Official Harvard Extension 2012 Thread

[MedWonk]

For those in the Diploma program, though I doubt time would allow it, is anyone doing any club sport? Like join the rowing team, frisbee, etc? I like getting involved so was just wondering if anyone was in the clubs.

How do you find the time?

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[oldcrumb]

I have a question that will probably be best answered by me awkwardly asking my TA, but I figured I'd ask it here in case anyone else has any insight, first.

In the physics syllabus it says that, if you get a 0 on both midterms, the final counts for 70%, essentially, but the way it's written makes it unclear whether or not you're actually allowed to just not take either midterm (as opposed to showing up and somehow scoring a 0?). Does anyone know if this means that it's possible to skip both midterms and try to go all-out on the final? I just started a new job in January that has been consuming all of my time - every Tuesday (today was one of them) when I try to leave on time for class, an experiment runs over, a machine breaks and I have to call the company for 2hrs, etc, and the end result is that, while I've turned in my labs and homeworks and am getting fine grades there, my preparation for these exams has been minimal. I missed the first midterm because I was out of town for a funeral, and I'm now floundering with trying to prepare for the 2nd midterm next Tuesday. Would it be nuts for me to skip that one too and try to play some kind of long-game where I catch up in time for the final? I got a 94 on last semester's final, so I feel like this should be doable, but I'm wondering if it's allowed.

I'm assuming no one else is pondering such an absurd idea and my best best will be to talk to my TA and get the obligatory eye-roll, but I figured I'd post here on the off-chance that someone else has considered this scheme.

 

[Jennet]

Good luck on the Chem test tomorrow everyone!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/557610_378469292174088_367116489976035_1257898_564566920_n.jpg

 

[Jennet]

I have a question that will probably be best answered by me awkwardly asking my TA, but I figured I'd ask it here in case anyone else has any insight, first.

In the physics syllabus it says that, if you get a 0 on both midterms, the final counts for 70%, essentially, but the way it's written makes it unclear whether or not you're actually allowed to just not take either midterm (as opposed to showing up and somehow scoring a 0?). Does anyone know if this means that it's possible to skip both midterms and try to go all-out on the final? I just started a new job in January that has been consuming all of my time - every Tuesday (today was one of them) when I try to leave on time for class, an experiment runs over, a machine breaks and I have to call the company for 2hrs, etc, and the end result is that, while I've turned in my labs and homeworks and am getting fine grades there, my preparation for these exams has been minimal. I missed the first midterm because I was out of town for a funeral, and I'm now floundering with trying to prepare for the 2nd midterm next Tuesday. Would it be nuts for me to skip that one too and try to play some kind of long-game where I catch up in time for the final? I got a 94 on last semester's final, so I feel like this should be doable, but I'm wondering if it's allowed.

I'm assuming no one else is pondering such an absurd idea and my best best will be to talk to my TA and get the obligatory eye-roll, but I figured I'd post here on the off-chance that someone else has considered this scheme.

Even if you make a 2 on the midterm and a 94 on the final, they will weight your grade to the final. It's called the "Rueckner constant" (not really, but that's what the 2nd years call it). He adjusts the grade for significant improvement on the final; it's in the syllabus. I'm of the mind that you should never sell yourself short in case something happens. What if you don't have as much time to study for this final compared to the last? What if you do exceptionally well on the midterm? I wouldn't risk backing yourself into a corner. Study hard and show up no matter what. Ask for the day off if you have to. I also work and take classes full-time so I can understand the occasional "can you stay for blah blah" but remember that, and don't let work know, your number one priority is class.

 

[smiley27]

I have a question that will probably be best answered by me awkwardly asking my TA, but I figured I'd ask it here in case anyone else has any insight, first.

In the physics syllabus it says that, if you get a 0 on both midterms, the final counts for 70%, essentially, but the way it's written makes it unclear whether or not you're actually allowed to just not take either midterm (as opposed to showing up and somehow scoring a 0?). Does anyone know if this means that it's possible to skip both midterms and try to go all-out on the final? I just started a new job in January that has been consuming all of my time - every Tuesday (today was one of them) when I try to leave on time for class, an experiment runs over, a machine breaks and I have to call the company for 2hrs, etc, and the end result is that, while I've turned in my labs and homeworks and am getting fine grades there, my preparation for these exams has been minimal. I missed the first midterm because I was out of town for a funeral, and I'm now floundering with trying to prepare for the 2nd midterm next Tuesday. Would it be nuts for me to skip that one too and try to play some kind of long-game where I catch up in time for the final? I got a 94 on last semester's final, so I feel like this should be doable, but I'm wondering if it's allowed.

