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[mbm54]

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Hey bananaspajamas, I'm not sure whether or not you would be a good fit into the HCP. The less science courses you take, the better. I read on past threads that students are rejected who have more than 6 or 7 science classes on their transcript (outside of the pre-med reqs). With you majoring in the sciences, you might have exceeded that amount. I would call the HCP office to be sure, they are very helpful and responsive.

And no problem decentdude! The one year track seems pretty demanding, but I hear that it is doable. I would go on the Harvard 2009 thread and ask people about the workload and possible schedules.

 

[deleted248403]

I applied to Harvard HCP and was a science major with a ton of sci coursework. HCP sent me back my check and I had a nice long chat with the assistant director (forget his name). He told me HCP wasnt a good fit for me given thats its aimed at more pre-req folk and that I should like at BU MAMS and UPenn SSP.

Mbm is spot on, probably cos I told him about it, lol but another user who also applied to HCP and was accepted to UPenn SSP had the same experience as I.

That's just my story, and YMMV

 

[HarvardHCP]

Here are a few FAQs that I've learned the answers to, and these may save you guys some time.....

Health Insurance:
The health insurance Harvard provides is pretty expensive. You can file a waiver at http://www.extension.harvard.edu/forms/ext_hiw.pdf to avoid being charged it, since they auto-enroll you at 12 credits or more per semester. You file this after registering for classes, but before the cutoff dates mentioned in the PDF. My health insurance is around $100/mo, which is less than half of the Harvard plan. However, i don't have dental/vision and it will be a bit less convenient I guess.

.ID Badge..
If begin in the Harvard Summer school, you will get a Harvard ID after registering. Then you can get a different Harvard ID, as a member of the Diploma Program, once you register for the Extension School in the fall.. If you are not a member of the Diploma program, i don't think you are issued a student ID, but you can still use resources like the library etc.. as an Extension student, but not sure what documentation you show them. I've heard the ID is good for the gym and football games.

Email Address
I've been told you get this after you've registered for a science course in the Extension School. Not sure if you get one of these from Harvard Summer or not.

Sponsorship
If you are doing the 1 year track (begin in summer), you should give them your letter of intent in September 2010. You will want to list your Summer School course as the course you have completed, and then list the courses you will complete in the year to come. The HCP website does not really specify this for 1 year trackers.
If you are on the traditional 2 year track, then you can notify them in the beginning of the second year (September), as per the website....
http://www.extension.harvard.edu/2009-10/programs/hcp/sponsor/

Housing
As a member of HCP, you have access to apt listings kept by Harvard Planning and Real Estate. You access these online, but to be able to do so you need to prove your membership in HCP, by showing staff at Harvard Planning and Real Estate your acceptance letter.

I hear Brookline and Somerville are good choices, if you are close to the T (metro/subway). Parking in Brookline is supposedly impossible, so be aware of that. I hear Jamaica Plain is decent, but certain parts have crime and it varies. Somerville is supposedly a decent choice as well, but it has nice and not so nice parts, although it's not dangerous from what i've been told. The Allston/Brighton areas are supposedly more undergrad oriented, and are fairly expensive considering they are more undergradish. The dangerous areas seem to be Roxbury and other stuff in that area of the south end near Blue Hill Avenue etc... I've been to Boston a few times and done research, but i'm sure others (Bostonians) on here could probably be more articulate, and talk about additional areas as well.

Anyone who lives in Boston, can you please shed more light on the housing, and let me know if what i've heard above is correct??

 

[deleted248403]

I wasn't rejected Fishguy - I was told that they didn't they it took was beneficial for me, but would accept me if I wanted to still attend.

I appreciated their advice and went a different route - i have a lot of respect for their program and their honesty

 

[mbm54]

Yea I agree with Fish87! Your GPA is decent and you have a pretty good MCAT score. I'm sure you can get accepted into some pretty decent medical schools without additional coursework. However, if you really want to increase your science credentials, you could apply to some of the more competitive SMPs like Georgetown or BU. That might be more appropriate.

And fish87, I wouldn't worry too much. Owen Peterson (the assistant director) told me in an email that:

"However, we reject the applications of people who have both completed the basic science courses and taken 7 or more advanced electives, on the grounds that they
have compled the equivalent of our program already, and should take the next logical step of joining one of the Master's programs like the ones offered by Boston University or Drexel University."

