Official Harvard Extension 2012 Thread

[Jennet]

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Same here, I was told by Student Financial Services that federal loans would only be for 12 consecutive months as a postbac student, but I was planning on taking classes full time when I applied in 2011. I'm thinking you might be able to get funding for two years if you're taking classes part time?

I also wonder if there is a differentiation between being in HCP and considered a post-bacc student versus getting the diploma.

I may still be taking statistics, but Fixsen made a good point by saying, "why waste money when you can do it glide year at a cheaper institution?" I like this argument, I like it a lot.

 

[johnnyscans]

Answer key to the physics final is up if anyone cares.

I can't remember a god damn thing about that examination hah.

 

[postbacgeek]

So what kind of GPAs did you guys have going into Harvard's Post Bac? I am gonna apply for the Fall of 2013 and I'm kind of nervous that I won't get in.

 

[smiley27]

I can't remember a god damn thing about that examination hah.

I'm surprised I can still recall what some of my answers were and could say which ones I got wrong/right. For the answers I don't remember I could recall which equations I used or my thought process to know if I should have gotten the problem right. I've got a pretty good feeling about what I think I got on the test.

 

[Jennet]

I can't remember a god damn thing about that examination hah.

Agreed. I think I have PTSD from finals week this year - everything is just black.

 

[johnnyscans]

I'm surprised I can still recall what some of my answers were and could say which ones I got wrong/right. For the answers I don't remember I could recall which equations I used or my thought process to know if I should have gotten the problem right. I've got a pretty good feeling about what I think I got on the test.

My TF gave me my score. I walked out of that test feeling supremely confident and it ended up being my worst physics exam by a solid 10 points.

Agreed. I think I have PTSD from finals week this year - everything is just black.

👍+1

 

[Equestrian]

So, who's taking what this summer?

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology here. Masochistic, oh yes. . .

I'm still debating whether to get a jumpstart by taking General Chemistry. I've registered for the class, but I still have until the first week to withdraw with a full refund and no record of it on my transcript. I haven't taken science in a LONG time (I still need to do all of the prereqs), but thought that taking the accelerated summer course would be a good way to gauge how many courses I can handle in the fall (and I've heard many good things about Tucci - both here and when I met one of his TFs)...

 

[MedWonk]

So what kind of GPAs did you guys have going into Harvard's Post Bac? I am gonna apply for the Fall of 2013 and I'm kind of nervous that I won't get in.

3.4 sans most prereqs, and no MCAT. I know people who've gotten in with GPAs in the low 3's (3.0-3.3). I haven't met anyone who's started with a lower GPA, but considering the criteria listed on the website, I would say it's possible to have a GPA as low as 2.8 and get in depending on the individual applicant's past academic record, as well as past experiences and motivation.

I highly recommend you shoot an email to the Health Careers Program office. One of the two head honchos will get back to you and will be in a better position to tell you whether or not you are a good candidate for this particular program. Don't be discouraged if you aren't. There are many non-trad routes to medical school.

 

[johnnyscans]

I'm still debating whether to get a jumpstart by taking General Chemistry. I've registered for the class, but I still have until the first week to withdraw with a full refund and no record of it on my transcript. I haven't taken science in a LONG time (I still need to do all of the prereqs), but thought that taking the accelerated summer course would be a good way to gauge how many courses I can handle in the fall (and I've heard many good things about Tucci - both here and when I met one of his TFs)...

Tucci is the ****ing man. If you have nothing else to do this summer, go for it. That said, the class will be intense, difficult and time-consuming. Be ready for the challenge.

 

[johnnyscans]

3.4 sans most prereqs, and no MCAT. I know people who've gotten in with GPAs in the low 3's (3.0-3.3). I haven't met anyone who's started with a lower GPA, but considering the criteria listed on the website, I would say it's possible to have a GPA as low as 2.8 and get in depending on the individual applicant's past academic record, as well as past experiences and motivation.

I highly recommend you shoot an email to the Health Careers Program office. One of the two head honchos will get back to you and will be in a better position to tell you whether or not you are a good candidate for this particular program. Don't be discouraged if you aren't. There are many non-trad routes to medical school.

I started with right around a 3.0, but I had taken only 2 science courses, and I have some pretty interesting ECs (senior ocean lifeguard for 6 years, 2 years of full-time work experience at a very unique job, helped run 2 youth programs, 2 classes of informal post-bacc work at a 3.9 GPA to prove I could handle the coursework, 6 months of clinical observation and volunteering).