I'm assuming no one else is pondering such an absurd idea and my best best will be to talk to my TA and get the obligatory eye-roll, but I figured I'd post here on the off-chance that someone else has considered this scheme.

Great score on last semester's final. I would would to Professor Rueckner face-to-face and tell him your situation.

 

[smiley27]

Good luck to everyone in chem e-1a. The practice exams weren't that bad. Definitely not as hard as the practice exams for the first test.

One concept I'm gonna be on the lookout for that I haven't seen recently is when you reverse a reaction you take the reciprocal of the constant and also when you multiply a reaction by a number you take the constant to the power of the number you multiplied by. Haven't seen that in a long time so I'm gonna be on the lookout for that.

 

[MedWonk]

Good luck to everyone in chem e-1a. The practice exams weren't that bad. Definitely not as hard as the practice exams for the first test.

One concept I'm gonna be on the lookout for that I haven't seen recently is when you reverse a reaction you take the reciprocal of the constant and also when you multiply a reaction by a number you take the constant to the power of the number you multiplied by. Haven't seen that in a long time so I'm gonna be on the lookout for that.

Man, I hate titration. TF Justin always gave us the toughest problems ever.

 

[SpagoBMS]

Just wondering if anyone knows of alternative options for health/vision/dental insurance for HCP students who are too old to be on their parents insurance and won't have insurance through a job.

 

[Jennet]

Just wondering if anyone knows of alternative options for health/vision/dental insurance for HCP students who are too old to be on their parents insurance and won't have insurance through a job.

You're in Massachusetts! Of course! There are tons of affordable healthcare options around the city.

Start here: http://www.massresources.org/health-care.html

 

[oldcrumb]

I talked to my TA and he was really understanding and helpful, but it is definitely risky. I'm considering withdrawing, getting caught up during the rest of the semester and the summer at a slower pace, and then re-taking it next spring (I'll have orgo too, but by then hopefully I'll be settled in at work and will have prepped myself enough for both this summer?). We'll see. Have to see if there's some downside to having a withdrawal on your transcript.

Great score on last semester's final. I would would to Professor Rueckner face-to-face and tell him your situation.

 

[johnnyscans]

Just wondering if anyone knows of alternative options for health/vision/dental insurance for HCP students who are too old to be on their parents insurance and won't have insurance through a job.

Amercan medical student association offers insurance too.

 

[johnnyscans]

Good luck to everyone in chem e-1a. The practice exams weren't that bad. Definitely not as hard as the practice exams for the first test.

One concept I'm gonna be on the lookout for that I haven't seen recently is when you reverse a reaction you take the reciprocal of the constant and also when you multiply a reaction by a number you take the constant to the power of the number you multiplied by. Haven't seen that in a long time so I'm gonna be on the lookout for that.

Yep. I bet we get one of those type of questions. I agree, practice exams have been fair - the friday review questions seem harder than the exams.

Good luck tomorrow.

Also, look out for the stoichiometry in Group 2 hydroxides. If the question asks how many moles of Group2OH were added, remember that each mole of Group2OH had 2 moles of OH-, so you need to adjust your dimensional analysis accordingly.

 

[johnnyscans]

Thoughts on chemistry?

 

[Sciengee]

Thoughts on chemistry?

Meh.. Hard to tell.
I was feeling good for the first 4.5 pages (it was a bit heavy on conceptual stuff, but pretty straight forward), but then that question about finding K at the bottom of page 5 completely tripped me up. How do you solve one equation with two unknowns? I know we had a question like that on the homework too, and I did figure it out at the time after pages and pages of random algebra, but I completely blanked on it tonight and thought there had to be a much simpler way to do it if the question was only worth 4 points... So annoying.
Page six titration graph was hit or miss... Either it was pretty easy or I just got it completely wrong haha.

What did you think?

 

[johnnyscans]

Meh.. Hard to tell.
I was feeling good for the first 4.5 pages (it was a bit heavy on conceptual stuff, but pretty straight forward), but then that question about finding K at the bottom of page 5 completely tripped me up. How do you solve one equation with two unknowns? I know we had a question like that on the homework too, and I did figure it out at the time after pages and pages of random algebra, but I completely blanked on it tonight and thought there had to be a much simpler way to do it if the question was only worth 4 points... So annoying.
Page six titration graph was hit or miss... Either it was pretty easy or I just got it completely wrong haha.

