in's with medicine -- either through friends, family, or personally, and their hearts and heads are in the right places. The professors are wonderful (except when they have to go on sabbatical -- cough, Newburgh, cough), but otherwise the professors are all drawn from the college, HSPH, or HMS.

There's a lot of great people here, all fighting the good fight. Plus if you ever need a great glide year job, there's Children's, there's MGH, there's the Brigham...

Cheers!

 

[Ailleurs]

^I can see what you mean. In college, at least for me, there are some people who look down upon the pre-meds as overly driven, too introverted, very unsocial, and annoying little goody two-shoes who sucks up to professors and people in general, way too much. So actually being in an environment with other people whose focus will be the same, seems like a much better atmosphere.

Oh ok, thank you for setting my concern's at ease Sundarban1. Ok no more Fixsen/Biology questions. Thanks guys you've been helpful. I guess I'll be taking it this summer.

 

[Sundarban1]

This is a great program, I must say. It attracts some of the most honest, bright and well driven people around. The instructors are not too shabby as well. As we finish our second year in the program I'd like to thank all my fellow students for a great 2 years and wish all the more luck to those a year behind, or just beginning. Good luck everyone!

 

[LiveinChicago83]

question

Have you or do you know anyone who has taken summer physics? Is it do-able?

What is a reasonable amount of upper div electives to take during the year? 2 or 3? I'll just be volunteering / working at a non-profit 5 hrs a week.

What is everyone taking in the fall for upper division? Biochem? Bio of cancer? Meh?

 

[Maxprime]

question

Have you or do you know anyone who has taken summer physics? Is it do-able?

What is a reasonable amount of upper div electives to take during the year? 2 or 3? I'll just be volunteering / working at a non-profit 5 hrs a week.

What is everyone taking in the fall for upper division? Biochem? Bio of cancer? Meh?

Summer physics shouldn't be too bad in the summer. I know people that took gen chem last summer and said it wasn't too bad - this year they've both been about the same workload for me.

For upper div electives, check a couple pages back - I think some people discussed their opinions. I know people that have taken biochem, cancer, immuno, & physio. Immuno is HARD here - an M2 at BU said it was harder here than what he had in med school. Biochem is definitely the go-to if you don't have it, med schools love to see it. You'll often see it under "other recommended classes" on their website. Cancer bio is supposedly pretty cool, physio would be best if you haven't taken the MCAT yet (unless you rock at physio - either way, easy A or MCAT BS goes up). Most people I know take 2 or 3, depending on their workload outside and how busy they are with things. If you don't need them badly and you're applying, I would glide for your glide year. 🙂 If you need GPA points, etc. then I'd say 3.

It's been an incredible year - hope everyone gets through finals alright. For you fellow gen chem'ers, TF's have our grades if you want to email for them. If anyone could PM/post the mean I'd appreciate it. I think it'll be lower than previous exams from what people have been saying, curious to see what it turns out to be.

For people who have taken bio before, I'd really appreciate any suggestions people have for studying for the second semester lab practical. (PM)

Who all from gen chem is staying on for orgo this summer? I thought the rumors of life-ruining were false - then I checked out the syllabus. Ouch.

 

[Kate6058]

Yeah, I looked at the orgo summer syllabus... yikes! I guess I won't be able to work even a few hours a week. But I guess you just have to keep your eyes on the prize and keep thinking... 8 weeks and out, orgo is over. 8 weeks with no life isn't so bad in the grand scheme of things, right? According to the syllabus, there are a lot of people in the class, so at least you don't have to suffer alone. I won't be taking this till next summer but I was checking things out in advance.


A question for those of you currently in the program: If you attain sponsorship, how is it noted on your applications? Does it come through as just the LOR or do you note it somewhere else? Also, how long does it take to receive documentation after you've finished your courses?

 

[LBostonA]

Well I'm pretty excited, people. I have just made up my mind to come to HES to do my post-bacc. It was a tough choice between the UPenn pre-health program and coming back home to Boston for the next year. I must say that SDN has been a great resource in general and this forum has been a huge help to me in making the decision where to go. You all seem to be getting so much out of HES and the postbacc community, not to mention all of the great healthcare work and volunteer opportunities in the area. I can't wait to get started this summer! If anyone has any advice on how to make the most of this great opportunity, I'm dying to hear it.

I'm definitely wondering how folks have gone about finding opportunities to volunteer, shadow and most importantly get involved in research (none under my belt so far and an area I absolutely want to explore). Have people just picked up the phone and called schools/hospitals/labs where they were interested in getting involved? Anyone leveraged HES in any way to find placement? (talking to the folks in the HCP office, it didn't sound like that was really part of the deal) Has anyone had a hard/easy time or especially good/bad experiences anywhere in particular?

I want to wish the very best of luck to those folks finishing up and getting ready for applications!!!! Any parting words of wisdom on how to make the most of HES would be most appreciated. All the new folks starting this summer, I look forward to seeing you in Chem class in a few weeks. If you're off to a better start than me, I'd love to hear about it!

 

[Maxprime]

If anyone has any advice on how to make the most of this great opportunity, I'm dying to hear it.

Realize that this upcoming year and a half is your studying for the MCAT. Master every bit of material you can, it will make studying for the MCAT 100x easier. If you miss something small on an exam, take the time to find out why & fix it in your head. Two points on an exam is nothing, 1 question on the MCAT is a lot.

