Official Harvard Extension 2012 Thread

[samanthablondie]

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Have you checked out homeaway.com? I rented a place for a week in DC through homeaway and it was relatively inexpensive. It ended up working out much better than a hotel.

I didn't have much luck through them. They have only 29 properties in Boston for the month of May, all incredibly expensive. Definitely a lot more expensive than a hotel.

 

[MedWonk]

I see that getting unbelievably ugly extremely fast. I find Cell Bio/Physics/Chem much more manageable than Bio/Physics. . . go figure. Add OChem into that and you're looking at a bloodbath.

Just my $.02.

I know several people that are going that route. Just be aware that you may not get the grade you want if you take that big of a courseload. Sub out physics for intro psych, and I would still say that you'll have little time for anything else.

 

[Magilacutty]

Hey, wondering if anybody at HES commutes from South Boston (Southie). I have a friend in MA who is looking to move into that neighborhood, and asked me to join him in the fall, but it seems like that would be about a 45 min bus ride with a couple transfers. Does that sound about right? Also, do any of you know anybody who has done that? The main benefit according to my friend is cost, and that it's easy for him to get on the major highways to commute to work.

 

[samanthablondie]

Hey, wondering if anybody at HES commutes from South Boston (Southie). I have a friend in MA who is looking to move into that neighborhood, and asked me to join him in the fall, but it seems like that would be about a 45 min bus ride with a couple transfers. Does that sound about right? Also, do any of you know anybody who has done that? The main benefit according to my friend is cost, and that it's easy for him to get on the major highways to commute to work.

Many students on extensionstudent.com have done something like this. You may want to post there and see what they have to say. It is a private site for Harvard Extension students.

 

[chicagoryan]

Hey, wondering if anybody at HES commutes from South Boston (Southie). I have a friend in MA who is looking to move into that neighborhood, and asked me to join him in the fall, but it seems like that would be about a 45 min bus ride with a couple transfers. Does that sound about right? Also, do any of you know anybody who has done that? The main benefit according to my friend is cost, and that it's easy for him to get on the major highways to commute to work.

Mbta redline. I do know another student that commutes from southie and there are plenty of worse commutes. Use google maps public transit and the red line should come up.

 

[Magilacutty]

Thanks for the replies! I'll look into those resources. Cheers

 

[Jennet]

Awesome to see all the new people on here - it really feels like the second years are moving on. I have a few hints, tips, and websites to share that helped me navigate Boston the past 8 months. Hope they help you as they helped me!

Housing:
* Padmapper http://www.padmapper.com - Love this website and found my current housing setup here. Do the mass transit overlay for anticipated commute times.
* Boston Real Estate http://www.homesinboston.com/communities/ - great information about local neighborhoods, statistics, and cost of living.

Around Town:
* Take a tour! I took at 2 day duck tour for ~$40 and it was well worth it. You can also chose to tour the harbor and get a scenic view of downtown Boston boatside.
* Boston.com http://www.boston.com/ - my source for what is happening in and around Boston including news, shows, theatre, and the Big Picture blog.

Harvard & Harvard Square:
* Sign up for the HEPS listserve to get involved with the student group
* Meet with Dr. Fixsen at least once a semester and navigate your experience at HCP
* Buy books back from other students first! Also, the COOP is too expensive, but that isn't news.
* If you have a Harvard ID, Lamont is a fantastic 24 hour library with a cafe and big cushy chairs. I've spent many a night in Lamont over Cabot (the science library).
* The Harvard Natural History museum and School of Design are worth your time. Take a tour when you can, hopefully before classes.
* My go to food places in the square are Qdoba, Otto Pizza, Border Cafe, Bartley's, First Printer, Clover, and IHop which is nested away from the main traffic. A lot of places don't stay open late though which stinks. Good bars include Daedalus, Russell House, Grendel's, Tommy Doyle's and of course, the Kong. Make sure to stop into Cardullo's if you like fine cheeses, chocolate, and wines/beer.
* No matter who is speaking when, you must absolutely see a lecture inside Memorial Hall's Sanders Theatre. I've never seen a lecture hall that beautiful in my life.
* Take time to watch the amazing chess players outside of Au Bon Pain
* There are usually tons of rooms available in Sever Hall after hours. Need a study group meeting place? No problem.

