Official Harvard Extension 2012 Thread

[Jennet]

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Advising from Fixsen and Co. (which includes emails about jobs and opportunities)
Membership in HEPS

Those are the two big ones. Jennett probably knows better than I do.

Well the Harvard ID and sponsorship are the biggest perks. You want the ID to get access to the libraries and other "off-limits" buildings and the committee letter is a favorable way to submit your letters of recommendation to AMCAS. The gym membership is worthwhile as are the discounted prices for the Harvard museums.

Personally I like using my Harvard ID to get cheap movie tickets.

 

[Magilacutty]

Thanks for the responses. I was not sure if the ID was only for Diploma students. Yes, I see that as a perk.

 

[SpagoBMS]

Thanks for the responses. I was not sure if the ID was only for Diploma students. Yes, I see that as a perk.

Thanks for asking the question. I didn't realize you could get a Harvard ID if you weren't a diploma candidate. Good to know.

I was planning on using my apt as the place I study the most but having access to the Harvard libraries is a huge plus!

 

[johnnyscans]

Thanks for asking the question. I didn't realize you could get a Harvard ID if you weren't a diploma candidate. Good to know.

I was planning on using my apt as the place I study the most but having access to the Harvard libraries is a huge plus!

I'm pretty sure you can only get a Harvard ID as a diploma candidate.

 

[SpagoBMS]

I thought that was the case. I misread the thread.

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[johnnyscans]

I thought that was the case. I misread the thread.

Thanks for the clarification.

Not a problem. Let me know if you have any other questions about the program.

 

[TheYeren]

Hey guys, I know the answer to this question is somewhere in the HES threads but I can't find it. Does the HCP notify you of acceptance via email or snail mail? I applied a while ago now but haven't heard anything and am getting antsy.

Also, on an unrelated note, does each person have their own individual requirements to get sponsorship from the school?

 

[Soco9087]

Hey guys, I know the answer to this question is somewhere in the HES threads but I can't find it. Does the HCP notify you of acceptance via email or snail mail? I applied a while ago now but haven't heard anything and am getting antsy.

Also, on an unrelated note, does each person have their own individual requirements to get sponsorship from the school?

I got mine by snail mail. Some people do have an individual requirement, like they must get above a certain mcat score to get sponsorship.

 

[johnnyscans]

Just an FYI, my physics TF was able to give me my final exam score today. Not sure if the rest have them graded but for those of you who can't wait until official grades are released it may be worth shooting an email out.

 

[smiley27]

For you veterans out there:

Can you guys give your advice for organic chemistry and biology and how to succeed in these classes?

Do you guys read the book? Is there a logan notes practice problem like for gen chem? Do you guys do end of the chapter problems?

How do the professors write the exams? Are they fair and reasonable? Do they like to test stuff on the lecture notes? Stuff in the book? Stuff in the problem sets?

After finishing up gen chem and physics I decided to stay in this rat race and proceed onto organic chemistry and bio and am looking for advice on how to ball out in these classes.

 

[johnnyscans]

For you veterans out there:

Can you guys give your advice for organic chemistry and biology and how to succeed in these classes?

Do you guys read the book? Is there a logan notes practice problem like for gen chem? Do you guys do end of the chapter problems?

How do the professors write the exams? Are they fair and reasonable? Do they like to test stuff on the lecture notes? Stuff in the book? Stuff in the problem sets?

After finishing up gen chem and physics I decided to stay in this rat race and proceed onto organic chemistry and bio and am looking for advice on how to ball out in these classes.

Haven't taken Orgo yet, so I'm of no help there.

Bio - I've heard through the grapevine that Anderson may not be teaching it next year. This could go either way for you. Biology is different from Chem/Physics in that you can't drill practice problems. You need to understand both the game and the players. Every pathway or process you learn about has both steps and individual components of each step. While you can do practice problems and textbook problems to help memorize these things, in the end it comes down to pure memorization.

My advice is use websites like Khan academy to help you hammer home concepts. His overview of respiration, photosynthesis and the krebs cycle is wonderful.

 

[Jennet]

Haven't taken Orgo yet, so I'm of no help there.

Bio - I've heard through the grapevine that Anderson may not be teaching it next year. This could go either way for you. Biology is different from Chem/Physics in that you can't drill practice problems. You need to understand both the game and the players. Every pathway or process you learn about has both steps and individual components of each step. While you can do practice problems and textbook problems to help memorize these things, in the end it comes down to pure memorization.

My advice is use websites like Khan academy to help you hammer home concepts. His overview of respiration, photosynthesis and the krebs cycle is wonderful.

I also heard that Anderson was not teaching in the fall; I've heard rumors that his female TF will take over teaching duties. As for succeeding in Bio, I've heard that just like OChem, it is more about problem solving and memorization. Basically you won't pick up a calculator again until the MCAT. Me gusta.