What did you think?

The conceptual questions always trip me up - the answer comes quickly then doubt starts creeping in. All in all I thought it was fair and I think I did well.

Onto physics now . . . . .

 

[CarpenterDntist]

Meh.. Hard to tell.
I was feeling good for the first 4.5 pages (it was a bit heavy on conceptual stuff, but pretty straight forward), but then that question about finding K at the bottom of page 5 completely tripped me up. How do you solve one equation with two unknowns? I know we had a question like that on the homework too, and I did figure it out at the time after pages and pages of random algebra, but I completely blanked on it tonight and thought there had to be a much simpler way to do it if the question was only worth 4 points... So annoying.
Page six titration graph was hit or miss... Either it was pretty easy or I just got it completely wrong haha.

What did you think?

I stared at this question for about a half hour. It was 4 points, so it had to something simple...Couldn't get it. Very frustrating. I knew it would come to me in the car on the way home and it did. If you have Kb for the base reacting with water to form the acid (the reverse of the the acid reacting with OH to form water) , then the K for the deprotonation of the acid should be 1/k right? So basic. No pun intended. Arrgh.

 

[smiley27]

YUP. That K question got me. Got me nice and good. Think I only took a hit on that question though. We'll see next week.

Now time to change into physics mode.

 

[johnnyscans]

I stared at this question for about a half hour. It was 4 points, so it had to something simple...Couldn't get it. Very frustrating. I knew it would come to me in the car on the way home and it did. If you have Kb for the base reacting with water to form the acid (the reverse of the the acid reacting with OH to form water) , then the K for the deprotonation of the acid should be 1/k right? So basic. No pun intended. Arrgh.

F*ck me. So simple.

 

[Sciengee]

I stared at this question for about a half hour. It was 4 points, so it had to something simple...Couldn't get it. Very frustrating. I knew it would come to me in the car on the way home and it did. If you have Kb for the base reacting with water to form the acid (the reverse of the the acid reacting with OH to form water) , then the K for the deprotonation of the acid should be 1/k right? So basic. No pun intended. Arrgh.

The answer key is up.
Yeah, I was not thinking that way at all...

 

[johnnyscans]

The answer key is up.
Yeah, I was not thinking that way at all...

I got 2 of the buffer questions wrong (damnit) and the K question, but other than that I'm looking good.

 

[Sciengee]

I got 2 of the buffer questions wrong (damnit) and the K question, but other than that I'm looking good.

Same here! Two buffer questions and the K problem (though I knew that the value for K was supposed to be large and answered the other two questions on the bottom of that page; wonder if they will take points off those for not basing them on the actual value for K). I didn't even think twice about the buffer questions, thought those were pretty straight forward. Still don't get why the first one is a buffer while the second one is not. I didn't think any of the four were acids paired with their own conjugate bases.. Oh well.

 

[smiley27]

Yeah I thought the buffer questions were just questions you could look at and immediately determine if they were or weren't but I ended up making 4 rice tables, one for each just to be sure.

I also COMPLETELY missed the K question. Pretty sure I'm gonna get 4 points taken off for that problem but I also answered the following two questions correctly based on an incorrect k value. Hopefully we'll get full credit for those.

I thought the test was more difficult than previous exams. I was really prepared but that one K problem just left me in the dust.

 

[Jennet]

Yeah I thought the buffer questions were just questions you could look at and immediately determine if they were or weren't but I ended up making 4 rice tables, one for each just to be sure.

I also COMPLETELY missed the K question. Pretty sure I'm gonna get 4 points taken off for that problem but I also answered the following two questions correctly based on an incorrect k value. Hopefully we'll get full credit for those.

I thought the test was more difficult than previous exams. I was really prepared but that one K problem just left me in the dust.

K question went right up and over my head. Also missed one buffer question but other than that my test was solid. Glad for it too. I studied my tuckus off!

 

[nycstudyhard]

So hopefully one of the current students might be able to answer this - how does the financial aid process work? I know that the HCP students aren't typically students but I'm guessing the federal loan process is the same? Also, has anyone here been awarded one of the scholarships?

 

[MedWonk]

So hopefully one of the current students might be able to answer this - how does the financial aid process work? I know that the HCP students aren't typically students but I'm guessing the federal loan process is the same? Also, has anyone here been awarded one of the scholarships?