Cambridge:
* August and September are free stuff months in Cambridge. All the college students are selling/ditching their stuff so look forward to some great snags on corners and Craigslist. A word of caution: check all cloth for bedbugs. They are a problem here and it would stink to bring them into your nee place.
* In my opinion, the best running trail is the Alewife Commuter Path from Somerville to Arlington. Scenic and very bike/runner friendly. Low traffic.
* Market Basket is by far the cheapest grocery store in town without sacrificing quality. It can be extremely busy though (especially on weekends) so make sure to arrive early or late, or at odd hours. I cut my grocery bill in half here compared to Shaw's or Whole Foods.
* Kendall has some amazing bars like Meadhall. Don't shun it because it is hard to navigate.
* Get a bike. Period.
* Take said bike to Ace Wheel Works
* Eddie's make some fine furniture and custom fits to your needs. Bought my bookshelves there.
* Overstock.com = $300 memory foam mattress + delivery = total win

Working Life:
* Partners.org http://www.partners.org - check job listings here. It is a bit of a black hole, but if you find something you like, totally worth it.
* White Coat Notes http://www.boston.com/Boston/whitecoatnotes - news from the Boston medical community

I'll probably come up with more later, but hope this is a good start!

 

[LAnative]

Awesome to see all the new people on here - it really feels like the second years are moving on. I have a few hints, tips, and websites to share that helped me navigate Boston the past 8 months. Hope they help you as they helped me!

Housing:
* Padmapper http://www.padmapper.com - Love this website and found my current housing setup here. Do the mass transit overlay for anticipated commute times.
* Boston Real Estate http://www.homesinboston.com/communities/ - great information about local neighborhoods, statistics, and cost of living.

Around Town:
* Take a tour! I took at 2 day duck tour for ~$40 and it was well worth it. You can also chose to tour the harbor and get a scenic view of downtown Boston boatside.
* Boston.com http://www.boston.com/ - my source for what is happening in and around Boston including news, shows, theatre, and the Big Picture blog.

Harvard & Harvard Square:
* Sign up for the HEPS listserve to get involved with the student group
* Meet with Dr. Fixsen at least once a semester and navigate your experience at HCP
* Buy books back from other students first! Also, the COOP is too expensive, but that isn't news.
* If you have a Harvard ID, Lamont is a fantastic 24 hour library with a cafe and big cushy chairs. I've spent many a night in Lamont over Cabot (the science library).
* The Harvard Natural History museum and School of Design are worth your time. Take a tour when you can, hopefully before classes.
* My go to food places in the square are Qdoba, Otto Pizza, Border Cafe, Bartley's, First Printer, Clover, and IHop which is nested away from the main traffic. A lot of places don't stay open late though which stinks. Good bars include Daedalus, Russell House, Grendel's, Tommy Doyle's and of course, the Kong. Make sure to stop into Cardullo's if you like fine cheeses, chocolate, and wines/beer.
* No matter who is speaking when, you must absolutely see a lecture inside Memorial Hall's Sanders Theatre. I've never seen a lecture hall that beautiful in my life.
* Take time to watch the amazing chess players outside of Au Bon Pain
* There are usually tons of rooms available in Sever Hall after hours. Need a study group meeting place? No problem.

Cambridge:
* August and September are free stuff months in Cambridge. All the college students are selling/ditching their stuff so look forward to some great snags on corners and Craigslist. A word of caution: check all cloth for bedbugs. They are a problem here and it would stink to bring them into your nee place.
* In my opinion, the best running trail is the Alewife Commuter Path from Somerville to Arlington. Scenic and very bike/runner friendly. Low traffic.
* Market Basket is by far the cheapest grocery store in town without sacrificing quality. It can be extremely busy though (especially on weekends) so make sure to arrive early or late, or at odd hours. I cut my grocery bill in half here compared to Shaw's or Whole Foods.
* Kendall has some amazing bars like Meadhall. Don't shun it because it is hard to navigate.
* Get a bike. Period.
* Take said bike to Ace Wheel Works
* Eddie's make some fine furniture and custom fits to your needs. Bought my bookshelves there.
* Overstock.com = $300 memory foam mattress + delivery = total win

Working Life:
* Partners.org http://www.partners.org - check job listings here. It is a bit of a black hole, but if you find something you like, totally worth it.
* White Coat Notes http://www.boston.com/Boston/whitecoatnotes - news from the Boston medical community

I'll probably come up with more later, but hope this is a good start!

This is great information! Thanks so much!!!!!!