 

[SpagoBMS]

Is this the thread to ask if anyone's selling their Physics and Bio books?

PM if you are.

 

[johnnyscans]

I also heard that Anderson was not teaching in the fall; I've heard rumors that his female TF will take over teaching duties. As for succeeding in Bio, I've heard that just like OChem, it is more about problem solving and memorization. Basically you won't pick up a calculator again until the MCAT. Me gusta.

Yea, Bio is probably 50% problem solving/memorization. You memorize the names, location (be it in a pathway or within a structure) and role of a molecule, but must be able to solve problems about it i.e. a mutation, inhibitor, upregulator.

 

[smiley27]

Please click one of the Quick Reply icons in the posts above to activate Quick Reply.

 

[Magilacutty]

Hey guys, I know the answer to this question is somewhere in the HES threads but I can't find it. Does the HCP notify you of acceptance via email or snail mail? I applied a while ago now but haven't heard anything and am getting antsy.

Also, on an unrelated note, does each person have their own individual requirements to get sponsorship from the school?

I received word from Dr. Fixsen that the application cycle is likely closing soon, in part due to the bulk of applications received. My guess is you will hear back fairly soon. I'd also recommend emailing or calling HCP. Dr. Fixsen has been very prompt in responding to my emails lately, and I've never had trouble reaching somebody if I call in the AM.

 

[butters149]

If anyone here needs books for Gen Chem., Orgo., or Bio please PM me, as I have them for sale.

Thanks,

 

[Jennet]

If anyone here needs books for Gen Chem., Orgo., or Bio please PM me, as I have them for sale.

Thanks,

Hitting you up! I will take you out for a coffee if you sell to me 😀

 

[Sciengee]

I would highly recommend getting the study guide that accompanies the bio textbook. It basically summarizes the chapters in 5-6 pages (not just a paragraph or two) and includes many review questions with answers. Anderson's exam questions were taken pretty much entirely out of his lecture slides, and there was so much memorization involved there that memorizing everything from the terminology-heavy textbook on top of that was pretty much impossible. I ended up never opening the textbook after the first 3 lectures or so and just reading the study guide chapters and never came across a question on the exams that I wasn't familiar with.
Just my two cents.. Also, I only took E1b with him, so the first semester might be entirely different.

 

[johnnyscans]

I would highly recommend getting the study guide that accompanies the bio textbook. It basically summarizes the chapters in 5-6 pages (not just a paragraph or two) and includes many review questions with answers. Anderson's exam questions were taken pretty much entirely out of his lecture slides, and there was so much memorization involved there that memorizing everything from the terminology-heavy textbook on top of that was pretty much impossible. I ended up never opening the textbook after the first 3 lectures or so and just reading the study guide chapters and never came across a question on the exams that I wasn't familiar with.
Just my two cents.. Also, I only took E1b with him, so the first semester might be entirely different.

To piggy back on this suggestion, the Campbell textbook study guide is way better than our book. I would almost recommend replacing the assigned textbook with the Campbell book + study guide. It's more thorough, well-written and logical.

 

[smiley27]

Intereesting... I was looking at amazon book reviews on the current bio book - principles of life by hollis? And they were pretty bad. I don't give much credence to textbook reviews but a few people did recommend campbell's biology and i did some more searching and yeah it seems like the consensus is that campbells biology is the recommended book for intro bio.

I think im gonna pick up both versions.

What are in bio workbooks? Just practice problems to accompany the chapters? Do they come with solutions?

 

[johnnyscans]

Intereesting... I was looking at amazon book reviews on the current bio book - principles of life by hollis? And they were pretty bad. I don't give much credence to textbook reviews but a few people did recommend campbell's biology and i did some more searching and yeah it seems like the consensus is that campbells biology is the recommended book for intro bio.

I think im gonna pick up both versions.

What are in bio workbooks? Just practice problems to accompany the chapters? Do they come with solutions?

Principles of Life is a **** textbook. It makes our Physics book look like A Song of Ice and Fire (bonus points for you if you get the reference).

The Campbell workbook is fuc*ing great. It has all types of problems - flow charts, diagrams, multiple choice, everything. Answers are in there too. Each section starts with a summary of the chapter too. It seriously is a perfect study guide. I will probably be using it as a refresher before I start hardcore MCAT studying.

 

[MedWonk]

Principles of Life is a **** textbook. It makes our Physics book look like A Song of Ice and Fire (bonus points for you if you get the reference).

The Campbell workbook is fuc*ing great. It has all types of problems - flow charts, diagrams, multiple choice, everything. Answers are in there too. Each section starts with a summary of the chapter too. It seriously is a perfect study guide. I will probably be using it as a refresher before I start hardcore MCAT studying.