Those are his exact words, so you still have a shot! I would also mention somewhere in your application that you hope to re-take some of the pre-reqs if accepted into the program. And if they do reject you, you can still take classes at Harvard Extension because all of the courses are open-enrollment. I heard that people who do this might be able to apply for sponsorship too. Hope for the best man and good luck!

 

[grc10]

Do you know the schedule we should check before starting program?

If you mean when the term starts/ends, etc, check: http://www.registrar.fas.harvard.edu/fasro/common/calendar.jsp

As far as the difficulty of the one year plan, I've read on previous years' threads that you shouldn't do it if you're planning on working a lot while taking courses. The advantage to the one year plan is that everything is fresh in your mind for the mcat (though you'll likely not have much time to study for it exclusively). From an economic perspective, you save a year of post-residency earnings.

 

[HarvardHCP]

If you mean when the term starts/ends, etc, check: http://www.registrar.fas.harvard.edu/fasro/common/calendar.jsp

As far as the difficulty of the one year plan, I've read on previous years' threads that you shouldn't do it if you're planning on working a lot while taking courses. The advantage to the one year plan is that everything is fresh in your mind for the mcat (though you'll likely not have much time to study for it exclusively). From an economic perspective, you save a year of post-residency earnings.

Yeah, i agree about the one year plan. I'm getting all of my volunteering/shadowing done before i arrive on campus, and won't be working. I'll just be doing classes and probably some light research with a PI. I agree that taking all pre-reqs in one year is advantageous for the MCAT, b/c as each year goes by, material somehow fades away from memory and is just that much harder to relearn and have fresh in your mind.

I'm personally going to follow up the 1 year Post-Bacc w/ one of those MCAT boot camps during the summer, where you live/breathe the material for 4-6 weeks doing nothing else, and take like 10 practice tests. I think full immersion in the material is the way to go, and if you can't do well after that, there's not much more you could have done to improve your score. I'm hoping to take the real MCAT only once, maybe twice at most.

 

[FuturaDocta]

I have about a 3.2 gpa. I don't know what kind of people they accept. can anyone kindly give me some feedback. I would appreciate it 🙂

 

[deleted248403]

I have about a 3.2 gpa. I don't know what kind of people they accept. can anyone kindly give me some feedback. I would appreciate it 🙂

Almost anybody - providing you weren't a science major.

It's essentially open admissions

 

[Sola Gratia]

Yeah, i agree about the one year plan. I'm getting all of my volunteering/shadowing done before i arrive on campus, and won't be working. I'll just be doing classes and probably some light research with a PI. I agree that taking all pre-reqs in one year is advantageous for the MCAT, b/c as each year goes by, material somehow fades away from memory and is just that much harder to relearn and have fresh in your mind.

I'm personally going to follow up the 1 year Post-Bacc w/ one of those MCAT boot camps during the summer, where you live/breathe the material for 4-6 weeks doing nothing else, and take like 10 practice tests. I think full immersion in the material is the way to go, and if you can't do well after that, there's not much more you could have done to improve your score. I'm hoping to take the real MCAT only once, maybe twice at most.

Hello all, I am brand new to this forum as a registered member but have been perusing this site regularly for a while now. I have spoken with the gentlemen at the HCP office several times now and find them to be very helpful and encouraging. Should I decide to apply/attend the program, I don't know if I should start in the summer of 2010 or the fall. I could leave anytime, it is just that I will be moving all the way from sunny Southern California... yeah, big change. Furthermore, I was wondering how easy it would be for me to get a job in either the health field, or if that is not possible, just a regular college level job in Boston? I am really excited at the prospect but just need some advice/encouragement as i will be financing this all on my own.

 

[mbm54]

Hey Sola Gratia,

I would apply encourage you to apply to the program. What do you have to lose? I was contemplating about whether or not to start in the fall or the summer but i decided on starting in the fall for a number of reasons. tutition per class basially triples over the summer! also I wanted to spend as much time at home before i went because I graduate at the end of May. I didn't want to literally graduate and then go off to summer school. Coming from So Cal, I would stay as long as possible beacuse of the whether! As for jobs, I have no clue. You may want to ask people on the Harvard 2009 thread for advice about that. Hope this helps, good luck!