 

[ovoxo]

Was rejected with a cGPA of 3.1/sGPA 2.8....so bummed. I have some good EC's, clinical experience, no MCAT, good GRE

 

[MedWonk]

Awesome to see all the new people on here - it really feels like the second years are moving on. I have a few hints, tips, and websites to share that helped me navigate Boston the past 8 months. Hope they help you as they helped me!

Housing:
* Padmapper http://www.padmapper.com - Love this website and found my current housing setup here. Do the mass transit overlay for anticipated commute times.
* Boston Real Estate http://www.homesinboston.com/communities/ - great information about local neighborhoods, statistics, and cost of living.

Around Town:
* Take a tour! I took at 2 day duck tour for ~$40 and it was well worth it. You can also chose to tour the harbor and get a scenic view of downtown Boston boatside.
* Boston.com http://www.boston.com/ - my source for what is happening in and around Boston including news, shows, theatre, and the Big Picture blog.

Harvard & Harvard Square:
* Sign up for the HEPS listserve to get involved with the student group
* Meet with Dr. Fixsen at least once a semester and navigate your experience at HCP
* Buy books back from other students first! Also, the COOP is too expensive, but that isn't news.
* If you have a Harvard ID, Lamont is a fantastic 24 hour library with a cafe and big cushy chairs. I've spent many a night in Lamont over Cabot (the science library).
* The Harvard Natural History museum and School of Design are worth your time. Take a tour when you can, hopefully before classes.
* My go to food places in the square are Qdoba, Otto Pizza, Border Cafe, Bartley's, First Printer, Clover, and IHop which is nested away from the main traffic. A lot of places don't stay open late though which stinks. Good bars include Daedalus, Russell House, Grendel's, Tommy Doyle's and of course, the Kong. Make sure to stop into Cardullo's if you like fine cheeses, chocolate, and wines/beer.
* No matter who is speaking when, you must absolutely see a lecture inside Memorial Hall's Sanders Theatre. I've never seen a lecture hall that beautiful in my life.
* Take time to watch the amazing chess players outside of Au Bon Pain
* There are usually tons of rooms available in Sever Hall after hours. Need a study group meeting place? No problem.

Cambridge:
* August and September are free stuff months in Cambridge. All the college students are selling/ditching their stuff so look forward to some great snags on corners and Craigslist. A word of caution: check all cloth for bedbugs. They are a problem here and it would stink to bring them into your nee place.
* In my opinion, the best running trail is the Alewife Commuter Path from Somerville to Arlington. Scenic and very bike/runner friendly. Low traffic.
* Market Basket is by far the cheapest grocery store in town without sacrificing quality. It can be extremely busy though (especially on weekends) so make sure to arrive early or late, or at odd hours. I cut my grocery bill in half here compared to Shaw's or Whole Foods.
* Kendall has some amazing bars like Meadhall. Don't shun it because it is hard to navigate.
* Get a bike. Period.
* Take said bike to Ace Wheel Works
* Eddie's make some fine furniture and custom fits to your needs. Bought my bookshelves there.
* Overstock.com = $300 memory foam mattress + delivery = total win

Working Life:
* Partners.org http://www.partners.org - check job listings here. It is a bit of a black hole, but if you find something you like, totally worth it.
* White Coat Notes http://www.boston.com/Boston/whitecoatnotes - news from the Boston medical community

I'll probably come up with more later, but hope this is a good start!

No list of bars is complete without Cambridge Common, The Druid, and Bukowski's. Charlie's Kitchen is decent and is open until 2AM Thur-Sat, and 1 AM the other days.

Also, Pinnochio's, Armando's, Cafe Mami, and Izzy's Sub Shop. Bom Cafe in Inman is nice for breakfast, and Andala (in Central) is another nice cafe for breakfast and lunch.

 

[samanthablondie]

Awesome to see all the new people on here - it really feels like the second years are moving on. I have a few hints, tips, and websites to share that helped me navigate Boston the past 8 months. Hope they help you as they helped me!

Housing:
* Padmapper http://www.padmapper.com - Love this website and found my current housing setup here. Do the mass transit overlay for anticipated commute times.
* Boston Real Estate http://www.homesinboston.com/communities/ - great information about local neighborhoods, statistics, and cost of living.

Around Town:
* Take a tour! I took at 2 day duck tour for ~$40 and it was well worth it. You can also chose to tour the harbor and get a scenic view of downtown Boston boatside.
* Boston.com http://www.boston.com/ - my source for what is happening in and around Boston including news, shows, theatre, and the Big Picture blog.