You fill out the FAFSA online, and fill out a financial aid enrollment plan that you can download from extension school financial aid office website, and then email or slow mail it to them. Then you wait.

This is my first attempt at getting a scholarship, but I don't know anyone who has gotten one, so I figure I'll probably have to take out a private loan for the summer and pay out of pocket during the year.

 

[johnnyscans]

Chemsters - no lab this week, correct? Just practice problems and test review I assume?

Hope everyone is having a glorious weekend. Winter is coming.

 

[johnnyscans]

You fill out the FAFSA online, and fill out a financial aid enrollment plan that you can download from extension school financial aid office website, and then email or slow mail it to them. Then you wait.

This is my first attempt at getting a scholarship, but I don't know anyone who has gotten one, so I figure I'll probably have to take out a private loan for the summer and pay out of pocket during the year.

Yea, I think I'll be private loaning + out of pocketing for the next summer + year of courses.

 

[Jennet]

I have the federal loans for the program and take out the maximum amount each semester. You have to fill out the FAFSA, complete the Extension forms about your program, and wait for verification. I did a break down in the 2010 thread where I basically copied my financial award letter. It is totally possible to do your classes with the federal loans, but you have to be in the diploma program. I think I get $6K a semester, which leaves a remainder of about $3K and I've saved the remaining amount for books, supplies, and the summer courses I am taking.

No Chem labs this week praise be to the lab gods.

I cannot bring myself to care more about this Physics test. It is killing me.

Winter has arrived!!! Finally!

 

[TheYeren]

Can anyone not in the diploma program say what their financial aid package is like? I've already taken bio so I'm not eligible for the diploma program but I also have no way of coming up with enough money in time for classes in the fall unless it's through loans.

 

[smiley27]

Good luck to everyone in physics.

 

[Jennet]

Good luck to everyone in physics.

We can't have the official Physics memes begin without the first Physics Troll Meme! Very relevant.

http://www.highwayeast.com/img/p/trollphysicred.jpg

 

[Equestrian]

Random question for all of you who have already taken (or are currently in) gen chem and/or physics...

I am planning to take gen chem either through Harvard Summer School or at HES in the fall, and I would also like to take physics in the fall, but my math is VERY rusty... My last math class was calc I, but I took it in 1993, and at the time found it to be pretty challenging. I now remember almost nothing. A long time ago (in high school) I was very good at math and did well on my SAT as well as on the math achievement tests.

Does anyone have any advice on how much math prep is necessary for chem and physics at HES? I'm particularly concerned about the summer, as I know it's a fast-paced course. It's my understanding that I don't need calculus - just algebra - but that I should be very comfortable with algebra.

Please let me know what you think. Thanks!

 

[johnnyscans]

Random question for all of you who have already taken (or are currently in) gen chem and/or physics...

I am planning to take gen chem either through Harvard Summer School or at HES in the fall, and I would also like to take physics in the fall, but my math is VERY rusty... My last math class was calc I, but I took it in 1993, and at the time found it to be pretty challenging. I now remember almost nothing. A long time ago (in high school) I was very good at math and did well on my SAT as well as on the math achievement tests.

Does anyone have any advice on how much math prep is necessary for chem and physics at HES? I'm particularly concerned about the summer, as I know it's a fast-paced course. It's my understanding that I don't need calculus - just algebra - but that I should be very comfortable with algebra.

Please let me know what you think. Thanks!

I'll start this with a caveat. I'm pretty good at math. 760/800 on my math SAT, 720 or something on the math SAT II.

Chem is all basic algebra and dimensional analysis (converting from one unit to another). You will need to use your quadratic equation at some point, so bonus points to you if you're comfortable with that.

Physics is another animal all together. You need a very solid understanding of Trig in order to succeed in this course. Newtonian physics deals a lot with right triangles, so understanding how to manipulate sin, cosine and tangent is extremely important.

That said, hard work in both of these classes will set you up for success. I've scored mid 90s on all exams in both of them. They're manageable and dedication to the material will pay off.

Hope this helps. . .

 

[samanthablondie]

I am glad someone told me about this forum yesterday!! I will be taking Biology at Harvard Extension this summer!! And then I will start with the rest of the pre-medical classes in the fall!!

My older sister will be coming with me too and we will share an apartment. She will be working at Mass General and has an unofficial offer from them on e-mail. Their formal offer on Mass General letterhead has yet to arrive. Thankfully finances for rent are not a problem this time because of my sister's job.