Our path is more difficult than our high GPA brothers and sisters. Be ready to work hard and do whatever it takes to put your past behind you.

 

[oshkoro]

Is there anyone who can comment on the sponsorship/committee letter part of HCP? I took chem and physics at HES this year, but decided pretty recently that I want to apply to med schools in summer 2013 - and just got a letter from Fixsen saying they are no longer accepting HCP apps for Fall 2012. Would getting sponsorship be worth waiting a year to apply?

 

[MedWonk]

Is there anyone who can comment on the sponsorship/committee letter part of HCP? I took chem and physics at HES this year, but decided pretty recently that I want to apply to med schools in summer 2013 - and just got a letter from Fixsen saying they are no longer accepting HCP apps for Fall 2012. Would getting sponsorship be worth waiting a year to apply?

Have taken bio and orgo yet? You need to complete at least 20 credits of prerequisites or upper level medical sciences through the post-bacc before applying. Depending on your GPA, you may need to complete additional credits, and possibly also obtain some minimum score on the MCAT. The acceptance letter into HCP will state the conditions of sponsorship for your particular case. The next application cycle will open up either in December, or in January 2013.

As far as waiting for sponsorship, med schools seem to favor getting a committee letter rather than having 3 or 4 separate letters of recommendation. If you don't feel like waiting a year, you could try going with the pre-med committee at your undergrad institution. Another option, of course, is to just apply on your own.

Personally, I think the committee letter is worth it. I have the option of going with my undergrad institution, but have decided to go with HES because I've built up a rapport with Dr. Fixsen. I have no such rapport with the pre-med advisor at my undergrad institution. If you haven't built up any sort of rapport with Dr. Fixsen or Owen Peterson, and are dead set on applying in the Summer of 2013, then I would try going with your undergrad pre-med committee. If your undergrad institution won't take you on board, then I would wait a year instead of applying solo.

Those are just my two cents. Other's opinions may vary. Ultimately, you should go with what you feel gives you the best chance of being accepted into med school.

 

[smiley27]

Alright comrades, looks like a Casey Roehrig will be heading the Bio ship according to the HES website.

I guess we're gonna be the guinea pigs - lead off batters. Optimistic about the change from the former Bio captain due to not so optimistic opinions about the class, but also worried about how to attack the class.

My petition to make Prof. Rueckner responsible for teaching all pre-med classes, not just physics was unsuccessful.

 

[MedWonk]

Alright comrades, looks like a Casey Roehrig will be heading the Bio ship according to the HES website.

I guess we're gonna be the guinea pigs - lead off batters. Optimistic about the change from the former Bio captain due to not so optimistic opinions about the class, but also worried about how to attack the class.

My petition to make Prof. Rueckner responsible for teaching all pre-med classes, not just physics was unsuccessful.

Casey did a couple of the lectures, and she was solid. It should be a good class for you guys.


On another note, how do you pronounce Tucci? Is it too-chee?

 

[smiley27]

Casey did a couple of the lectures, and she was solid. It should be a good class for you guys.


On another note, how do you pronounce Tucci? Is it too-chee?

Haha. Tucci is pronounced two-see or 2C. I'd cringe hearing people still pronouncing his name two-chee at the end of the second semester sequence.

Good question though. I also thought it was two-chee.

 

[postbacgeek]

3.4 sans most prereqs, and no MCAT. I know people who've gotten in with GPAs in the low 3's (3.0-3.3). I haven't met anyone who's started with a lower GPA, but considering the criteria listed on the website, I would say it's possible to have a GPA as low as 2.8 and get in depending on the individual applicant's past academic record, as well as past experiences and motivation.

I highly recommend you shoot an email to the Health Careers Program office. One of the two head honchos will get back to you and will be in a better position to tell you whether or not you are a good candidate for this particular program. Don't be discouraged if you aren't. There are many non-trad routes to medical school.

I currently have a 3.3 but by the time I apply I should a 3.4-3.6 depending on many A's I can get my senior year! Hopefully when I apply next May there is still room in the program 🙁 THANK YOU for your answer? Are you currently in the program? Do you like it?

 

[postbacgeek]

I started with right around a 3.0, but I had taken only 2 science courses, and I have some pretty interesting ECs (senior ocean lifeguard for 6 years, 2 years of full-time work experience at a very unique job, helped run 2 youth programs, 2 classes of informal post-bacc work at a 3.9 GPA to prove I could handle the coursework, 6 months of clinical observation and volunteering).