Harvard & Harvard Square:
* Sign up for the HEPS listserve to get involved with the student group
* Meet with Dr. Fixsen at least once a semester and navigate your experience at HCP
* Buy books back from other students first! Also, the COOP is too expensive, but that isn't news.
* If you have a Harvard ID, Lamont is a fantastic 24 hour library with a cafe and big cushy chairs. I've spent many a night in Lamont over Cabot (the science library).
* The Harvard Natural History museum and School of Design are worth your time. Take a tour when you can, hopefully before classes.
* My go to food places in the square are Qdoba, Otto Pizza, Border Cafe, Bartley's, First Printer, Clover, and IHop which is nested away from the main traffic. A lot of places don't stay open late though which stinks. Good bars include Daedalus, Russell House, Grendel's, Tommy Doyle's and of course, the Kong. Make sure to stop into Cardullo's if you like fine cheeses, chocolate, and wines/beer.
* No matter who is speaking when, you must absolutely see a lecture inside Memorial Hall's Sanders Theatre. I've never seen a lecture hall that beautiful in my life.
* Take time to watch the amazing chess players outside of Au Bon Pain
* There are usually tons of rooms available in Sever Hall after hours. Need a study group meeting place? No problem.

Cambridge:
* August and September are free stuff months in Cambridge. All the college students are selling/ditching their stuff so look forward to some great snags on corners and Craigslist. A word of caution: check all cloth for bedbugs. They are a problem here and it would stink to bring them into your nee place.
* In my opinion, the best running trail is the Alewife Commuter Path from Somerville to Arlington. Scenic and very bike/runner friendly. Low traffic.
* Market Basket is by far the cheapest grocery store in town without sacrificing quality. It can be extremely busy though (especially on weekends) so make sure to arrive early or late, or at odd hours. I cut my grocery bill in half here compared to Shaw's or Whole Foods.
* Kendall has some amazing bars like Meadhall. Don't shun it because it is hard to navigate.
* Get a bike. Period.
* Take said bike to Ace Wheel Works
* Eddie's make some fine furniture and custom fits to your needs. Bought my bookshelves there.
* Overstock.com = $300 memory foam mattress + delivery = total win

Working Life:
* Partners.org http://www.partners.org - check job listings here. It is a bit of a black hole, but if you find something you like, totally worth it.
* White Coat Notes http://www.boston.com/Boston/whitecoatnotes - news from the Boston medical community

I'll probably come up with more later, but hope this is a good start!

This is very helpful! The bedbugs part freaked me out. So if we move into a temporary studio and there are bedbugs, what are we supposed to do? I haven't even seen a bedbug, so this part really scares me.

 

[Jennet]

No list of bars is complete without Cambridge Common, The Druid, and Bukowski's. Charlie's Kitchen is decent and is open until 2AM Thur-Sat, and 1 AM the other days.

Also, Pinnochio's, Armando's, Cafe Mami, and Izzy's Sub Shop. Bom Cafe in Inman is nice for breakfast, and Andala (in Central) is another nice cafe for breakfast and lunch.

Forgot the Common! I crave their fries at night. Charlie's Kitchen I enjoy but it can feel a bit cramped on busy nights. I'll make sure to try Druid and Bukowski's. Have you been to Daedalus? In love. Central I love Miracle of Science, Asgard, and TT the Bears (but that is a dance venue).

 

[Jennet]

This is very helpful! The bedbugs part freaked me out. So if we move into a temporary studio and there are bedbugs, what are we supposed to do? I haven't even seen a bedbug, so this part really scares me.

So bedbugs were new to me too because I'm from a place that really doesn't have issues with them. That being said, they aren't a huge problem like in NYC but they do exist. For the most part, especially on carpet, you can tell where they have been - they are messy little things. They are pretty hard to miss. If you move in somewhere, I'd recommend the following:

1) If your new temporary roommates/landlord provide furniture, check under the cushions along the seams. You can find traces of them there. This especially goes for anyone providing a mattress. Even if the landlord swears no bugs, I'd lift the mattress and check the seams. They leave behind clumps of material. I'm not going to be graphic here, but do a google search and be objective about it. No need to freak out, just be aware.
2) If your new place somehow escapes the sweep, it is your landlords responsibility to clear the bugs and make sure this is indicated in any paperwork or lease. This includes fumigation and it should not be an expense on your hands.

Again, don't be scared. They aren't murderous spiders a la Arachnophobia. They are just annoying.

