As someone with a bachelor's in music who has received a diploma from Harvard's HCP, I feel that I should clear a few things up. Definitely read through the website too!
http://www.extension.harvard.edu/hcp/default.jsp
http://www.extension.harvard.edu/2009-10/programs/hcp/sponsor/
http://www.extension.harvard.edu/2009-10/programs/hcp/diploma/
The program is an open-enrollment post-baccalaureate program. Anyone that applies and meets the two requirements will be accepted. If they feel you are not a good fit, they will send your check back; however this does not mean you are rejected. Simply state your case and they will let you in.
Keep in mind that if they send back the check, it is probably for a valid reason. The program is not good for everyone. Some may need a grade-boosting program, which this is not.
As for the quality... I have heard from a few people that started their postbacs at other big postbac schools and then transferred that Harvard Extension is leaps and bounds better. The quality of instruction is great overall, though this shouldn't be confused with easy. It is Harvard. They are real Harvard professors and instructors. Personally, I like it so much here that I continue to take courses.
It's extremely cheap at roughly $1000 per 4-credit course. Most of the people I know had scholarships covering one course per semester. Plus, you can get a 1-bedroom apartment only a ten minute ride from campus (in Somerville/Cambridge) for under $1000/month. Studios and shares are even cheaper.
It prepares you well for the MCAT. But yes, you will most likely still have to study on your own just like everyone else. There is no magic formula. I got a 37R.
Recommendations are fairly easy to get. Make sure you attend sections with your TFs (most of which are extremely helpful and available for help) and you will be golden. Of course it doesn't hurt to show up for office hours.
You will have plenty of extra help. Almost every class has weekly sections with a TF, available office hours, and exam, or weekly reviews. For help with applying, Dr. Fixsen is very knowledgeable.
Nearly all the Harvard libraries/museums/computer labs are freely available for diploma students (as well as free printing for Extension School students). You can always find a quiet place to study.
I started in the summer before my first year, taking gen chem. Then during the year I took bio/phys/orgo. The next summer I took molecular biology and biochemistry. Summer classes are completely doable, but you have to be willing to put in a lot of time. If you can't put in the time, don't bother. However, in the summer, the class sizes are about 1/2 of the norm, so there is a good chance you will become friendly with your professor and the teaching staff.
As for work... if you have done well previously in classes, it's possible to apply for TF positions. And with Beantown being the health industry/biotech capital of the country, there are plenty of places to volunteer/intern. People also get jobs in related fields at places such as MIT or Harvard Medical while applying. Don't forget that there are always a bunch of lab research positions available if you will be around for at least a year.
To get around town, and to class, almost everyone takes the T. While a normal monthly pass (for train/bus) is $60, for almost all healthcare employees and volunteers it is only $30. Single T rides are $1.70 with a free CharlieCard. Needless to say, many people here don't own cars. Did I mention that Cambridge is the birthplace of Zipcars? They're everywhere, and Harvard students/alumni (including Extension) get half-off memberships.
And now I'm not sure what more I can write about so I will leave it at that. Good luck with your decisions!
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