Official Harvard Extension 2012 Thread

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MedWonk said:
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.
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Pretty much this. While many of us on here are more than willing to give anecdotal advice, Dr. Fixsen and Owen Peterson are both straight-shooters that are more than willing to give answers.
 
Today is National Physics Day and Neil deGrasse Tyson has been posting hilarious tweets about science. Thought I'd share to level out the Chem study grind.

"In case you hadn't figured this out yet, the hit game-App "Angry Birds" is all about the Physics of parabolic trajectories."

"MorePhysics: In the John Hughes' film "The Breakfast Club" the license plate on "The Brain's" dad's car reads [ E mc2 ]. Cool"

"In Raiders Of The Lost Ark, the auditorium chalkboard shows accurate physics formulas before Indiana flips it to draw the staff of Ra."

And a rather nice quote:

"There is no true understanding of Biology without Chemistry. And there's no true understanding of Chemistry without Physics."
 
Jennet said:
Today is National Physics Day and Neil deGrasse Tyson has been posting hilarious tweets about science. Thought I'd share to level out the Chem study grind.

"In case you hadn't figured this out yet, the hit game-App "Angry Birds" is all about the Physics of parabolic trajectories."

"MorePhysics: In the John Hughes' film "The Breakfast Club" the license plate on "The Brain's" dad's car reads [ E mc2 ]. Cool"

"In Raiders Of The Lost Ark, the auditorium chalkboard shows accurate physics formulas before Indiana flips it to draw the staff of Ra."

And a rather nice quote:

"There is no true understanding of Biology without Chemistry. And there's no true understanding of Chemistry without Physics."
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If only we knew what allowed us to understand Physics. . .
 
johnnyscans said:
If only we knew what allowed us to understand Physics. . .
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I believe Newton and Leibniz would have something to say about that, and would totally start a math/physics turf war.

Everyone knows a physicist is just a gunner mathematician.
 
MedWonk said:
I believe Newton and Leibniz would have something to say about that, and would totally start a math/physics turf war.

Everyone knows a physicist is just a gunner mathematician.
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"Just a reminder from Physics class: Some (probably all) of your best friends are made of quarks."
- Neil deGrasse Tyson

Also, he did a fantastic video about the role of Physics in medicine:
[YOUTUBE]VjY0vqgDMnE[/YOUTUBE]
 
Reposting again.

2 rooms available in Belmont, MA 02478. 20 min bus ride to harvard. Around 540/month not including utilities. Lease starts june 1st. Email me at [email protected] for more info.

Now with that out of the way....

Happy studying to the gen chemers. Im kind of looking forward to seeing whats on the exam. And i still didnt finish the physics pset yet and its really throwing my chem pre game off. Ahh optics!!!! Were not tryna get into optometry school! Hah, nah its pretty cool.
 
smiley27 said:
Reposting again.

2 rooms available in Belmont, MA 02478. 20 min bus ride to harvard. Around 540/month not including utilities. Lease starts june 1st. Email me at [email protected] for more info.

Now with that out of the way....

Happy studying to the gen chemers. Im kind of looking forward to seeing whats on the exam. And i still didnt finish the physics pset yet and its really throwing my chem pre game off. Ahh optics!!!! Were not tryna get into optometry school! Hah, nah its pretty cool.
Click to expand...

Phyics pset is easy. Let me know if you run into any issues. I was able to finish it in just under an hour.

I feel the same way about chemistry. I'm wondering how the curve ball question is going to be asked. That one problem from the practice exam that pulled in the old pH = pka + log A/HA would have fuc*ed me royally on test day.
 
Last midterm of the year!!! Dont forget your microstates stuff. S=k(lnW). Also watch our for temp changes. K, G, and pressures change with temp. H and S stat constant. Did I miss anything else that changes?
 
Im REALLY watching out Kw this time but it's gonna get my again. Theyre so many ways to trick us with Kw
 
johnnyscans said:
I'm spooked about tonights exam. I don't know why, but I just am.
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I had this weird nervous feeling yesterday too, but felt much better after the exam. I thought it was fair and pretty straight forward with no tricky questions this time, even though I still find some of those concepts quite confusing.
But now that the answer key has still not been posted, surprisingly, I am getting antsy again.
Definitely ready for this semester to end now.
 
I couldn't get a delta G value for one of the equations for #6. When I plugged my k value into my calculator I got an overflow error.

It was (1/1.6^-39)^3 That's something to the ^100. How did I mess up. . .

Other than that I thought it was fair. Should have gotten a 90+ easily. I hope.
 
I find it easier to find G's for the reactions as they are given and then manipulate the G's accordingly, rather then manipulating the K's and E's to get the final G right away. That also gives you a way to check your answer.

I'm a bit worried about the voltaic cell E increase/decrease/remain same questions. So easy to trip up on those.
 
Sciengee said:
I find it easier to find G's for the reactions as they are given and then manipulate the G's accordingly, rather then manipulating the K's and E's to get the final G right away. That also gives you a way to check your answer.

I'm a bit worried about the voltaic cell E increase/decrease/remain same questions. So easy to trip up on those.
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Hmm. Maybe I didn't screw it up too badly. The rest of my equation and such worked out fine. That's probably a point or two off max.