 

[johnnyscans]

Was rejected with a cGPA of 3.1/sGPA 2.8....so bummed. I have some good EC's, clinical experience, no MCAT, good GRE

How many science classes have you taken?

 

[ovoxo]

How many science classes have you taken?

All the pre-requisites, which may be why I was rejected...

 

[johnnyscans]

All the pre-requisites, which may be why I was rejected...

I'm going to be blunt and harsh, you've got a tough road ahead. Have you thought about taking the classes on your own (since they're open enrollment) and trying to apply after a semester or two of kick ass work.

 

[Jennet]

I'm going to be blunt and harsh, you've got a tough road ahead. Have you thought about taking the classes on your own (since they're open enrollment) and trying to apply after a semester or two of kick ass work.

I second this motion. You can always take classes outside HCP but still at the Extension and really rock the coursework. Have you taken a look at the Low GPA thread on here?

 

[MedWonk]

All the pre-requisites, which may be why I was rejected...

Well, option 1 is to retake prereqs and take advantage of grade replacement by applying DO.

Option 2 is to take a bunch of upper levels and strive to get at least a 3.3 cGPA and applying mainly DO.

Both options involve getting a solid MCAT score (at least a 30). As was said above, you can take these courses a la carte, and then try again, or just try going it alone. IIRC, if your GPA is under a 3.3 or 3.2 after prereqs (but not too low), then you need to have a pretty good MCAT for Fixsen/Peterson to consider taking you on.

I don't know which path will give you a better chance, but you can ask Fixsen or Peterson and they will give you some advice on how you can strengthen your application for med school.

 

[MedWonk]

Forgot the Common! I crave their fries at night. Charlie's Kitchen I enjoy but it can feel a bit cramped on busy nights. I'll make sure to try Druid and Bukowski's. Have you been to Daedalus? In love. Central I love Miracle of Science, Asgard, and TT the Bears (but that is a dance venue).

What is this Daedalus you speak of?

 

[eatadandelion]

x

 

[johnnyscans]

Jennett - good luck on Monday. 85 degrees, woof. I think I may bike the marathon route tomorrow night. I'll let you know how it looks!

 

[samanthablondie]

I need a studio apartment for me and my sister for a MONTH. I will be at HCP and my sister will be starting as a physician at MGH. We will spend the month looking for more appropriate places to live. We will also be happy with just a room for a MONTH provided we have the bathroom to ourselves. Hope to drive into Cambridge by mid-May, so we need a place from mid-May to mid-June.

 

[Soco9087]

I need a studio apartment for me and my sister for a MONTH. I will be at HCP and my sister will be starting as a physician at MGH. We will spend the month looking for more appropriate places to live. We will also be happy with just a room for a MONTH provided we have the bathroom to ourselves. Hope to drive into Cambridge by mid-May, so we need a place from mid-May to mid-June.

Let me know if you find anything like that, at this rate I might have to sign lease sight unseen :S.

 

[samanthablondie]

Let me know if you find anything like that, at this rate I might have to sign lease sight unseen :S.

My sister does not feel comfortable signing a lease sight unseen. I have never been east of Kansas, so I too am a bit apprehensive. What if my neighbors insist on partying every night with loud music? What if the landlord is a predatory scumbag? There are too many if's.

But everything I have seen is in the $3,000+ range for the month, which is ridiculous. I am hoping for something in the $1,400 - $1,800 area for a month. Otherwise it is cheaper to spend a few days at a hotel and look around. Then again, even the hotels seem ridiculously expensive. Moving to the east coast is so difficult.

 

[johnnyscans]

My sister does not feel comfortable signing a lease sight unseen. I have never been east of Kansas, so I too am a bit apprehensive. What if my neighbors insist on partying every night with loud music? What if the landlord is a predatory scumbag? There are too many if's.

But everything I have seen is in the $3,000+ range for the month, which is ridiculous. I am hoping for something in the $1,400 - $1,800 area for a month. Otherwise it is cheaper to spend a few days at a hotel and look around. Then again, even the hotels seem ridiculously expensive. Moving to the east coast is so difficult.

You'll have this problem with any major city in the northeast, so think of it as a good experience.

Your best best is leveraging your sisters job with MGH and going through their placement office. Have her call her recruiter and go from there. They'll make it easy.

 

[samanthablondie]

You'll have this problem with any major city in the northeast, so think of it as a good experience.

Your best best is leveraging your sisters job with MGH and going through their placement office. Have her call her recruiter and go from there. They'll make it easy.