 

[MHA BOUND]

If any one is looking for housing for the summer of 2010, please let me know. I am planning on beginning the 1 yr track in June. I am female, but gender/race is no issue to me! I would love to find a place that is less than $800 per person.

 

[Audman]

at the harvard HCP, does the diploma program mean a lot more than not getting the diploma? I am aware that only those who NEVEr attempted those listed classes can partake in the diploma candidacy?

 

[Sophie]

Hi everyone. I'm trying to do a little research for my fiance, who, after listening to me talk about the things I've learned and seen in med school everyday, is now planning to do a postbac and apply to medical school. I'm currently looking at residency programs, and am hoping to match at a Harvard program (I am a product of a postbac program ages ago, btw, at UCSD 😀). I want to make sure moving to Boston would be a good career decision for him, too, before making my rank list.

He has around a 3.2 GPA from UC Berkeley, majored in Psychology, and has only taken two science classes (first semester Physics and first semester Biology). He's planning to take 2 years to do the postbac, as he still has to take a year of math, plus the pre-med sciences. From what I've read here, it sounds like he'd be a good fit for this program, although since he's already taken 2 pre-med science classes he can't go for the diploma. Is that correct? It sounds like a lot of you have done quite a bit of research into this program, so I'd love to get your opinions on whether this would be a good fit for him. Thanks!

 

[sketo43]

at the harvard HCP, does the diploma program mean a lot more than not getting the diploma? I am aware that only those who NEVEr attempted those listed classes can partake in the diploma candidacy?

I got the "diploma," - unlike most diplomas, it is not a physical object. But if you look closely at my Harvard Extension transcript, there is a line that says "Diploma in Premedical Studies (DPM), awarded MM DD, YYYY."

Does this mean anything? I don't think so. For med school, I would be more concerned about the committee letter of recommendation than the "diploma." The advantage of being in the diploma program is having access to Harvard health insurance, gyms, and more libraries.

 

[sketo43]

Housing
As a member of HCP, you have access to apt listings kept by Harvard Planning and Real Estate. You access these online, but to be able to do so you need to prove your membership in HCP, by showing staff at Harvard Planning and Real Estate your acceptance letter.

I hear Brookline and Somerville are good choices, if you are close to the T (metro/subway). Parking in Brookline is supposedly impossible, so be aware of that. I hear Jamaica Plain is decent, but certain parts have crime and it varies. Somerville is supposedly a decent choice as well, but it has nice and not so nice parts, although it's not dangerous from what i've been told. The Allston/Brighton areas are supposedly more undergrad oriented, and are fairly expensive considering they are more undergradish. The dangerous areas seem to be Roxbury and other stuff in that area of the south end near Blue Hill Avenue etc... I've been to Boston a few times and done research, but i'm sure others (Bostonians) on here could probably be more articulate, and talk about additional areas as well.

Anyone who lives in Boston, can you please shed more light on the housing, and let me know if what i've heard above is correct??

I recommend living within walking distance of the science center. If possible, try to do this. Harvard Square is expensive, so you could live in Inman Square and have a little bit longer walk and have cheaper rent (although still not cheap).

Some people live farther away and commute, but driving to Harvard Square is not a good idea unless you are able to get one of the garage passes (I don't have a car, so I don't know how that works). Otherwise, you will be taking the red line or busses.

Cambridge, Somerville, Allston, and Brighton are pretty safe, and I would recommend one of those areas. Somerville, Allston, and Brighton will be less expensive than Cambridge. From Porter Square or Davis Square, you would have a short ride on the subway. From Allston and Brighton, you would take a bus. If you live in lower Allston, you could probably walk to campus, but it's kind of a long walk. Arlington could be another good option. Brookline is a great area, but if you're going to spend the money to live there, you might as well just live in Cambridge and be close to campus. I think Jamaica Plain would be too long of a commute.

Try to have a short commute. Remember, it's not just how long you're on the bus/train, but also how long you will be standing around waiting for it to finally show up.

 

[mbm54]

Hi everyone. I'm trying to do a little research for my fiance, who, after listening to me talk about the things I've learned and seen in med school everyday, is now planning to do a postbac and apply to medical school. I'm currently looking at residency programs, and am hoping to match at a Harvard program (I am a product of a postbac program ages ago, btw, at UCSD 😀). I want to make sure moving to Boston would be a good career decision for him, too, before making my rank list.