And yea. Those questions were tricky. I just feel like they were tough because we didn't have too much practice with them.
 
johnnyscans said:
Hmm. Maybe I didn't screw it up too badly. The rest of my equation and such worked out fine. That's probably a point or two off max.

And yea. Those questions were tricky. I just feel like they were tough because we didn't have too much practice with them.
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Our section got pretty lucky; a sub came in and drew out a huge diagram for the voltaic cell and explained all the questions from exam C. We spent about a half hour on it so I felt like I knew how to approach those. I also had issues with my calculator and #6 - utterly flipped out! I panicked. my answer was -2 and change, so I wasn't that far off from the 1.09, but I can't remember if I put the negative sign in my answer box...it's the little things really.

Still though, when I saw the concept questions, I smiled like an idiot and thanked the science gods. That is my kind of learnin'.
 
You're lucky Jennet, I wasn't prepared at all for the concept questions but I think I squeeked out a few right answers.

As for the calculator overflow error. This error showed up in exam B page 6 I think. Calculators can't handle triple digit exponents (I think that's the error). But, remembering your log rules: log[(a)^(x)] = xlog(a). You had to bring the exponent out in front to avoid the overflow error.

The exam was fair. But that calculator overflow error was cruel, in my opinion. But the error did appear on one of the practice exams.
 
Hello all,

I applied for the HCP program last week and am waiting to here back. My undergrad is in Accounting and my GPA is pretty low, just above 3.0. I am a newly certified EMT which is useless at this point because I haven't started volunteering yet, but I did get about 20 hours of emergency room experience during my training, and plenty of patient care simulation. I've already been rejected from one postbac this cycle (Bennington College) and I don't feel great about my chances of getting accepted to HCP. Regardless, I am already signed up for summer Gen Chem and plan to take all of my pre reqs at HES on the one year plan (I have been following this form for the past couple weeks and have read all of the posts, I know the one year plan is ill advised by many (including Dr. Fixens) and will be extremely difficult, but my pre reqs are going to be my sole focus for the entire year, with no outside work other than volunteer and research. I will be living and breathing this stuff.) From the website I get the impression that if I don't get into HCP at first I can reapply after I take Gen chem this summer and still be eligible for the diploma program. would anyone be able to confirm this for me?
 
smiley27 said:
You're lucky Jennet, I wasn't prepared at all for the concept questions but I think I squeeked out a few right answers.

As for the calculator overflow error. This error showed up in exam B page 6 I think. Calculators can't handle triple digit exponents (I think that's the error). But, remembering your log rules: log[(a)^(x)] = xlog(a). You had to bring the exponent out in front to avoid the overflow error.

The exam was fair. But that calculator overflow error was cruel, in my opinion. But the error did appear on one of the practice exams.
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Holy crap I may have gotten it right by pure dumb luck. I got pissed off at the question so I said "f*ck it, I'll take the natural log of my 1/k and then multiply it by three". . .
 
Still moving to Boston but have just been accepted by, and will be joining, the Tufts post-bacc program. Good luck to you all!
 
Quick question for you harvardians:
Is anyone pursuing the actual diploma in premedical sciences? Do you actually walk with the graduating class and receive this diploma? I know other Harvard extension students actually graduate, I was curious as to whether HCP degree candidates do as well.
 
Ah, why can't I send you a PM? I wonder if there is a message limit to send or receive.
 
Anyway, since you ask, the reason is

- if you put a mediocre X units of effort in HES, you get a grade of t1
- if you put the same mediocre X units of effort at Tufts (or elsewhere), you get a grade t2

and t2 > t1.

Therefore prob (admission) is higher at Tufts with the same mediocre X units of effort.
 
Well said, bro. GL at tufts. You go make them t2's rain.

samanthablondie said:
Anyway, since you ask, the reason is

- if you put a mediocre X units of effort in HES, you get a grade of t1
- if you put the same mediocre X units of effort at Tufts (or elsewhere), you get a grade t2

and t2 > t1.

Therefore prob (admission) is higher at Tufts with the same mediocre X units of effort.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks. And good luck to you all too. I have an advisor at Tufts now and one who is very prompt in replying to e-mails. So I won't be around on SDN any more. Hope all of you get into medical schools! Good luck with the finals! Good luck with admissions! Bye!!
 
Tried to make a Harvard housing thread...seems to have tanked royally. So, see below!

**********************

My roommate has just informed me that he will be moving out in mid-July. Eep! Definitely wasn't expecting him to go that soon! So, I'm going to need someone to replace him in late July or early August.

I'm in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath place on a deadly-quiet street in Malden. For the price, the apartment is huge and actually pretty nice. We've got stainless steel appliances, awesome paint jobs (by me!), hardwood floors, and all you'd have to furnish is your room! The rent is $500 + electric/gas (internet is included!)

I'm down to have a male or female roommate (though, they've been all male thus far). But, you'd have to be cool with dogs because my buddy is with me: 80 lb., well trained American Staffordshire who ADORES people (pretty worthless as a watchdog, but an amazing snuggle partner).