We tried that. The division of MGH that works with new recruits is kind of lame. They just gave a website with all sorts of outdated and inaccurate links. I also talked to Harvard's housing department. The off-campus options Harvard suggested were equally lame. We're on our own. I wish Harvard Extension provided a stronger support structure. The presence of HCP students here on SDN is therefore a lifesaver!

 

[j3N12]

I was just accepted into the program and plan on starting this summer. I was planning on taking Chem over the summer, bio and physics during the year, and Orgo in the following summer- does this make sense/ is this possible? I am looking for roommates and an apartment (as cheap as possible!) PM me if you need a roommate and want to check out places. I can't wait to start!!
-Jen 🙂

 

[Soco9087]

I was just accepted into the program and plan on starting this summer. I was planning on taking Chem over the summer, bio and physics during the year, and Orgo in the following summer- does this make sense/ is this possible? I am looking for roommates and an apartment (as cheap as possible!) PM me if you need a roommate and want to check out places. I can't wait to start!!
-Jen 🙂

Standard plan, I'm doing the same except taking Bio in the summer and chem over the year. If you run in to anything <$600 and close to campus let me know.

 

[MedWonk]

I was just accepted into the program and plan on starting this summer. I was planning on taking Chem over the summer, bio and physics during the year, and Orgo in the following summer- does this make sense/ is this possible? I am looking for roommates and an apartment (as cheap as possible!) PM me if you need a roommate and want to check out places. I can't wait to start!!
-Jen 🙂

I don't think orgo during the summer is such a good idea. It's tough enough during the year, I can't imagine what it'd be like doing it four times faster. OTOH, you won't be taking anything else, so maybe it'll work out.

Gen Chem is definitely doable, though.

 

[johnnyscans]

I don't think orgo during the summer is such a good idea. It's tough enough during the year, I can't imagine what it'd be like doing it four times faster. OTOH, you won't be taking anything else, so maybe it'll work out.

Gen Chem is definitely doable, though.

The summer orgo syllabus recommends 60+ hours of work/week to succeed. That means no time for anything else but orgo.

 

[MedWonk]

The summer orgo syllabus recommends 60+ hours of work/week to succeed. That means no time for anything else but orgo.

Sounds about right. A good amount of time to study for orgo during the year is 20-30 hours/week. You can sneak by with 15-20 if the material comes to you easily, or if you're super efficient.

 

[j3N12]

Standard plan, I'm doing the same except taking Bio in the summer and chem over the year. If you run in to anything <$600 and close to campus let me know.

Does it make more sense to take bio first or chem first? if I plan on taking orgo next summer is it better to take chem during the year instead of this summer?

 

[LAnative]

The whole idea of apartment hunting in June in Boston is starting to give me the chills. Does anyone who have succeeded in tackling this crazy market have any more advice to the newcomers?

 

[Soco9087]

Sounds about right. A good amount of time to study for orgo during the year is 20-30 hours/week. You can sneak by with 15-20 if the material comes to you easily, or if you're super efficient.

Do you think that it would be wiser to take ochem during the year and electives in the summer? Or Summer Chem then ochem during the year and physics or bio the following summer? Does anyone have experience with summer ochem that can give me some insight?

Does it make more sense to take bio first or chem first? if I plan on taking orgo next summer is it better to take chem during the year instead of this summer?

That was one of my reason, the other is that there are rave reviews of Fixsen the bio teacher and director of the program, while mixed reviews of anderson the bio teacher during the year.

 

[MedWonk]

Do you think that it would be wiser to take ochem during the year and electives in the summer? Or Summer Chem then ochem during the year and physics or bio the following summer? Does anyone have experience with summer ochem that can give me some insight?



That was one of my reason, the other is that there are rave reviews of Fixsen the bio teacher and director of the program, while mixed reviews of anderson the bio teacher during the year.

I think taking OChem during the year is definitely the wiser choice. Gen Chem is doable during the summer, and you can get an A just as easily as during the year. Not sure about the other two, but I've heard Fixsen's bio class is more comprehensive (and tougher). They're probably somewhere between summer ochem and summer gen chem in difficulty, so maybe 45-50 hours/week studying?

 

[johnnyscans]

The whole idea of apartment hunting in June in Boston is starting to give me the chills. Does anyone who have succeeded in tackling this crazy market have any more advice to the newcomers?