Use the resources you have @ Harvard. Dr. Fixsen has advised countless students. He encourages to trust yourself and plot your own path, but he also provides fantastic advice based off of years of experience.

I'm definitely wondering how folks have gone about finding opportunities to volunteer, shadow and most importantly get involved in research (none under my belt so far and an area I absolutely want to explore). Have people just picked up the phone and called schools/hospitals/labs where they were interested in getting involved? Anyone leveraged HES in any way to find placement? (talking to the folks in the HCP office, it didn't sound like that was really part of the deal) Has anyone had a hard/easy time or especially good/bad experiences anywhere in particular?

This is going to sound as stupid as I thought it sounded when I heard it. My first week here I asked Dr. Fixsen the same thing and he said, "Once you get involved in the community here, you'll find more than enough opportunities." I come from a non-bio background so I have zero lab experience and am therefore pretty worthless. I volunteered at MGH in the meantime and had some fantastic experiences (watched a TON of surgeries). It ends up being true - you meet a Dr. that needs a favor and he appreciates it when you do it the 100th time - he'll definitely let you shadow. Your classmates will be researching and their labs will need people.

If you don't have volunteer experience, I'd get that out of the way first by volunteering at a hospital. Most people have a pretty great experience if you find the right spot. Then work towards finding a research position - ask your friends that are doing research, send out a million CV's (I had to make my first one too - no shame), check Craigslist, check message boards in the science center, ask your professors, and check job websites.

The difficulty is finding a position that will allow you flexible, low hours. Be up front about your needs and the experience will work much better for you. You DO NOT want to be stuck at work while everyone else is cramming in the last few hours before a final.

The value of a research job/volunteering/etc. is good, but getting great grades is more important.

I want to wish the very best of luck to those folks finishing up and getting ready for applications!!!! Any parting words of wisdom on how to make the most of HES would be most appreciated. All the new folks starting this summer, I look forward to seeing you in Chem class in a few weeks. If you're off to a better start than me, I'd love to hear about it!

My parting suggestion would be to make the absolute most of the relationships you'll make here. I've met some incredible people that I won't forget. The mix of people here is incredible - very varied in background but all aiming very strongly at the same goal. Just by numbers, something like 90% of the sponsored students will matriculate and the medical field is a small community.

I can't stress this enough. While outing myself in a fantastically climactic way, this semester I had a pretty bad infection that ended up hobbling me to using a cane and spending nights fighting a 103 degree fever. It was just before 2 exams. My friends in the program helped me with homework, study guides, and gave me notes from lectures I missed - even though they're just as busy as I am. Between meds and fever, it was like wasting 2 hours trying to teach electromagnetism to a 5 year old. Even though they needed to study, they helped me get through everything.

Nobody is born understanding every concept in science. Nobody can juggle volunteering, work, classes, and some semblance of a social life without some slack. Don't burn yourself out in one semester by trying to do everything - add new things in slowly. Outside things take up a lot more time than you think. This semester I have lecture 4 days a week, MCAT review lecture for 8 hours on Saturday & Sunday, and work in the lab 3 days a week. The thing here is that MCAT takes problem solving for homework and reading ahead for the next lecture. Work takes days like today (Sunday) where something needs to be done so you have to come in. You'll have labs, discussion sections, reviews, the list goes on. Add them in slowly and make boundaries. My lab knows that school comes first for me and it's not a sensitive issue because I stated that at the beginning.

Last, but certainly not least - I steal another one from Fixsen. If you're not having fun, you're not doing this right. If you hate volunteering, don't do it - find a research job. Your app will miss it, but if you hated it then you would've been a bore to talk to about it in an interview. If you find a project that you love, you'll do well and you'll convey that to your interviewer. Don't do what everyone else is doing simply to fall in line and hope for an acceptance, we're already non-trads - do it your way.

Whew - sorry for the rambling - waiting for SAS to hurry up & finish some calcs. I've loved this program and will be sad when I leave, but am excited about the opportunity that my work here has given me. Now if we can only get through finals . . . 🙂

 

[dancingdoctor]

Can anyone **help** me out by shedding some advice on the Harvard post-bacc program? The requirements to this program just seem too simple - only possess an undergraduate bacc. degree? I am confused.

I am a senior at a State school - nothing to get excited about. Im a biology major, and thus, Ive taken all of the pre-medical science courses, but my gpa is dirt-low (ie- cum. GPA 2.6, science GPA..less than 2.0? However, I am showing an upward trend, and acquired a 3.7 this past semester, with 2 more semesters remaining) I havent taken the MCAT yet, I am out of state, and I have a good amount of research/volunteer work but no clinical or paid work.

So..my question is, given my current stats, how likely is it that Im accepted or rejected into the EXTENSION school? (without applying for the HCP program) Is it more competitive in gaining acceptance to the HCP program than just to the EXTENSION school? Also, is it true that Harvard accepts more Ive League students? Moreover, do you know the exact financial requirements?

Also, do you folks mind telling me where you graduated from, and what undergrad GPA you obtained before the post-bacc program? Did you already take the basic pre-med course work or no? Also, did you take the MCAT before applying to the program? Were you an academic enhancer (like me) or a career changer? In-state or out of state (like me)? Were you financially well-off or not so much (like me)? When did you apply? Feel free to private message me if you're not comfortable! I'd also really appreciate any advice on what I should do from here on out so to increase my chances for admission!


Lastly, CONGRATS on the Harvard Post-Bacc class of 07! 🙂


I really hope to be joining the class of '10!