I read neighborhood descriptions on the Mass General site (http://www.massgeneral.org/mao/resources/housing.aspx) and I think my sister and I could live in any of these places

- Quincy (if we decide to have a car, which people say is a bad idea in Boston)
If no car, which will most likely be the case:
- Arlington
- Somerville
- Allston/Brighton
- Fenway/Kenmore
- Brookline
- Inman Square
- Medford
- Watertown (just over the border from Mt Auburn hospital)

My sister does not want to live in Cambridge itself because she is afraid she may run into someone she is trying to avoid. She and I want to live in an apartment - the kind that is managed by property managers, so that we deal with reputable companies and property managers, and not random individuals who we hear can be ruthless scumbags at times. The Mass General site and Padmapper do not give me a feel for the actual apartments, so I am hoping to rely on your personal recommendations and your judgement. If any of you live in apartment complexes that you are happy with or you think are convenient from the point of view of shopping and proximity to a T-stop, please give me your recommendations!! PM me or post here.

I also have no friends whatsoever in Massachusetts and have never been there, so I can use some friends too!! I am 23 and a girl. My sister is 29 and an MD herself, also single.

 

[johnnyscans]

I'd avoid a car like the plague. Lucky for me my girlfriend has one I can borrow when I need to make a target or costco run, but I'm all for biking and public transportation.

I think the first thing you need to figure out is how you're going to get around. Once that's settled, then you can start narrowing down neighborhoods. If she's at MGH and you're going to be at Harvard, something on the red line will be best. The green line T out in Fenway/Kenmore can be slow.

If I had to rattle off 5 suggestions of places to look that I think you might like, they would be: Somerville (the squares - davis, inman, etc), Back Bay, Fenway/Kenmore, Beacon Hill and North End. Allston/Brighton is undergraduate heaven and Brookline means a loonngg green line T commute.

 

[samanthablondie]

I'd avoid a car like the plague. Lucky for me my girlfriend has one I can borrow when I need to make a target or costco run, but I'm all for biking and public transportation.

I think the first thing you need to figure out is how you're going to get around. Once that's settled, then you can start narrowing down neighborhoods. If she's at MGH and you're going to be at Harvard, something on the red line will be best. The green line T out in Fenway/Kenmore can be slow.

If I had to rattle off 5 suggestions of places to look that I think you might like, they would be: Somerville (the squares - davis, inman, etc), Back Bay, Fenway/Kenmore, Beacon Hill and North End. Allston/Brighton is undergraduate heaven and Brookline means a loonngg green line T commute.

I think we will most likely avoid a car too.

Yes I like all those places you mentioned, as much as you can like them without seeing them, that is! Do you or anyone else have good apartment complexes to recommend in any of these areas?

 

[johnnyscans]

I think we will most likely avoid a car too.

Yes I like all those places you mentioned, as much as you can like them without seeing them, that is! Do you or anyone else have good apartment complexes to recommend in any of these areas?

I'm in the process of apartment hunting as well. If I find anything good in my search I'll let you know.

 

[Equestrian]

I'll start this with a caveat. I'm pretty good at math. 760/800 on my math SAT, 720 or something on the math SAT II.

Chem is all basic algebra and dimensional analysis (converting from one unit to another). You will need to use your quadratic equation at some point, so bonus points to you if you're comfortable with that.

Physics is another animal all together. You need a very solid understanding of Trig in order to succeed in this course. Newtonian physics deals a lot with right triangles, so understanding how to manipulate sin, cosine and tangent is extremely important.

That said, hard work in both of these classes will set you up for success. I've scored mid 90s on all exams in both of them. They're manageable and dedication to the material will pay off.

Hope this helps. . .

Thanks for the reply Johnnyscans! Basically, chem is mostly algebra based, while physics is more trig... Bizarrely, my high school just had math I, math II (with different levels, like standard, honors, AP), etc., so I don't entirely know what each discipline really encompasses...

Would you think that if I was solid 20 years ago (math SAT 740 on the OLD version), then it would all come back to me quickly enough, or would I be better off taking a pre-calc course to review?

Has anyone else had a big gap between taking math classes and starting chem or physics?

Thanks again!

 

[Soco9087]

I'm in the process of apartment hunting as well. If I find anything good in my search I'll let you know.

Find me something less then 500$ for the summer! common......

Johnny, How was the manageability of the 3 classes you had this spring? Did you find that you were push off other material to study for another class? How do finals look for you?