The Boston real estate market is a fu*king zoo. Seriously. Apartments move extremely fast. I saw places in the morning only to lose them within a few hours. Plan on signing for a place the moment you see and like it. That said, you'll get a place, simply due to the volume of apartments in this city. Have a budget/location in mind, and go from there.

Does it make more sense to take bio first or chem first? if I plan on taking orgo next summer is it better to take chem during the year instead of this summer?

My recommendation would be bio first, simply because it's a gatekeeper for a ton of cool electives. Fixsen is harder than Anderson, but if you treat it like a job you'll do ok. I think that many of Anderson's poor reviews were due to the fact that he didn't have prior exams to study from. Once I realized that literally everything was fair game I was able to prepare for the tests efficiently. His curve is brutal though. I had a raw score of something like 89/90 (and was way above the curve on most tests) and scored an A-.

Do you think that it would be wiser to take ochem during the year and electives in the summer? Or Summer Chem then ochem during the year and physics or bio the following summer? Does anyone have experience with summer ochem that can give me some insight?
Ochem during the year for sure. My plan is ochem next year and MCAT next spring. MCAT only tests first semester ohcem.


That was one of my reason, the other is that there are rave reviews of Fixsen the bio teacher and director of the program, while mixed reviews of anderson the bio teacher during the year.

Fixsen is notoriously difficult. Anderson is notoriously vague when it comes to his expectations on tests. Pick your poison.

 

[samanthablondie]

The Boston real estate market is a fu*king zoo. Seriously. Apartments move extremely fast. I saw places in the morning only to lose them within a few hours. Plan on signing for a place the moment you see and like it. That said, you'll get a place, simply due to the volume of apartments in this city. Have a budget/location in mind, and go from there.

I am very nervous about the housing market. Every source I try seems to go nowhere. I do a ton of research on the property long-distance (distance from T, crime, walking score, distance to shopping, etc.) and when I am ready to commit myself, the place is gone. I also feel EXTREMELY uncomfortable signing a lease blind. What if my neighbors are extremely noisy? That will screw up my studying. A million other uncertainties couple with scumbag realtors - it all messes with my head and causes me plenty of stress.

 

[johnnyscans]

I am very nervous about the housing market. Every source I try seems to go nowhere. I do a ton of research on the property long-distance (distance from T, crime, walking score, distance to shopping, etc.) and when I am ready to commit myself, the place is gone. I also feel EXTREMELY uncomfortable signing a lease blind. What if my neighbors are extremely noisy? That will screw up my studying. A million other uncertainties couple with scumbag realtors - it all messes with my head and causes me plenty of stress.

You'll get an apartment; its just the nature of the Boston housing market. Does it suck? Yep. Will you be homeless? Nope.

 

[samanthablondie]

You'll get an apartment; its just the nature of the Boston housing market. Does it suck? Yep. Will you be homeless? Nope.

What actually worries me is this: I get locked into a lease and my neighbors are the noisy, partying type, which means when I am preparing for my Physics tests, I have to put up with loud, thudding music. Or some other problems like that and there's nothing I can do about it because I locked myself into a lease for 12 months sight unseen.

 

[johnnyscans]

What actually worries me is this: I get locked into a lease and my neighbors are the noisy, partying type, which means when I am preparing for my Physics tests, I have to put up with loud, thudding music. Or some other problems like that and there's nothing I can do about it because I locked myself into a lease for 12 months sight unseen.

That's why you don't sign unseen. Get a hotel for a few days. It's easy to get an apartment within a day here. Just line up a bunch of viewings, or pair up with a realtor, and scour the town.

 

[Jennet]

Jennett - good luck on Monday. 85 degrees, woof. I think I may bike the marathon route tomorrow night. I'll let you know how it looks!

It. Was. So. HOT. I actually PR'ed so it went well. The crowds along the route were amazing, handing us ice and water. I'm a little miffed that I could've had an even better time, but such is life. I appreciate the well wishes; my body's a little torn up this week.

 

[johnnyscans]

It. Was. So. HOT. I actually PR'ed so it went well. The crowds along the route were amazing, handing us ice and water. I'm a little miffed that I could've had an even better time, but such is life. I appreciate the well wishes; my body's a little torn up this week.

Atta girl, good job. I loved the news reporters pondering whether the heat would affect the Kenyans. . . newsflash guy, they're from Kenya - 90 degree heat is normal to them.

 

[DrMusic]

So I emailed HES and asked what my chances were of getting in to the program if I applied. I had a 2.84 GPA, my Bio grades in undergrad really brought me down as I was not really prepared to work hard.

