Official Harvard Extension 2012 Thread

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So like everybody else I am interested in apply to medical school. But I am not sure if I should I apply to the HCP or can I just take the pre-reqs on my own?

I have been out of college for almost a decade now and so I may need to go at a slower pace compared to someone who just recently graduated and still in the mode.

Additionally, I did not take any math or science courses in my undergrad; hence my hesitation to attend a structured program because I may need to take it slow until I get comfortable.

Your guidance is much appreciated!
 
nonsequitur said:
So like everybody else I am interested in apply to medical school. But I am not sure if I should I apply to the HCP or can I just take the pre-reqs on my own?

I have been out of college for almost a decade now and so I may need to go at a slower pace compared to someone who just recently graduated and still in the mode.

Additionally, I did not take any math or science courses in my undergrad; hence my hesitation to attend a structured program because I may need to take it slow until I get comfortable.

Your guidance is much appreciated!
Click to expand...

I graduated with a degree in Theatre Arts and had been out of college long enough to forget any basic math I was required to take. The benefits of the program are numerous and I suggest taking the plunge. The work is similar to what you will find in medical school and will help to test your aptitude for the future. I was initially both challenged and humbled by the HCP and now, as a second year, have learned how to manage my time. It isn't as bad as it seems.
 
Jennet said:
I graduated with a degree in Theatre Arts and had been out of college long enough to forget any basic math I was required to take. The benefits of the program are numerous and I suggest taking the plunge. The work is similar to what you will find in medical school and will help to test your aptitude for the future. I was initially both challenged and humbled by the HCP and now, as a second year, have learned how to manage my time. It isn't as bad as it seems.
Click to expand...

I will agree with most of this. You need to walk a fine line when completing premedical post-bacc work. On one hand, you want to show that you can handle a relatively full-schedule of difficult science coursework while maintaining other activities like volunteering, shadowing, working and research. It's seen as a test-of-fitness for medical school.

Anyone can take one class a semester and get straight As. Adcoms want to see what happens when the going gets tough and you have to juggle multiple commitments. Like Jennet I had very little science coursework in college. My vote is to take the plunge. The HCP is awesome. My classmates are down to earth, Fixsen and Co. are extremely supportive, and the quality/price of education is unbeatable. Boston is the best city in the country to be in if you're planning a career in medicine. There are 3-4 top hospitals, including arguably the top research hospital in the country, and numerous top medical schools. Opportunities are endless.
 
johnnyscans said:
I will agree with most of this. You need to walk a fine line when completing premedical post-bacc work. On one hand, you want to show that you can handle a relatively full-schedule of difficult science coursework while maintaining other activities like volunteering, shadowing, working and research. It's seen as a test-of-fitness for medical school.

Anyone can take one class a semester and get straight As. Adcoms want to see what happens when the going gets tough and you have to juggle multiple commitments. Like Jennet I had very little science coursework in college. My vote is to take the plunge. The HCP is awesome. My classmates are down to earth, Fixsen and Co. are extremely supportive, and the quality/price of education is unbeatable. Boston is the best city in the country to be in if you're planning a career in medicine. There are 3-4 top hospitals, including arguably the top research hospital in the country, and numerous top medical schools. Opportunities are endless.
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johnnyscans you're post just made me so much more excited for when I finally register and move in to Boston in a few weeks. Nervous...yes, but glad I am taking the plunge. Thank you for the reassuring words.
 
Spider = biochemistry exam

img-79895-med.gif
 
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johnnyscans said:
Every Bio class I've been in has low averages and a fairly generous curve. Keep your head up.
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Thanks, I was above the average, but the shame of getting beat by a high school student will linger.

Wish you luck on yours.

Does the summer schedule of molecular and biochem sync nicely? Like are the exam staggered or do you have back to back exams?
 
Soco9087 said:
Thanks, I was above the average, but the shame of getting beat by a high school student will linger.

Wish you luck on yours.

Does the summer schedule of molecular and biochem sync nicely? Like are the exam staggered or do you have back to back exams?
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Back to back for both midterms and finals.🙁
 
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Soco9087 said:
Love it, he's great all around. His test are extremely challenging but fair. Labs are kind of boring though.
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Word on the street is that his bio class is really good and comprehensive. He used to teach bio in the extension school but not anymore.
 