Our path is more difficult than our high GPA brothers and sisters. Be ready to work hard and do whatever it takes to put your past behind you.

I am applying to be CCE and I work a lot right now and I am planning on doing office without borders. I am not expecting it to be easy, but I am ready to work my ass off if I get in!

 

[MedWonk]

I currently have a 3.3 but by the time I apply I should a 3.4-3.6 depending on many A's I can get my senior year! Hopefully when I apply next May there is still room in the program 🙁 THANK YOU for your answer? Are you currently in the program? Do you like it?

If you're planning on starting next year in the fall (or summer), I would apply much earlier than May. I would submit my application in January or February. Definitely no later than March.

I am currently in the program, and I have enjoyed my time in it thus far. I did get a little burned out starting in the summer, since it's pretty much nonstop studying until the end of spring semester the following year, but that hasn't dampened my view of the program. It did, however, give me a more realistic perspective of the amount of work required, as well as the amount of work I can realistically handle without losing my mind.

 

[Soco9087]

You guys recommended the Campbell text book for bio? Is it that much better? I bought a bio book that is two editions old for fixsens bio class in 2 weeks. Think I should be alright or should I get the current edition or the book or use the Campbell text book? Can someone link me the sign for th Campbell one?

 

[johnnyscans]

You guys recommended the Campbell text book for bio? Is it that much better? I bought a bio book that is two editions old for fixsens bio class in 2 weeks. Think I should be alright or should I get the current edition or the book or use the Campbell text book? Can someone link me the sign for th Campbell one?

If you're interested, I have an older version of the Campbell textbook that is pretty much impossible to sell back (since it's an out of print edition). I paid a ton for it, but I'd be willing to cut you a solid deal on it. I'm around all summer, so we won't have to worry about shipping prices either. I would like to keep it, but I have 2 other bio textbooks plus a study guide, so this bad boy is just taking up 1300 pages of shelf space at the moment. It is an amazing book, I wish I had used it more during Anderson's class.

I have

(8th edition)

 

[PlumbLine]

Is there anyone who can comment on the sponsorship/committee letter part of HCP? I took chem and physics at HES this year, but decided pretty recently that I want to apply to med schools in summer 2013 - and just got a letter from Fixsen saying they are no longer accepting HCP apps for Fall 2012. Would getting sponsorship be worth waiting a year to apply?

Need much more info on your background, the classes you've taken, and where you hope to attend med school, to answer that question. Plus you should try to ask this question to a pre-med advisor or someone in admissions if you can. At the very least move it outside of this thread so that you can get input from a wider population.

 

[Soco9087]

If you're interested, I have an older version of the Campbell textbook that is pretty much impossible to sell back (since it's an out of print edition). I paid a ton for it, but I'd be willing to cut you a solid deal on it. I'm around all summer, so we won't have to worry about shipping prices either. I would like to keep it, but I have 2 other bio textbooks plus a study guide, so this bad boy is just taking up 1300 pages of shelf space at the moment. It is an amazing book, I wish I had used it more during Anderson's class.

I have

(8th edition)

I'm just a little uneasy on how close Fixsen follows his textbook. Any with experience with him have any advice? Do I need the current edition or am I fine with an older one? The Campbell textbook seems to have some solid reviews, should I just go with that one?

 

[Equestrian]

Tucci is the ****ing man. If you have nothing else to do this summer, go for it. That said, the class will be intense, difficult and time-consuming. Be ready for the challenge.

Thanks for the input! Unfortunately I think I'm going to have to postpone it until the fall, but it looks like he's still teaching it then...

 

[LAnative]

Just hoping to clarify - do you need to take courses outside of the 8 core pre-med requirements (2 physics, 2 chem, 2 ochem, and 2 bio) to get sponsorship? Or will those 8 classes suffice assuming your undergrad GPA is competitive enough to gain sponsorship?

 

[Soco9087]

Just hoping to clarify - do you need to take courses outside of the 8 core pre-med requirements (2 physics, 2 chem, 2 ochem, and 2 bio) to get sponsorship? Or will those 8 classes suffice assuming your undergrad GPA is competitive enough to gain sponsorship?

Yes, once you are admitted to the program you must maintain a B or better and fulfill any other stipulations of your enrollment for sponsorship. Though electives courses are recommended, some are required and soon in 2015 (I think) biochem is required for the MCAT.