Thanks for the reply Johnnyscans! Basically, chem is mostly algebra based, while physics is more trig... Bizarrely, my high school just had math I, math II (with different levels, like standard, honors, AP), etc., so I don't entirely know what each discipline really encompasses...

Would you think that if I was solid 20 years ago (math SAT 740 on the OLD version), then it would all come back to me quickly enough, or would I be better off taking a pre-calc course to review?

Has anyone else had a big gap between taking math classes and starting chem or physics?

Thanks again!

I sounds like the best thing you can do is get an old algebra book and try a few problems, if it comes back to you good, if not then try and make it through the book by yourself. If you find that difficult then you should probably take a class. The biggest thing you don't want to do is going in to chem thing you can do algebra, but you can't and screwing up your grade.

 

[johnnyscans]

Thanks for the reply Johnnyscans! Basically, chem is mostly algebra based, while physics is more trig... Bizarrely, my high school just had math I, math II (with different levels, like standard, honors, AP), etc., so I don't entirely know what each discipline really encompasses...

Would you think that if I was solid 20 years ago (math SAT 740 on the OLD version), then it would all come back to me quickly enough, or would I be better off taking a pre-calc course to review?

Has anyone else had a big gap between taking math classes and starting chem or physics?

Thanks again!

I don't think you need a dedicated pre-calc course to review. Pick up "The MCAT Physics Book (http://www.amazon.com/MCAT-Physics-...7339/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333418636&sr=8-1) and d*ck around on Khan academy for a little bit. See if things start coming back to you. If they do, you're golden. With physics, like Hogwarts, there is help to those who seek it. If you start falling behind ask for help ASAP.

Chem math is much more simple. With your past performance I don't think you'll have any issues.

Find me something less then 500$ for the summer! common......

Johnny, How was the manageability of the 3 classes you had this spring? Did you find that you were push off other material to study for another class? How do finals look for you?

Haha, the past semester has been. . . interesting. . . to say the least. 12 credits, 20-30 hours a week in the lab (plus occasional weekends), 3 hrs a week clinical volunteering and sporadic shadowing have left me quite busy. Lucky my SO is in physical therapy graduate school, so we both have the same priorities (school > getting hammered on the weekend).

The coursework on its own would be easily manageable for anyone. Chemistry is structured to set anyone up for success. Go to class, pay attention, do the friday review problems, do the practice problems, do the psets, do the old exams the week before the test - show up, kick ass, wash rinse repeat.

Physics is an entirely different animal, but the key for his course is SMOKING the first exam. Last semester I got a 94 on the first exam, this semester I got a 97.5 or something (only 2 pts off). Doing well on the first exam allows you to relax and learn the rest of the material for the sake of learning. It also means I'm completely stress free in regards to the exam tomorrow, which works great, considering I have a rough draft of a 10-13 page cell biology paper due.

All in all, I wouldn't jump right into 3 courses, especially with new professors. Already having gamed Physics and armed with the knowledge that Tucci was an excellent teacher I took a risk and enrolled in three courses. Lucky for me it's working out - I have sky high marks in all 3 courses.

Make sure you know how to get A's and you have study/note-taking strategies that work for you. Also, while I won't recommend this to everyone, every once and a while you may have to skip a class. Tucci puts lecture videos online and as long as you answer 50% of the clicker questions you're good. As masochistic as it sounds, I like being this busy. I sleep well, I'm learning a ton, and I know that the grades I earn aren't handed out. . . I'm working for them. My life isn't entirely school/premed activities though. Gym for 1.5-2 hours 4-5 days a week, random social/outdoor activities on weekends and more than enough time to cook a nice meal every once in a while.

Long story short. Manageable? Absolutely. Easy? Nope. Will I enroll in 3 courses again? Absolutely.

Hope this helps.

 

[Sciengee]

Has anyone else had a big gap between taking math classes and starting chem or physics?

I was in the same boat - the highest level math class I ever took was algebra II. With zero preparation/review, I definitely struggled with physics last semester (still do, but not because of math weaknesses..) but somehow managed to pull off an A, so it is doable.

 

[Sciengee]

Off topic, unlike johnnyscans, I am completely freaking out about tomorrow's exam. Wah.

 

[oldcrumb]

Are you talking about the health careers scholarship, where they give you a free class? Apparently I got that scholarship this semester, because I got a check in the mail for the cost of physics class, and when I checked my balance it had "Health Careers Scholarship" listed in there, so that was unexpected and nice. I guess they must do it by-semester, because here are my grades thus far:

spring 2011: Bio2: A-, Calc: A
summer 2011: GenChem: B+
fall 2011: Physics1: A, Bio1: A, Intro To Academic Writing: A

So my grades aren't straight A's or anything, but last semester was a good one, so I think that must be how they figure out who gets it?