Should I dedicated my time to one lab or rotate to another one for a difference experience later?
 
Soco9087 said:
Should I dedicated my time to one lab or rotate to another one for a difference experience later?
Click to expand...

Probably depends on what you are looking for. If you want to publish a paper, most likely you'll have to stick to one lab to do different experiments and repeats. Trust me, everything takes much longer than you anticipate.

From my experience though, if you are happy with the PI, post-docs/PhDs and the lab facilities, I wouldn't bother changing. If there is a specific experimental technique you want to do, ask your PI whether you can collaborate with a different lab or if he has the funds to buy the equipment etc.
 
smiley27 said:
Word on the street is that his bio class is really good and comprehensive. He used to teach bio in the extension school but not anymore.
Click to expand...

I heard nothing but excellent reviews about Fixsen's course. The best quote was: "it is harder than orgo but more rewarding than any other summer class". How is that for an evaluation? Personally, I really really like Dr. Fixsen; his advising sessions are a hoot.

Dr. Fixsen: *stares at me blankly*
Jennet: Well I uh, wanted to discuss where I'm at.
Dr. Fixsen: You're fine.
Jennet: Yes but I want to make sure I'm doing enough because [insert random pre-med neurotic rant about volunteer hours or A- versus B+]
Dr. Fixsen: That's not true.
Jennet: What but I heard...
Dr. Fixsen: You're fine.

He has this way of making me remember to temper SDN with reality and realistic expectations. He has probably heard every thing in the book from me... :laugh:

EDIT: Because if the avatar didn't give it away, I'm Elliot Reid.
 
Is BioChem II offered at Harvard Ext? I only see BIOS E-10 Introduction to Biochemistry.

Also, it says Chem and Bio are prereqs but doesn't mention Orgo. Has anyone taken Orgo and BioChem at the same time?
 
Jennet said:
I heard nothing but excellent reviews about Fixsen's course. The best quote was: "it is harder than orgo but more rewarding than any other summer class". How is that for an evaluation? Personally, I really really like Dr. Fixsen; his advising sessions are a hoot.

Dr. Fixsen: *stares at me blankly*
Jennet: Well I uh, wanted to discuss where I'm at.
Dr. Fixsen: You're fine.
Jennet: Yes but I want to make sure I'm doing enough because [insert random pre-med neurotic rant about volunteer hours or A- versus B+]
Dr. Fixsen: That's not true.
Jennet: What but I heard...
Dr. Fixsen: You're fine.

He has this way of making me remember to temper SDN with reality and realistic expectations. He has probably heard every thing in the book from me... :laugh:

EDIT: Because if the avatar didn't give it away, I'm Elliot Reid.
Click to expand...

This was my exact experience when I went to meet him. The man is serious business.
 
Soco9087 said:
Should I dedicated my time to one lab or rotate to another one for a difference experience later?
Click to expand...

My advice is to sick with one lab. You'll receive better training, more responsibilities and will be able to forge a more meaningful relationship with your PI. Due to the time commitment I've given my lab, I've been assigned my own project: I make my schedule, run my own experiments and (hopefully) will get first-author on a pretty good publication. Lab work, especially your training, takes a lot of time. Some protocols are difficult and one slip-up (which I've been guilty of multiple times) can erase 3 weeks of work in the blink of an eye. You also get to deal with unforeseen events like antibodies dying, cells dying or established protocols simply not working.

All that scary mumbo-jumbo said, I love research. It's challenging and rewarding, and has opened up a sh*tload of doors for me. My last piece of advice is be honest when interviewing. Tell the PI exactly how much time you can give per week and how long (weeks/months/years) you expect to work with them. Ask what your responsibilities will be and who you'll be working with and trained by.

Your goal: get partnered up with a nice post-doc who needs help with their project. This will allow you to learn techniques and perform meaningful work. You will receive quality training since the post-doc will want to make sure things are done right.