He has around a 3.2 GPA from UC Berkeley, majored in Psychology, and has only taken two science classes (first semester Physics and first semester Biology). He's planning to take 2 years to do the postbac, as he still has to take a year of math, plus the pre-med sciences. From what I've read here, it sounds like he'd be a good fit for this program, although since he's already taken 2 pre-med science classes he can't go for the diploma. Is that correct? It sounds like a lot of you have done quite a bit of research into this program, so I'd love to get your opinions on whether this would be a good fit for him. Thanks!

Hey Sophie,

I think your finance would be a great fit for the program. The program is really designed for people who didn't major in a science. With his GPA and the number of science classes he has taken, I am sure he will be accepted. The less science classes, the better! He cannot apply for the dimploma program, for the reason you have already stated. But still, the program is a good fit for him and he should apply! Let us know if you have anymore questions and good luck with residency programs.

 

[Sola Gratia]

Hey Sola Gratia,

I would apply encourage you to apply to the program. What do you have to lose? I was contemplating about whether or not to start in the fall or the summer but i decided on starting in the fall for a number of reasons. tutition per class basially triples over the summer! also I wanted to spend as much time at home before i went because I graduate at the end of May. I didn't want to literally graduate and then go off to summer school. Coming from So Cal, I would stay as long as possible beacuse of the whether! As for jobs, I have no clue. You may want to ask people on the Harvard 2009 thread for advice about that. Hope this helps, good luck!

Thanks a bunch mbm54 for your encouraging words. I have always known that I was supposed to be in medicine, but wanted to study something different than the hard sciences in my undergraduate institution (So Cal, Fight On!) I am a bit nervous about the intensity of chemistry and the mathematical requirements as I am not the strongest in the latter. I am just wondering how many people that are in a similar position as me, successfully matriculated to a solid medical school. Again, thanks for your words of advice.

 

[mbm54]

Thanks a bunch mbm54 for your encouraging words. I have always known that I was supposed to be in medicine, but wanted to study something different than the hard sciences in my undergraduate institution (So Cal, Fight On!) I am a bit nervous about the intensity of chemistry and the mathematical requirements as I am not the strongest in the latter. I am just wondering how many people that are in a similar position as me, successfully matriculated to a solid medical school. Again, thanks for your words of advice.

No prob, Sola! I hear chem is pretty math-heavy. If I were you, I would ask people on the Harvard 2009 thread. Good luck!

 

[Sophie]

Thanks for the reply, mbm.

Fight on!

 

[HarvardHCP]

at the harvard HCP, does the diploma program mean a lot more than not getting the diploma? I am aware that only those who NEVEr attempted those listed classes can partake in the diploma candidacy?

The benefits of the Diploma Program are listed here....
http://www.extension.harvard.edu/2009-10/programs/hcp/diploma/perks.jsp

Mainly, getting access to the Harvard Alumni Network (yes, the real one) is the huge advantage. Other than that, probably some minor advantages as the ones listed on that page.

 

[HarvardHCP]

I recommend living within walking distance of the science center. If possible, try to do this. Harvard Square is expensive, so you could live in Inman Square and have a little bit longer walk and have cheaper rent (although still not cheap).

Some people live farther away and commute, but driving to Harvard Square is not a good idea unless you are able to get one of the garage passes (I don't have a car, so I don't know how that works). Otherwise, you will be taking the red line or busses.

Cambridge, Somerville, Allston, and Brighton are pretty safe, and I would recommend one of those areas. Somerville, Allston, and Brighton will be less expensive than Cambridge. From Porter Square or Davis Square, you would have a short ride on the subway. From Allston and Brighton, you would take a bus. If you live in lower Allston, you could probably walk to campus, but it's kind of a long walk. Arlington could be another good option. Brookline is a great area, but if you're going to spend the money to live there, you might as well just live in Cambridge and be close to campus. I think Jamaica Plain would be too long of a commute.

Try to have a short commute. Remember, it's not just how long you're on the bus/train, but also how long you will be standing around waiting for it to finally show up.