*More info can be found here http://www.extension.harvard.edu/degrees-certificates/health-careers/sponsorship

 

[Doc Masseter]

I'm finishing my undergraduate studies and after a late realization that I want to attend medical school I'm considering the HCP. I've done none of Physics, Chemistry or Orgo. However, I've taken Bio 1 at a community college about three years ago. I understand that for this program and the diploma the applicant has to complete ALL of their courses with Harvard ES. Is it possible that I may be allowed to take Bio 1 at HES? or Substitute it with something else?

Thank you for your time SDN 🙂

 

[postbacgeek]

Yeah you can but you won't get a Harvard ID or their health insurance :/ But you can still get financial aid.

 

[johnnyscans]

Yeah you can but you won't get a Harvard ID or their health insurance :/ But you can still get financial aid.

This. You can enroll in the HCP, but you won't be a diploma student. There are plenty of options for health insurance in MA though.

 

[Doc Masseter]

Thank you for the quick replies!


Sent from my iPad using SDN Mobile app

 

[mdanitka]

Sorry for the random post...but I'm getting a little nervous noticing there's 340 spots for Chemistry this Fall. I plan on applying formally to the program as soon as I can later on this year, but for now I'm under open-enrollment (made the mistake of waiting too long with my application plus being outside the country didn't help). What do you guys think, worth the risk of coming out to Boston? Does Chemistry always fill up immediately? =/

 

[smiley27]

Hi mdanitka, i am not in the program and an open enrollment student. You shouldn't have any problem registering for gen chem. The lecture halls are crowded in the beginning of class (as the course progresses people will drop and others will just show up for exams) so a lot of people do register and take the class but i doubt it fills up. Once again you shouldn't gave to worry about not being able to register.

 

[johnnyscans]

Just found out I'll be Tf-ing Phyiscs this upcoming semester/year. You all should try to get into my section. It will be rainbows and lollipops.

 

[smiley27]

Good job man

I'm studying for physics/mcat now and i'm actually thinking of sitting in on some of Rueckner's lectures next semester.

 

[smiley27]

Johnny, aren't you done with all of your prereqs? When are you taking the mcat and applying? And what are you gonna do this next tear besides tf?

 

[johnnyscans]

Johnny, aren't you done with all of your prereqs? When are you taking the mcat and applying? And what are you gonna do this next tear besides tf?

Nope, still need to take Orgo, and I'm taking Molecular Biology and Biochemistry this summer, in addition to A&P (with Orgo) in the fall. I've heard that those classes can help both with MS1 and the MCAT.

 

[smiley27]

Good call. I have the same thoughts as you. I wanna take a&p, cell and molec. bio (upper-division), biochem and genetics before smp/ms1. Even the medical microbio class looks good. I took a quick glance at the step 1 topics and biochem and microbio were one of the main ones i think.

Man im getting way ahead of myself, again. I need to pass intro bio first hah!

 

[mdanitka]

Hi mdanitka, i am not in the program and an open enrollment student. You shouldn't have any problem registering for gen chem. The lecture halls are crowded in the beginning of class (as the course progresses people will drop and others will just show up for exams) so a lot of people do register and take the class but i doubt it fills up. Once again you shouldn't gave to worry about not being able to register.

That is really great news, I can almost breathe a bit easier knowing that, thank you so much! Now gotta start the apartment hunting 🙂 Any good recommended areas everyone???

 

[Soco9087]

Just found out I'll be Tf-ing Phyiscs this upcoming semester/year. You all should try to get into my section. It will be rainbows and lollipops.

Only if you promise me an A, or delicious snacks.

 

[johnnyscans]

Only if you promise me an A, or delicious snacks.

I can arm you with the knowledge to get an A! 🙂

 

[smiley27]

That is really great news, I can almost breathe a bit easier knowing that, thank you so much! Now gotta start the apartment hunting 🙂 Any good recommended areas everyone???

Obviously check out the cambridge area. Also look at allston and somerville area, central and porter squares.

I live relatively further away in a place called belmont, it's a commute but lower rent out here. I like it here.

Try craigslisting. Throw in harvard into your search to pullup posts with harvard in them to see people talking about how far it is from campus.

 

[Dance864]

Hoping somebody might have an answer to this...Does the schedule of when the classes are held at HES change from year-to-year? As an example will Bio always be Mon, Wed evenings or could it change for 2013? I have a *fairly* lucrative, very enjoyable evening job 2 weeknights that I don't want to give up if I don't have to.