Jennet said:
I heard nothing but excellent reviews about Fixsen's course. The best quote was: "it is harder than orgo but more rewarding than any other summer class". How is that for an evaluation? Personally, I really really like Dr. Fixsen; his advising sessions are a hoot.

Dr. Fixsen: *stares at me blankly*
Jennet: Well I uh, wanted to discuss where I'm at.
Dr. Fixsen: You're fine.
Jennet: Yes but I want to make sure I'm doing enough because [insert random pre-med neurotic rant about volunteer hours or A- versus B+]
Dr. Fixsen: That's not true.
Jennet: What but I heard...
Dr. Fixsen: You're fine.

He has this way of making me remember to temper SDN with reality and realistic expectations. He has probably heard every thing in the book from me... :laugh:

EDIT: Because if the avatar didn't give it away, I'm Elliot Reid.
Click to expand...

I love meeting with Fixsen. I always walk out relieved yet feeling challenged. I'm glad he's on my side.
 
hey,

i am from San Francisco and will be moving there for fall semester. I am still looking for a room to rent; but also looking for people in the class to get to know!
 
All the labs I e-mail want my CV, when I got around to making one there almost nothing on there. 🙁



nonsequitur said:
hey,

i am from San Francisco and will be moving there for fall semester. I am still looking for a room to rent; but also looking for people in the class to get to know!
Click to expand...

Awesome, what class are you planning on taking?
 
Soco9087 said:
All the labs I e-mail want my CV, when I got around to making one there almost nothing on there. 🙁
Click to expand...

Tip - list "relevant coursework" under your education section. Include any science classes and the labs you've completed in those classes. That should help you to target your resume to research positions.
 
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johnnyscans said:
Tip - list "relevant coursework" under your education section. Include any science classes and the labs you've completed in those classes. That should help you to target your resume to research positions.
Click to expand...

You make it sound so easy, too bad for me though it only includes a few weeks of biology.
 
HCP's website does not explain clearly when to submit the application.

i plan to take some introductory courses my first year (math, english, science). Also, i am moving from the west coast, so I need to use the first year to get situated and find a part-time job (hopefully in clinical research).

I plan to complete the pre-reqs in the last two years. so with this timeline, i should be done by spring of 2015.

so i plan to take three years.

when should i be applying to attend HCP?

i appreciate your guidance
 
nonsequitur said:
when should i be applying to attend HCP?
Click to expand...

I think applications for the health careers program for this fall is probably closed by now, you should e-mail them and see if they are still accepting.

The extension school is open enrollment, so you can sign up to take classes any time.
 
Hi everyone, I've posted a couple times awhile ago and want to thank you for the apartment advice. I start driving in three weeks and I'm excited to get out there. I've been reading the board and I would love to meet some of you guys when I'm there, and maybe be a part of some study groups... or just be active on this board 🙄. I'll be taking Orgo, Bio, and Physics (as I've read here, not exactly the suggested course load). Anyone else taking three courses or these three courses? Also, to those of you who have taken any of these, which rely heavily on the textbook? I was a math undergrad and rarely bought books and not sure if it would be foolish to not buy books for these courses, or if it's doable... thanks and I'm excited to be starting this journey soon!
 
Soco9087 said:
You make it sound so easy, too bad for me though it only includes a few weeks of biology.
Click to expand...

Ahh. What about past jobs? Anything with multitasking, dedication, organization, learning on the fly. etc. All of those are traits of a good lab worker.

SomedaySoonMM said:
Hi everyone, I've posted a couple times awhile ago and want to thank you for the apartment advice. I start driving in three weeks and I'm excited to get out there. I've been reading the board and I would love to meet some of you guys when I'm there, and maybe be a part of some study groups... or just be active on this board 🙄. I'll be taking Orgo, Bio, and Physics (as I've read here, not exactly the suggested course load). Anyone else taking three courses or these three courses? Also, to those of you who have taken any of these, which rely heavily on the textbook? I was a math undergrad and rarely bought books and not sure if it would be foolish to not buy books for these courses, or if it's doable... thanks and I'm excited to be starting this journey soon!
Click to expand...