Cool, thanks for the info. When you say "science center" above, are you referring to the building at 1 Oxford Street? If so, is that where all 8 required courses for the Diploma in Pre-Med are at??

(i called parking services today and they said a garage pass is $55/year for extension, and you need a separate one for Harvard Summer if you do classes then. the extension school garage is at 52 Oxford, and he said it has 700 spaces, and that finding a space shouldn't be a problem for night classes. he said it would be a problem for daytime classes, like you may have during Harvard Summer, although the campus is a bit less busy during Summer, so he said it might be feasible)

 

[xcitylovex]

i have a few questions about the harvard program:

(1) can you register for the general extension school (to boost GPA) and then apply for HCP?
(2) are extension school/HCP grades counted as undergraduate GPA?

Thanks in advance.

 

[HarvardHCP]

i have a few questions about the harvard program:

(1) can you register for the general extension school (to boost GPA) and then apply for HCP?
(2) are extension school/HCP grades counted as undergraduate GPA?

Thanks in advance.

1. yes, but the HCP is not really for academic enhancers, but rather for those who have never taken sciences. i hear a variety of cases where people do come and boost their GPA, apply to HCP and get accepted, and it works out for them. however, there are many other programs that are specifically designed for academic enhancers (low gpa) that are probably a better fit for you. I'm not sure taking classes at Harvard would be the best way to boost a GPA. You may want to look into an academic enhancer program someplace where the A's will be much easier.

You can find a list of academic enhancers by searching here.....
http://services.aamc.org/postbac/

(select "Academic Record Enhancers" as program focus. some listed under this will not truly be academic record enhancers, so you should visit each website and see what their focus is, and if it doesn't say, specifically ask the school)

2. undergraduate credit and grades. this is good news, because graduate school grades are considered easier A's, while undergrad sciences are "weed out" type classes that are viewed as much more difficult. it sounds counterintuitive, but that's what i've read in several places, about how adcoms view them.

 

[xcitylovex]

1. yes, but the HCP is not really for academic enhancers, but rather for those who have never taken sciences. i hear a variety of cases where people do come and boost their GPA, apply to HCP and get accepted, and it works out for them. however, there are many other programs that are specifically designed for academic enhancers (low gpa) that are probably a better fit for you. I'm not sure taking classes at Harvard would be the best way to boost a GPA. You may want to look into an academic enhancer program someplace where the A's will be much easier.

You can find a list of academic enhancers by searching here.....
http://services.aamc.org/postbac/

(select "Academic Record Enhancers" as program focus. some listed under this will not truly be academic record enhancers, so you should visit each website and see what their focus is, and if it doesn't say, specifically ask the school)

2. undergraduate credit and grades. this is good news, because graduate school grades are considered easier A's, while undergrad sciences are "weed out" type classes that are viewed as much more difficult. it sounds counterintuitive, but that's what i've read in several places, about how adcoms view them.

I don't have any science under my belt except one biology class I took as a general elective in college, which I got a B in. I majored in math, but don't at all have an impressive GPA (2.6) due to a few different reasons. I wanted to do a post-bacc, but I am definitely not competitive in those programs. I don't think HCP would accept me with such a GPA either, so I'd like to boost it by taking classes in the regular extension school before I apply to the program. Do you think that is a good idea?

 

[mbm54]

I think they have a 2.7 cut off for admission into the program. Like you said, you can enroll in some classes for a semester or 2, then apply to the program.

Anyone starting in Fall 2010 and wants to live in a house, PM when you get a chance. There are several openings in the Cabridge area and I would hate to miss out on good housing options.

 

[emtdan]

I'm thinking about applying but I am not sure I can start in the summer as I need to take my nursing national exam sometime in June. If I start in the fall can I still finish in a year?

Also, to the above person, if I start in the fall I may need a roommate...

 

[sketo43]

Cool, thanks for the info. When you say "science center" above, are you referring to the building at 1 Oxford Street? If so, is that where all 8 required courses for the Diploma in Pre-Med are at??

(i called parking services today and they said a garage pass is $55/year for extension, and you need a separate one for Harvard Summer if you do classes then. the extension school garage is at 52 Oxford, and he said it has 700 spaces, and that finding a space shouldn't be a problem for night classes. he said it would be a problem for daytime classes, like you may have during Harvard Summer, although the campus is a bit less busy during Summer, so he said it might be feasible)

Yeah, all the lectures, labs, and discussion sections for the 8 courses are in the building at 1 Oxford St. If parking costs $55/year, that's a great deal! Parking in Harvard Square is tough, and other garages are much more expensive.