AND I'm about to get an F- in Physics2. Excellent.

You fill out the FAFSA online, and fill out a financial aid enrollment plan that you can download from extension school financial aid office website, and then email or slow mail it to them. Then you wait.

This is my first attempt at getting a scholarship, but I don't know anyone who has gotten one, so I figure I'll probably have to take out a private loan for the summer and pay out of pocket during the year.

 

[johnnyscans]

Off topic, unlike johnnyscans, I am completely freaking out about tomorrow's exam. Wah.

I'm rooting for ya. Kick ass.

 

[Soco9087]

Are you talking about the health careers scholarship, where they give you a free class? Apparently I got that scholarship this semester, because I got a check in the mail for the cost of physics class, and when I checked my balance it had "Health Careers Scholarship" listed in there, so that was unexpected and nice. I guess they must do it by-semester, because here are my grades thus far:

spring 2011: Bio2: A-, Calc: A
summer 2011: GenChem: B+
fall 2011: Physics1: A, Bio1: A, Intro To Academic Writing: A

So my grades aren't straight A's or anything, but last semester was a good one, so I think that must be how they figure out who gets it?

AND I'm about to get an F- in Physics2. Excellent.

Elaborate on chem in the summer, I'm still trying to decide between summer chem or summer bio. Would you do it again or would you stick to the normal year? Is it really as bad as some people make it out it be? Why do you think you didn't get a A-, or A+? Lack of effort, too much material, not enough time, or too busy with other things like job? Is it like a full time jobs where you're putting in almost 40 hours a week to the class?

 

[Sciengee]

Thanks

 

[samanthablondie]

I read this piece of advice on a Facebook site and wanted to run it by you to see how you feel about it.

"A few years ago, one of our students (we'll call him Jeff) found himself in need of letters of recommendation. Jeff took the basic pre-medical advice he knew and went around to his science class faculty to try to make connections. He tried his orgo and his physics II professor. But these faculty were busy, teaching classes of hundreds of students. They wouldn't be able to provide true mentorship for Jeff and definitely nothing more than a generic rec letter.
We discussed Jeff's undergraduate experience to try to figure something out. It turned out that one of his favorite courses was an anthropology course taken as a sophomore. Jeff had a great relationship with his GSI (graduate student instructor) and aced the class. Traditional pre-med advice suggests that you find professors to write your letters of recommendation, but we recommended that Jeff reach out to his GSI. He received an excellent letter which was signed off by the professor of the anthropology course. Now in his 2nd year of med school, we're sure that Jeff doesn't regret his decision to use a GSI to write his recommendation."

It immediately reminded me that orgo and physics profs at HES might be similarly busy, so if the above advice makes sense?

Here's another post from the same Facebook source

"Most pre-meds make the mistake of going to one of their freshman/sophomore lecturers for rec letters and attempt to build good rapport. At the end of organic chemistry lecture, just count how many people come down to ask questions and try to introduce themselves to the instructor. Now, this may not be a terrible idea, it just likely has little benefit. Orgo (and other pre-med instructors) teach hundreds of students per semester, run their own lab, and have multiple other obligations. They rarely have time to form a meaningful relationship with a premed; unless they really take you under their wing, you're not likely to get a good letter in the long run."

There are two issues here
- whether using a GSI makes sense at all
- using non-Science profs from our former universities who knew us well because Science profs at HES are likely to teach very large classes.

What do you think?

 

[johnnyscans]

Elaborate on chem in the summer, I'm still trying to decide between summer chem or summer bio. Would you do it again or would you stick to the normal year? Is it really as bad as some people make it out it be? Why do you think you didn't get a A-, or A+? Lack of effort, too much material, not enough time, or too busy with other things like job? Is it like a full time jobs where you're putting in almost 40 hours a week to the class?

I've heard that summer Biology is much more difficult than full-year Biology. Now that Anderson has two (or three) years of experience teaching the class, there is much more test prep available. On the other hand, Fixsen is (supposedly) a brilliant professor. His course will set you up for success on both the MCAT and in future Biology courses. The summer courses, due to their structure, are going to be difficult.