I took three courses in the Spring. It's a doozy. Are you planning on working fulltime as well? Physics requires the textbook IMO. I found that reading before lecture, then doing as many practice problems as possible was the best way to succeed on exams. A good Biology textbook will serve you in the long-run. As I've gotten into more advance classes I still find myself referencing my gen. bio textbook.

If you're taking physics sign up for my lab and discussion section, as I'll be TF-ing! I'll post my day/time here once it's been assigned.
 
johnnyscans said:
If you're taking physics sign up for my lab and discussion section, as I'll be TF-ing! I'll post my day/time here once it's been assigned.
Click to expand...

I'll be there. I was wondering how did you get the position? I'd would love to try and master something and then teach it.
 
Soco9087 said:
I'll be there. I was wondering how did you get the position? I'd would love to try and master something and then teach it.
Click to expand...

I did really well in the class. True A's both semesters and +/- 95 test average. Also, I was active in section, in lab and on the discussion board. Finally, I spoke with Rueckner both after class and via email about not only the class, but Physics in general. It may sound corny as hell, but I look at and think about a lot of things differently since taking his class.

About halfway through the second semester I expressed interest in a TF position and he explained that he wouldn't know if he needed people until summer. About a month ago I got an email asking me to come in and we chatted and he broke down the workload and responsibilities and offered me a position. The rest is history.

In short, kick ass, participate and don't be afraid to chat physics (or any class) with your professor.
 
johnnyscans said:
Ahh. What about past jobs? Anything with multitasking, dedication, organization, learning on the fly. etc. All of those are traits of a good lab worker.



I took three courses in the Spring. It's a doozy. Are you planning on working fulltime as well? Physics requires the textbook IMO. I found that reading before lecture, then doing as many practice problems as possible was the best way to succeed on exams. A good Biology textbook will serve you in the long-run. As I've gotten into more advance classes I still find myself referencing my gen. bio textbook.

If you're taking physics sign up for my lab and discussion section, as I'll be TF-ing! I'll post my day/time here once it's been assigned.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I am expecting it to be consuming, and although I'm a little nervous, I feel pretty good. Because I knew I was going to taking all three, I spent the beginning of this year learning the first semester of ochem (using the materials posted online for the HE class) so at least that won't be new. I think I'll definitely go with the physics text book in that case (and definitely let us know which sections you will be TF-ing, I'm up for that) and work on getting the bio a little later if it's not a huge necessity up front. Thanks for the info 🙂
 
SomedaySoonMM said:
Hi everyone, I've posted a couple times awhile ago and want to thank you for the apartment advice. I start driving in three weeks and I'm excited to get out there. I've been reading the board and I would love to meet some of you guys when I'm there, and maybe be a part of some study groups... or just be active on this board 🙄. I'll be taking Orgo, Bio, and Physics (as I've read here, not exactly the suggested course load). Anyone else taking three courses or these three courses? Also, to those of you who have taken any of these, which rely heavily on the textbook? I was a math undergrad and rarely bought books and not sure if it would be foolish to not buy books for these courses, or if it's doable... thanks and I'm excited to be starting this journey soon!
Click to expand...

There will be a start of semester event with the student group - probably a BBQ the weekend before classes begin. I'll make sure to post the info here!
 
Jennet said:
There will be a start of semester event with the student group - probably a BBQ the weekend before classes begin. I'll make sure to post the info here!
Click to expand...

Great! thanks 🙂
 
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SomedaySoonMM said:
I'll be taking Orgo, Bio, and Physics (as I've read here, not exactly the suggested course load). Anyone else taking three courses or these three courses? Also, to those of you who have taken any of these, which rely heavily on the textbook? I was a math undergrad and rarely bought books and not sure if it would be foolish to not buy books for these courses, or if it's doable... thanks and I'm excited to be starting this journey soon!
Click to expand...