 

[sketo43]

I'm thinking about applying but I am not sure I can start in the summer as I need to take my nursing national exam sometime in June. If I start in the fall can I still finish in a year?

Also, to the above person, if I start in the fall I may need a roommate...

Technically it's possible... you could take chem, bio, and physics during the academic year, then orgo over the summer. But I would strongly advise against this schedule. Everyone I know who took orgo over the summer said: don't take it over the summer. It's too much information, and the material is difficult. Every year, people do it, so it's not impossible... but at least for me, that class was hard enough when you have a week between each lecture. If you're starting in the fall, yes it's possible to do all the classes in 1 year, but I recommend the 2-year plan.

And even if you finish in 1 year, you will be done in mid-August. Would you even have time to take the MCAT and submit your applications? Or would you have to wait for the next cycle anyway?

 

[Moki]

If any one is taking the genetics course this spring and still needs a book, I am selling one brand new for below amazon's cost, which is cheaper than what the Coop is selling it for. I read the first 30 pages and lightly underlined in pencil (It will be erased before you get it.). I ended up taking another course last spring and won't take it this year, so I have no need for the book. Feel free to PM me if you are interested.


Genetics: From Genes to Genomes Hartwell (3rd ed - 2006 - US version - Hardcover)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0073227382

 

[Moki]

If any one is taking the genetics course this spring and still needs a book, I am selling one brand new for below amazon's cost, which is cheaper than what the Coop is selling it for. I read the first 30 pages and lightly underlined in pencil (It will be erased before you get it.). I ended up taking another course last spring and won't take it this year, so I have no need for the book. Feel free to PM me if you are interested.


Genetics: From Genes to Genomes Hartwell (3rd ed - 2006 - US version - Hardcover)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0073227382

The book is sold.

 

[HarvardHCP]

I don't have any science under my belt except one biology class I took as a general elective in college, which I got a B in. I majored in math, but don't at all have an impressive GPA (2.6) due to a few different reasons. I wanted to do a post-bacc, but I am definitely not competitive in those programs. I don't think HCP would accept me with such a GPA either, so I'd like to boost it by taking classes in the regular extension school before I apply to the program. Do you think that is a good idea?

Since you don't have any sciences, you are a good fit for the program. Your GPA is going to put the admissions office in a weird position. They might accept you, but warn you that your chances of admission to a medical school are low, due to your overall GPA being substantially below 3.0 and that it's your money/loans/time that you're risking.

They also might return your check, and tell you you are not a good fit, because they don't feel you have a good shot at doing well at Harvard classes and getting into med school. I have seen this happen on this forum several times where they literally mail the check back to you (quite nice of them, most fees are nonrefundable)

If i were you, I'd probably take classes somewhere local that is cheap tuition and where you are confident you can get A's in everything, like a Tier 3 or Tier 4 state school that has low average ACT/SAT scores. Being curved against students with lower standardized test scores might make the most sense for you. With a 2.6 cumulative, you're going to literally need an A in every class, and probably need a decent amount of credits.

It also depends on what you're looking to do. You could probably raise your GPA up to 3.0-3.3 range and then apply to DO and Caribbean schools which on average have less demanding entrance standards (with the main exception being Michigan State DO, which is quite competitive). If you have your heart set on MD schools, then i think you have quite a lot of work ahead of you to be honest. Your overall GPA will need to come up quite a bit to be competitive for MD programs, and to pull your cumulative up to 3.5 range, you will need a decent amount of credits. Not knowing how many credit hours you've earned thus far, it's hard for me to figure out just how many A's it will take to boost your GPA, so this is just general feedback and hence please take it as that.

 

[Meige]

delete

 

[vicx11]

hi all,

i got accepted into harvard's postbacc program, and considering the fact that it's obviously an ivy league, how difficult is the program? i know it's a very general question, but i'm a liberal arts major at a state school, and it just seems like such a big jump - taking classes at harvard. i'm just wondering if it's worth going to this program or just staying at a "weaker" school to do well in my prereqs. honestly, i'm getting cold feet. :/

do we take classes with actual undergrads or just the students in the postbacc program? also, are the classes curved?

thanks a lot!