If I had to choose between summer Chemistry or Biology, and I was not dead set on the one year plan, I would choose Biology. It is the gatekeeper for many interesting upper level courses. Also, as corny as this sounds, class with Tucci is enjoyable. Nothing wrong with having his course once a week for a year.

I read this piece of advice on a Facebook site and wanted to run it by you to see how you feel about it.

"A few years ago, one of our students (we’ll call him Jeff) found himself in need of letters of recommendation. Jeff took the basic pre-medical advice he knew and went around to his science class faculty to try to make connections. He tried his orgo and his physics II professor. But these faculty were busy, teaching classes of hundreds of students. They wouldn’t be able to provide true mentorship for Jeff and definitely nothing more than a generic rec letter.
We discussed Jeff’s undergraduate experience to try to figure something out. It turned out that one of his favorite courses was an anthropology course taken as a sophomore. Jeff had a great relationship with his GSI (graduate student instructor) and aced the class. Traditional pre-med advice suggests that you find professors to write your letters of recommendation, but we recommended that Jeff reach out to his GSI. He received an excellent letter which was signed off by the professor of the anthropology course. Now in his 2nd year of med school, we’re sure that Jeff doesn’t regret his decision to use a GSI to write his recommendation."

It immediately reminded me that orgo and physics profs at HES might be similarly busy, so if the above advice makes sense?

Here's another post from the same Facebook source

"Most pre-meds make the mistake of going to one of their freshman/sophomore lecturers for rec letters and attempt to build good rapport. At the end of organic chemistry lecture, just count how many people come down to ask questions and try to introduce themselves to the instructor. Now, this may not be a terrible idea, it just likely has little benefit. Orgo (and other pre-med instructors) teach hundreds of students per semester, run their own lab, and have multiple other obligations. They rarely have time to form a meaningful relationship with a premed; unless they really take you under their wing, you’re not likely to get a good letter in the long run."

There are two issues here
- whether using a GSI makes sense at all
- using non-Science profs from our former universities who knew us well because Science profs at HES are likely to teach very large classes.

What do you think?

The key, as far as I know, to recommendations is balance. First, you want at least one non-science professor and 2-3 science professors. The other letters will come from work advisors, lab PIs, physicians you have shadowed extensively with, etc. As post-baccs we have (hopefully) lead successful careers in other fields. This comes with strong LORs that help to set us apart from other applicants. Use this to your advantage. Do not be afraid (once you have a few solid academic LORs) to reach out for professional letters. Your grades will do much of the talking in terms of convincing adcoms that you can handle medical school. Letters from past supervisors who can go into detail about your dedication, professionalism, maturity, etc. are money in the bank, and, if read, can definitely make a difference.

Now, when you say GSI do you mean that they were the "professor", or were they leading sections in a TF/TA type position. If they were the sole instructor of the course, I don't think it matters very much. If they were your TF/TA, your best bet would be for them to comment on your participation, and your professor to comment on your grades.

I always find that the best letters of recommendation come from a naturally developing relationship. Do not force something to happen just for the sake of getting a letter. If you have a question about a topic, ask your professor. If you find a cool article/interesting video, mention it to them after class then email them the link.

That said, I find professors here to be approachable and, for the most part, never too busy for a quick word. Hell, Tucci's office door is seriously open every single time I walk past it (and it's right in a main corridor of the science center).

Also, there's a realtor that lives in my girlfriends building whose helping me look for apartments. If interested, I could PM you his email address - I'm sure he'd be happy to help you and your sister out. Right now he has a program set up searching his database that automatically emails me when a match comes in. Pretty nifty. Let me know.

Good luck Physics-ers.

 

[smiley27]

haha, infinite energy???? 😕😕😕 THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE!!!! 😀😀😀😀

 

[smiley27]

Hey all you current and future HES postbaccers. There will be two rooms available in the house I'm living in now starting June 1st. It's a one year lease. I've been living with two roommates this past year (while attending HES) but they're moving out so I'm looking for two new roommates.

Here's a link to craigslist ad that the landlord posted. http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/roo/2923830044.html You can reply to the ad to talk to the landlord or you can e-mail me directly @ [email protected]

The pics are old and it doesn't look like that now but you can get an idea of how much space there is.

My name is Andrew, 25 y/o turning 26 in May. Male, straight. I'm out of the house most of the time. Usually on campus in the library. I study a lot and I prefer to keep the home life relatively quiet. I'm pretty laid back (from Hawaii) and easy to get along with.

Let me know if any if you are interested. This place should work for people planning to start in the summer being that the lease starts on 6/1.