Hi SomedaySoonMM,

I'll be taking ochem and bio with you in the fall. I just finished gen chem and physics here at HES. Regarding your decision on whether to buy books I would recommend you to buy all of the textbooks. You will need it for physics. If you're like me and you prefer to get a head start on the material I suggest you read the first fee chapters and start doing practice problems in the physics book ASAP. The syllabus and course schedule is up on the physics website, it isn't hard to find. Last winter break I actually did the first three chapters before the first day of class because I looked on the syllabus and knew the first exam was on those chapters. You get to drop one midterm in physics out of two so I wanted to go lights out on the first exam to put myself in the best position as possible going into the final. I ended up doing really well on the first midterm and my advanced preparation set the tone for the whole semester and I ended up doing well on both midterms and the final. I attribute this to my advanced preparation. Almost everyone I've spoken to said that the second semester is harder but I found it much easier. Oh and what I mean by "I did the first few chapters" is that I read them and attempted all of the odd end of chapter problems. You can certainly do well without advanced preparation but hey- champions are made in the off-season. Hah!

I'm currently preparing for ochem using a book called "organic chemistry as a second language" because it's recommended by a lot of people. Try and look at the anazon reviews on the book, and try even searching on SDN about it. People say it made the difference in succeeding in ochem. I'm about half way through this book and I'll start looking over the ochem text if I have time. We all heard ochem is a hard class so I'm buckling up for the adventure.
 
Jennet said:
There will be a start of semester event with the student group - probably a BBQ the weekend before classes begin. I'll make sure to post the info here!
Click to expand...

Aww man, I might just miss the BBQ! I arrive on the 27th 🙁
 
SomedaySoonMM said:
Hi everyone, I've posted a couple times awhile ago and want to thank you for the apartment advice. I start driving in three weeks and I'm excited to get out there. I've been reading the board and I would love to meet some of you guys when I'm there, and maybe be a part of some study groups... or just be active on this board 🙄. I'll be taking Orgo, Bio, and Physics (as I've read here, not exactly the suggested course load). Anyone else taking three courses or these three courses? Also, to those of you who have taken any of these, which rely heavily on the textbook? I was a math undergrad and rarely bought books and not sure if it would be foolish to not buy books for these courses, or if it's doable... thanks and I'm excited to be starting this journey soon!
Click to expand...

I'm not sure the books are still the same since I took these courses, but Physics requires the book. We used the green Giambattista book. The int'l version is identical and much cheaper.

For Orgo, the book wasn't absolutely necessary, but the prof did occasionally assign HW problems from it. We used Organic Chemistry by Maitland Jones. No international copy that I could find, but if anyone is interested in buying my used copy (with accompanying solution manual to some problems), let me know.

Lastly, I know the Bio prof. is different, so I can't predict whether you'll need the book or not. I used it extensively. Int'l copy also available and identical when it was taught by Anderson.
 
smiley27 said:
Hi SomedaySoonMM,

I'll be taking ochem and bio with you in the fall. I just finished gen chem and physics here at HES. Regarding your decision on whether to buy books I would recommend you to buy all of the textbooks. You will need it for physics. If you're like me and you prefer to get a head start on the material I suggest you read the first fee chapters and start doing practice problems in the physics book ASAP. The syllabus and course schedule is up on the physics website, it isn't hard to find. Last winter break I actually did the first three chapters before the first day of class because I looked on the syllabus and knew the first exam was on those chapters. You get to drop one midterm in physics out of two so I wanted to go lights out on the first exam to put myself in the best position as possible going into the final. I ended up doing really well on the first midterm and my advanced preparation set the tone for the whole semester and I ended up doing well on both midterms and the final. I attribute this to my advanced preparation. Almost everyone I've spoken to said that the second semester is harder but I found it much easier. Oh and what I mean by "I did the first few chapters" is that I read them and attempted all of the odd end of chapter problems. You can certainly do well without advanced preparation but hey- champions are made in the off-season. Hah!

I'm currently preparing for ochem using a book called "organic chemistry as a second language" because it's recommended by a lot of people. Try and look at the anazon reviews on the book, and try even searching on SDN about it. People say it made the difference in succeeding in ochem. I'm about half way through this book and I'll start looking over the ochem text if I have time. We all heard ochem is a hard class so I'm buckling up for the adventure.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the suggestions regarding physics! I am right there with you, and definitely want to get a leg up on physics in particular (not my best subject, but hoping to change that). It is good to know that some pre-emptive studying really made a big difference for you.