 

[decentdude]

Hello All! I'll most likely be doing the HCP starting this summer. I'm currently looking for some roommates who would also be starting in the summer. Looking for some motivated roommates who are serious about their education. Any takers? Any groups already looking for housing that could use an extra roommate for the summer? Good luck to all!

 

[mbm54]

hi all,

i got accepted into harvard's postbacc program, and considering the fact that it's obviously an ivy league, how difficult is the program? i know it's a very general question, but i'm a liberal arts major at a state school, and it just seems like such a big jump - taking classes at harvard. i'm just wondering if it's worth going to this program or just staying at a "weaker" school to do well in my prereqs. honestly, i'm getting cold feet. :/

do we take classes with actual undergrads or just the students in the postbacc program? also, are the classes curved?

thanks a lot!

hey vicx11, i understand your concern. i heard that the classes are challenging, but are doable if you put in the work. i wouldnt let the harvard name intimidate you. if anything, it should motivate you. if you study hard and understand the concepts, getting As are def. possible! and if you do well in the program, medical school admissions committees really respect that.

the classes are in the evening and is for the post-bacc students and anyone else enrolled in the harvard extension school, so no freshman should be in the classes. i am not sure sure about curves. hope this helps!

 

[mbm54]

.

 

[SeanRyan]

Hi everyone, been lurking around the forum for a bit decided to throw my hat into the ring. I will also be attending Harvard as a postbacc this summer, taking general chemistry. Haven't applied to the HCP program formally, I'm going to be on a two year plan so will apply to the HCP program next fall; after completing a few credits. I have to complete all of my pre-recs, except for calculus, and also take a few upper level classes, enhancing my low GPA (3.)1. I was even thinking of taking some spanish classes, I would like to come back to NYC for med school/ residency knowing spanish would be a good asset. Really excited after being in the working world for a few years to be back in school mode! Do you guys plan on working while taking classes? I've started doing some research on getting my EMT-B certification, it would be great to find a job in the health field to make some extra cash. But I guess there's always bar tending....
My stats:
26
From NYC
Bachelor of Architecture (3.1)
Working as an Architect for 4yrs
Some volunteering & shadowing
I'll be interested in finding some roommates so keep me in the loop

 

[Sola Gratia]

Sola Gratia-
FIGHT ON! I am a Trojan as well!! Nice to see so many people from Southern California on this particular thread, especially a fellow Trojan!!

Sweet!! If we both end up going to this program we totally have to rep Troy. I find it interesting that there are, as you said, many people from LA/OC that will be making the leap over to Boston...gonna be a bit of a weather and culture shock, but I am down for whatever is ahead. When did you graduate and where you a part of the Greek system?

 

[Sola Gratia]

Thanks for the reply, mbm.

Fight on!

Fight on for old SC!!👍

 

[decentdude]

Sweet!! If we both end up going to this program we totally have to rep Troy. I find it interesting that there are, as you said, many people from LA/OC that will be making the leap over to Boston...gonna be a bit of a weather and culture shock, but I am down for whatever is ahead. When did you graduate and where you a part of the Greek system?

From OC as well! I'll most likely be starting in the Summer. Looking forward to meeting some fellow HCP people. Good luck!

 

[decentdude]

Hi everyone, been lurking around the forum for a bit decided to throw my hat into the ring. I will also be attending Harvard as a postbacc this summer, taking general chemistry. Haven't applied to the HCP program formally, I'm going to be on a two year plan so will apply to the HCP program next fall; after completing a few credits. I have to complete all of my pre-recs, except for calculus, and also take a few upper level classes, enhancing my low GPA (3.)1. I was even thinking of taking some spanish classes, I would like to come back to NYC for med school/ residency knowing spanish would be a good asset. Really excited after being in the working world for a few years to be back in school mode! Do you guys plan on working while taking classes? I've started doing some research on getting my EMT-B certification, it would be great to find a job in the health field to make some extra cash. But I guess there's always bar tending....
My stats:
26
From NYC
Bachelor of Architecture (3.1)
Working as an Architect for 4yrs
Some volunteering & shadowing
I'll be interested in finding some roommates so keep me in the loop

Awesome Sean! I'll be starting in the Summer as well with Gen Chem. I'm originally from NYC, but I live and work in Southern California as a Software Consultant now. Planning on finding a cheap place with 4-5 people starting with about a June lease. Let me know if you find anyone else looking for a Summer start! Good luck!