I live in Providence and it seems like HES is the best option in terms of price and schedule for me, but if anyone knows any other reasonably priced post-bac options in the area please tell me! 🙂

 

[smiley27]

Hoping somebody might have an answer to this...Does the schedule of when the classes are held at HES change from year-to-year? As an example will Bio always be Mon, Wed evenings or could it change for 2013? I have a *fairly* lucrative, very enjoyable evening job 2 weeknights that I don't want to give up if I don't have to.

I live in Providence and it seems like HES is the best option in terms of price and schedule for me, but if anyone knows any other reasonably priced post-bac options in the area please tell me! 🙂

Hey, I'm pretty sure the course times are fixed. Course availability should be coming out soon for the fall and I'm expecting the times and days to be the same as previous years.

HES is a great place to do a postbac. BU, tufts and umass boston also have postbac programs.

 

[MedWonk]

Hoping somebody might have an answer to this...Does the schedule of when the classes are held at HES change from year-to-year? As an example will Bio always be Mon, Wed evenings or could it change for 2013? I have a *fairly* lucrative, very enjoyable evening job 2 weeknights that I don't want to give up if I don't have to.

I live in Providence and it seems like HES is the best option in terms of price and schedule for me, but if anyone knows any other reasonably priced post-bac options in the area please tell me! 🙂

The pre-reqs pretty much stay the same. New course info for fall/spring is already up.
Upper-level courses might change. Biochem, for example, will be on Friday nights this upcoming semester, as opposed to Saturday mornings. Otherwise, I think most course tend to stay the same. They tend to be scheduled such that you're able to take 2 or 3 prereqs in a semester without having any scheduling conflicts.

As far as price, HES is probably the most affordable, depending on what you need to take. UMass-Dartmouth is also another option, though I believe the courses are during the day. I'm not complete sure on that, though. I believe Worcester State also offers a post-bacc. There are other post-baccs, such as Tufts and Brandeis, but they're much more expensive.

 

[Jennet]

Casey did a couple of the lectures, and she was solid. It should be a good class for you guys.
On another note, how do you pronounce Tucci? Is it too-chee?

Tucci is traditionally pronounced TOO-CHEE in Italian but for some reason, he goes with TOO-CEE. The double c's make a CH sound when followed with an i or e. Not sure how his family came upon the pronunciation with CEE. It should be pronounced just like "Gucci".

Source: Parlo italiano e lavorata per VALVITALIA.

 

[smiley27]

Pardon my Italian but ...

La Grotto Blu è bella. Tu vai nella barca piccolo e scendi nella barca dal tetti basso di il grotto. Il grotto è sessanta metre lunghi e venticinque largo. Quando luce del sole è generoso, l'acqua è trasparente e è magnifico. Tu puoi immergere la mano nel'acqua e canti a amice e famiglia.

 

[Soco9087]

Arrived in Cambridge first impression hippies/hipsters everywhere, I need bike, and not bad.

 

[mdanitka]

This may be random but is anyone on here still looking for a roommate to live with? I'll be starting in the Fall and feeling definitely overwhelmed by the hunt. Let me know, thanks!

 

[Soco9087]

This may be random but is anyone on here still looking for a roommate to live with? I'll be starting in the Fall and feeling definitely overwhelmed by the hunt. Let me know, thanks!

Though I just moved in I'll try and give you some advice. I'm paying about 800 without utilities but I juat live arojnd the corner from school. I used padmapper.com and wanted to avoid the ridiculous fee at all cost, so I limited my search to mostly people who were looking for roommates. Most people don't get back too you so out takes sometime. I also had to take a virtual tour and sign the lease sight unseen, turning out alight so far

 

[Magilacutty]

This may be random but is anyone on here still looking for a roommate to live with? I'll be starting in the Fall and feeling definitely overwhelmed by the hunt. Let me know, thanks!

Yeah, still looking, primarily through Craigslist. My situation is a little complicated because I won't be in the area to see a place until July. I'm finding several ads for one open room/one roommate needed in a house or large apartment in Somerville or in the Harvard periphery, and that's kinda what I'm leaning towards to keep cost down.

 

[mdanitka]

Well after spending a few days glued to the computer screen, looks like I have a place or two definitely lined up to view when I fly in August. I'm hoping somebody knows the answer to this: if I am enrolled in the Chem/Phys this fall as an open-enrollment student, and will apply to the HCP later on in the year, does that mean FAFSA does not apply to me since I am not officially in any program? If so, any good loans you'd recommend that'd help cover the classes/living in Cambridge?