As for ochem, I actually spent the good part of the beginning of the year studying the materials posted on the HE website for first semester. It is the same prof as last year, so I am guessing it will all be pretty much the same. I just checked my links and looks like the website has been taken down. I studied the lecture notes/practice problems/practice tests, etc... In fact, I believe I saved the pdf's to all of that, so if you are interested in some material from the course, let me know and I can email them out. If anyone else wants them to study ahead, you are welcome as well (the content was all public, so I don't think there would be an issue with giving it out, but if anyone thinks differently let me know, I don’t want to get in trouble). I have heard good things about the ochem as a second language book too and I am thinking I might go with that for some extra guidance. Oh, and as for the course material, the review sections seem to be REALLY helpful. Not sure if the same person is leading them as last year, but I'm looking forward to those if they work with my schedule... but I have copies of those notes as well.

 
SomedaySoonMM said:
Thanks for the suggestions regarding physics! I am right there with you, and definitely want to get a leg up on physics in particular (not my best subject, but hoping to change that). It is good to know that some pre-emptive studying really made a big difference for you.

As for ochem, I actually spent the good part of the beginning of the year studying the materials posted on the HE website for first semester. It is the same prof as last year, so I am guessing it will all be pretty much the same. I just checked my links and looks like the website has been taken down. I studied the lecture notes/practice problems/practice tests, etc... In fact, I believe I saved the pdf's to all of that, so if you are interested in some material from the course, let me know and I can email them out. If anyone else wants them to study ahead, you are welcome as well (the content was all public, so I don't think there would be an issue with giving it out, but if anyone thinks differently let me know, I don’t want to get in trouble). I have heard good things about the ochem as a second language book too and I am thinking I might go with that for some extra guidance. Oh, and as for the course material, the review sections seem to be REALLY helpful. Not sure if the same person is leading them as last year, but I'm looking forward to those if they work with my schedule... but I have copies of those notes as well.
Click to expand...

Review sessions for gen. chem were great. While the time slot didn't fit my schedule, they were recorded and posted online.

Mastery of HW problems + Justin's Friday review + practice exams = good grade
 
Woohoo nothing like riding a bike home when its thundering and pouring out.

Do classes get wait listed often? Do I need to wake up with my computer next to me when registration opens next week?
 
Soco9087 said:
Woohoo nothing like riding a bike home when its thundering and pouring out.

Do classes get wait listed often? Do I need to wake up with my computer next to me when registration opens next week?
Click to expand...

I'm dreading my ride. I'm hoping this slows down in 20 mins.

I've taken 7 classes so far. None of them have been waitlisted.
 
Soco9087 said:
Woohoo nothing like riding a bike home when its thundering and pouring out.

Do classes get wait listed often? Do I need to wake up with my computer next to me when registration opens next week?
Click to expand...

The only classes I've seen waitlisted were the expository writing classes, calculus, and intro psych. Those classes have relatively small enrollment caps, and expository writing is required of students who plan on enrolling in the Extension School to get a bachelor's or associate's.

I don't think there are too many people rushing to sign up for science classes.
 
MedWonk said:
The only classes I've seen waitlisted were the expository writing classes, calculus, and intro psych. Those classes have relatively small enrollment caps, and expository writing is required of students who plan on enrolling in the Extension School to get a bachelor's or associate's.

I don't think there are too many people rushing to sign up for science classes.
Click to expand...

MedWonk, did you take expo e25? What did you think of it? I'm thinking of taking it in the january term... If i can pass the placement exam.
 
smiley27 said:
MedWonk, did you take expo e25? What did you think of it? I'm thinking of taking it in the january term... If i can pass the placement exam.
Click to expand...

I did not take any of the writing classes, or not really. I went to the first class of e25 until I discovered that my literature background was more than enough to fulfill any school's English requirement, after which I dropped the course. So, I'm probably not the best judge of whether or not it's a good course. I've only others talk about it, and they've said it was tough, but it's tough to gauge how tough it actually could be without having taken the course and without knowing what kind of background those other people had.

Also, there are a dozen different people who teach the course, so you'd have to find someone who's taken e25 with your particular teacher.

On paper, it just looks like any other writing course I've taken. Prepare to write a lot of drafts and be told how crappy your writing is.
 
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