 

[butters149]

LA here

 

[sharona1121]

Hey guys,

Has anyone taken any upper level bio courses, genetics or biochem at HES or the Harvard Summer School? Can someone comment on the classes (nature of class, exam schedule, difficulty etc) and also if someone knows the differences between how the classes are taught at the summer school vs HES, that'd be really helpful!!

Also, if anyone has any questions about HES, feel free to PM me (unfortunately I don't have much time to check these forums but if I get a PM it'll come to my email..). I'm doing the program in a year (started with chem in the summer) and took bio 1, chem 1, and physics 1 last semester.. taking the second semester sequence this coming semester.

good luck everyone!

 

[QueCee]

Hi everybody!

I will be applying to the Harvard program this coming fall or summer (haven't decided yet when to apply). I live and work in the Boston area so I have signed up for an english course (orientalism in british lit) this semester since I only took one english course in college and it was a writing course. Is anybody else taking this course??

Can somebody weigh in on my proposed course schedules? I have already taken all the chem requirements while in college so I only need to take bio, physics, possibly another english course (because the course I took in college was only a writing course) and possibly math (I had taken AP calculus BC in highschool and scored a 5, so I didn't have to take math in college. I understand that some medical schools accept AP credit). I also have a part-time job right now that I plan on keeping throughout.

option 1: take physics 1/2 over the summer, take bio 1/2 in the following fall and spring while volunteering/shadowing a lot and studying for the MCAT. pros: I only have to take one course at a time, I can study for the MCAT after having taken most of the pre-reqs. cons: need to take out a loan in order to take physics over the summer and would rather not do that. Also concerned about learning the material for two semesters in the course of just one summer.

option 2: take no courses over the summer but spend the time studying for the MCAT (refreshing myself on all the chem material), and spending a lot of time volunteering and shadowing. Take physics and bio over the fall and spring semesters. pros: I get to spend the next few months and the summer saving up for fall and spring courses, and I get to spend more time early on volunteering and shadowing, to make sure that med school is the right decision for me. cons: taking two courses at the same time while working part-time. I know that people can do this, but I would really like to focus on the material.

I'm leaning towards option 2, mostly because it is more financially feasible for me right now.

Sorry for the long post, and I look forward to meeting all of you in the fall semester!

-QC

 

[Moki]

My vote: Option 2.

In addition to the very important financial consideration, I think it would be in your best interest to make sure that your Chemistry knowledge is up to speed before you start Bio at HES. The summer courses here are very intense and very fast paced. Taking them over the academic year allows one to digest and build upon knowledge, which I have come to greatly appreciate as I take more upper level courses and see the same concepts crop up and expanded upon. I know there are some people that are exceptions to the rule and you may very well be one of them. I simply offer you my own experience and the feedback of friends who have taken the summer courses. Moreover, volunteering has been pivotal for me in solidifying my desire to go to medical school. It has also been, and continues to be, a wonderful experience that brings me closer to the real honor of practicing medicine. It makes the hard times of juggling classes, work, commuting, and general life manageable.

Hope that helps. Best of luck.

 

[Moki]

Good luck with the Spring semester everyone. One step closer. . . 😀

 

[femmedesagesse]

Hi! I've been lurking around these Harvard HCP forum threads for some time now and after a lot of contemplation, I've decided to apply. I'm currently finishing my last quarter as an undergrad. Do I have to wait to apply after I've attained my B.S. or can I apply now? Thanks!

 

[Moki]

Straight from their website. . . .

To be admitted to the Health Careers Program, you are required to:

Possess an accredited bachelor’s degree

Why the rush? Just apply after graduation.

 

[mbm54]

Hi! I've been lurking around these Harvard HCP forum threads for some time now and after a lot of contemplation, I've decided to apply. I'm currently finishing my last quarter as an undergrad. Do I have to wait to apply after I've attained my B.S. or can I apply now? Thanks!

I applied while I am still an undergrad. It wouldn't hurt.