I could go on and on about the place and its amenities and perks. So, if you want to gab about it, or see pictures, please please PLEASE message me!!

(BONUS: When I leave in December--and don't worry, I'll help you find my replacement roommate--I can sell you all of my stuff (and by "sell" I mean give you the lot for a couple hundred bucks). I have a brand new leather couch, a bookshelf, coffee tables, paintings pots and pans, dishes, bakeware (good stuff, because I cook every day), blah blah blah)
 
samanthablondie said:
Anyway, since you ask, the reason is

- if you put a mediocre X units of effort in HES, you get a grade of t1
- if you put the same mediocre X units of effort at Tufts (or elsewhere), you get a grade t2

and t2 > t1.

Therefore prob (admission) is higher at Tufts with the same mediocre X units of effort.
Click to expand...

Nvm I was going to ask what t2 and t1 mean but I get it now.
 
Spj86 said:
Quick question for you harvardians:
Is anyone pursuing the actual diploma in premedical sciences? Do you actually walk with the graduating class and receive this diploma? I know other Harvard extension students actually graduate, I was curious as to whether HCP degree candidates do as well.
Click to expand...

Yes, you can, but ironically not many of the students attend. I was interested in walking (for my mother's sake - how many times does your kid graduate from anything Harvard??) but was informed that almost none of the students attend the commencement. I got the impression that it was kind of a joke in the larger scheme of going to medical school. I think I am still going to do it if I get through this thing with my head on straight; just be warned that you may be the only one.
 
I know you are all studying hard, but I wanted to give you something to look forward to. Our annual end of year party will be at John Harvard's on Thursday May 10 at 9:00 PM. There will be prizes (not raffle style this time, just handing out stuff) and drinks sponsored by the student pre-health society, HEPS. Tucci and company usually join us and it is a nice time to relax after finals. If you're hankering for something more wild, the unofficial after party is at Hong Kong.

Good luck these last two weeks everyone. 👍
 
Jennet said:
I know you are all studying hard, but I wanted to give you something to look forward to. Our annual end of year party will be at John Harvard's on Thursday May 10 at 9:00 PM. There will be prizes (not raffle style this time, just handing out stuff) and drinks sponsored by the student pre-health society, HEPS. Tucci and company usually join us and it is a nice time to relax after finals. If you're hankering for something more wild, the unofficial after party is at Hong Kong.

Good luck these last two weeks everyone. 👍
Click to expand...

Whoa whoa whoa. Tucci is going to be there??!
 
johnnyscans said:
Whoa whoa whoa. Tucci is going to be there??!
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Tucci was there last year. I bought him a drink. I should definitely work on my timing next time and buy drinks for professors BEFORE the final 😉
 
johnnyscans said:
Whoa whoa whoa. Tucci is going to be there??!
Click to expand...

Beach Blondie has it. He came to our last one with Justin, but was a little put out by the loud music (as were many kids). To be fair we didn't know it would be that loud. So yes! He likes John Harvard and we're asking him on Thursday. Rueckner cannot attend on Thursday nights because he has a standing class, but he send his regards.
 
What is a standing class? I didnt know he taught something other than E1a/b. I'd take another class from him.
 
Does anyone know if the doppler radar stuff will be on the final? It's in the chapter but didn't seem to get any attention in class/homework.
 
To be honest I can't even recall what chapter that was in? Probably in magnetism. I don't think we had a hw problem or suggested problem on it, and I don't think he covered it in lecture. I'd be reaaaallly surprised if he busted it out on us. I suppose anything is fair game but time is scarce and you gotta choose your battles wisely.
Also, I didn't look at the practice finals yet so if it shows up in them then i'll probably look it over more carefully.
 
Actually... Radar stuff? Was that the em waves chapter?
 
smiley27 said:
Actually... Radar stuff? Was that the em waves chapter?
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Yeah, very last section of ch. 22... that's the only place I'm seeing it all semester, so hopefully he doesn't put it on the final!
 
If anyone finds that they need refreshers on certain topics, Brightstorm (http://www.brightstorm.com/science/physics/) has some great videos. Goes a little quicker than Khan (who I still love), which is always nice.

This has really helped hammer home a bunch of concepts. Good luck studying everyone. Not sure if I'm going to go to Doug's review session tonight, they've been hit or miss. . .
 
johnnyscans said:
If anyone finds that they need refreshers on certain topics, Brightstorm (http://www.brightstorm.com/science/physics/) has some great videos. Goes a little quicker than Khan (who I still love), which is always nice.

This has really helped hammer home a bunch of concepts. Good luck studying everyone. Not sure if I'm going to go to Doug's review session tonight, they've been hit or miss. . .
Click to expand...

I really wanted to drill practice problems last night so I didn't attend - I'm going to Ralph's section tonight though if anyone is interested. He's pretty much fantastic.

Did Doug say anything Earth shattering? Anyone hear a good hint or two?
 
Good luck tomorrow everyone. Way to get through an entire year of something wonderful and, for me, exciting and terribly different from anything I've ever done.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/556286_383726811666256_100000868224879_987056_1491529112_n.jpg

Sam: "I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something."
 
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