They told me not to bother because I had less than a 3.0

Is there anyone here to get in with a lower than a 3.0? Whats your story?

 

[samanthablondie]

There were two GREAT places in Cambridge but I waited and lost them. Waiting has caused me to lose a place in Inman Square, one in Fenway and a really inexpensive place in Allston. By the time I research walking scores, proximity to stores, etc. the places are gone!

Urgent - I found a new great place in Malden on Craigslist. Those who know the area - please tell me how safe Malden is. I have never lived in any region with a population > 1,000, so if Malden is safe, I'll take this place. I don't want to lose this place too by delaying!

 

[johnnyscans]

There were two GREAT places in Cambridge but I waited and lost them. Waiting has caused me to lose a place in Inman Square, one in Fenway and a really inexpensive place in Allston. By the time I research walking scores, proximity to stores, etc. the places are gone!

Urgent - I found a new great place in Malden on Craigslist. Those who know the area - please tell me how safe Malden is. I have never lived in any region with a population > 1,000, so if Malden is safe, I'll take this place. I don't want to lose this place too by delaying!

Most suburbs will be as safe as you make them. If your blonde self goes walking around at 1230am with ipod headphones in after meeting some friends for drinks you're asking for trouble.

That said, malden is generally regarded as safe. You should be a-ok. Just remember, malden is orange line, which means either two transfers (orange to green to red) or one transfer (orange to red) in order to T to harvard.

 

[bigbros2]

Hi everyone!

I've recently been accepted onto the HES program starting this Fall and I'm really excited to start. Although I have a background in biomedical science, I will be taking all courses including Maths and English...This is only because I'm a U.K. graduate and unfortunately, none of the medical schools will recognise my previous courses to meet the pre-requisites.

I wanted to know if you guys had any recommendations on which courses I should be taking first. My thought was to take Biology, General Chemistry and Calculus, allowing me to take biochemistry/other bio-related courses in the summer. Also I wanted to know what Physics course is like, since I haven't done Physics since high school.

 

[samanthablondie]

Most suburbs will be as safe as you make them. If your blonde self goes walking around at 1230am with ipod headphones in after meeting some friends for drinks you're asking for trouble.

That said, malden is generally regarded as safe. You should be a-ok. Just remember, malden is orange line, which means either two transfers (orange to green to red) or one transfer (orange to red) in order to T to harvard.

Thanks. They said "today's rate is $3 higher than yesterday's rate," which made me mad, so I blew them away. Who do these realty companies think they are? Airlines?

 

[samanthablondie]

Hi everyone!

I've recently been accepted onto the HES program starting this Fall and I'm really excited to start. Although I have a background in biomedical science, I will be taking all courses including Maths and English...This is only because I'm a U.K. graduate and unfortunately, none of the medical schools will recognise my previous courses to meet the pre-requisites.

I wanted to know if you guys had any recommendations on which courses I should be taking first. My thought was to take Biology, General Chemistry and Calculus, allowing me to take biochemistry/other bio-related courses in the summer. Also I wanted to know what Physics course is like, since I haven't done Physics since high school.

With your background in biomedical sciences, I don't think you will have any problems with any sequence.

 

[MedWonk]

Hi everyone!

I've recently been accepted onto the HES program starting this Fall and I'm really excited to start. Although I have a background in biomedical science, I will be taking all courses including Maths and English...This is only because I'm a U.K. graduate and unfortunately, none of the medical schools will recognise my previous courses to meet the pre-requisites.

I wanted to know if you guys had any recommendations on which courses I should be taking first. My thought was to take Biology, General Chemistry and Calculus, allowing me to take biochemistry/other bio-related courses in the summer. Also I wanted to know what Physics course is like, since I haven't done Physics since high school.

If your courses aren't recognized, then you'd just have to start from scratch doing Gen Chem, Intro Bio, Physics, and Organic Chem. Calculus if you're applying to a school that requires it. If you have a background in biomedical sciences, then I probably wouldn't worry so much about the recommended order, except for the Gen Chem-Organic Chem sequence.

You should email HCP office for more info. Either Prof. Peterson or Dr. Fixsen will answer your email and they can give you much more solid advice on how to proceed in the program, as well as general advice on applying to medical school.

 

[moneytree]

This is only because I'm a U.K. graduate and unfortunately, none of the medical schools will recognise my previous courses to meet the pre-requisites.

You probably already know this, but if you're not a US citizen or permanent resident, you'll have to apply to medical schools as an international student.

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