Really? I thought Principles of Life was just fine for Bio. I never had any issues with it, other than not needing to go through it more than once since everything I had to know for the exams came from Anderson's lecture notes. It was far better than Chang for Gen Chem or Jones for OChem, which were fairly useless.

 

[smiley27]

My MCAT prowess has been temporarily suspended because the bookstores here (B&N) don't carry examkrackers stuff. Gotta wait until I get back to red brick jungle to pick up my books at the COOP.
Only a week after classes ended, sitting in paradise and I'm getting the itch to start studying. work life balance FAIL

 

[Jennet]

So it is confirmed that Anderson won't be back for fall but that his TF (whose name I have forgot) will be taking over the course. If anyone gets word on the class materials ahead of time, let me know! I'd love to purchase early.

As for you smiley, please try and enjoy your home state! Not all of us are so lucky!

I took a road trip to NY this weekend and we stopped over in Worcester to see the UMass medical campus. Can anyone explain why in the world they would put their medical school out there? I mean sure the buildings look nice, have some space, and the river isn't so bad, but Worcester is a ways from the Hub. It seems particularly cruel to make anyone doing time at the major Boston hospitals to have to drive/commute that far. Plus, Worcester is boring which would be good for your average medical student but awful if you have a day off. Any thoughts?

Grades come out this week - good luck everyone.

 

[MedWonk]

So it is confirmed that Anderson won't be back for fall but that his TF (whose name I have forgot) will be taking over the course. If anyone gets word on the class materials ahead of time, let me know! I'd love to purchase early.

As for you smiley, please try and enjoy your home state! Not all of us are so lucky!

I took a road trip to NY this weekend and we stopped over in Worcester to see the UMass medical campus. Can anyone explain why in the world they would put their medical school out there? I mean sure the buildings look nice, have some space, and the river isn't so bad, but Worcester is a ways from the Hub. It seems particularly cruel to make anyone doing time at the major Boston hospitals to have to drive/commute that far. Plus, Worcester is boring which would be good for your average medical student but awful if you have a day off. Any thoughts?

Grades come out this week - good luck everyone.

Nope, that about sums up what I think of my home. It's boring as hell and kind of crappy place to live. The only thing attracting me to UMass is that (last I checked), one has the opportunity to do some rotations at Milford Regional Hospital, which just so happens to be where I live. It's also a good med school. Otherwise, I'm not a fan of Worcester. It would've been better if they had put the school in Boston or out in Amherst.

 

[smiley27]

Grades come out this week - good luck everyone.

Wednesday right? Sometimes they release the grades early so maybe even tomorrow. MAYBE THEY'RE UP NOW?

 

[Magilacutty]

UMASS is also very cheap compared to pretty much anything in upper east if you are a resident. If you are not a resident, I don't think they even take you.

 

[drmsk]

Wednesday right? Sometimes they release the grades early so maybe even tomorrow. MAYBE THEY'RE UP NOW?

Grades are up!! 😱

 

[smiley27]

Improved in both chem and phys. feels good

 

[johnnyscans]

A-, A-, A in what was easily the most difficult semester of my life. I'm stoked. Really wish one of those (-)s was a solid A though.

Oh well. Hope everyone had a successful semester.

 

[MedWonk]

A- in bio, B+ in OChem...which means I really crapped the bed on the OChem final. That norovirus got me at just the wrong time.

 

[Sciengee]

I got A- in physics (bummer) and A's in bio and chem. Also wish that minus would just go away, but considering how I was pretty much losing my mind by the end of the semester, I am happy that I didn't completely bomb the other two finals as well.

 

[johnnyscans]

I got A- in physics (bummer) and A's in bio and chem. Also wish that minus would just go away, but considering how I was pretty much losing my mind by the end of the semester, I am happy that I didn't completely bomb the other two finals as well.

Nice job on the A in Bio, that's no joke! I wonder what the A-/A cut off was for chemistry. I hear ya on the (-)s though, sucks knowing that we probably missed the cutoff by a few small points.

 

[Sciengee]

Nice job on the A in Bio, that's no joke! I wonder what the A-/A cut off was for chemistry. I hear ya on the (-)s though, sucks knowing that we probably missed the cutoff by a few small points.

Thanks! Not sure how that even happened, but I'm not questioning it haha.
I was wondering about he cut off for chemistry as well since I felt like I was treading on it throughout the whole semester (which was definitely not the breeze that the fall semester was, that's for sure!). You could probably try emailing Justin about it since I am guessing we will never see our final exam scores.

 

[johnnyscans]

Thanks! Not sure how that even happened, but I'm not questioning it haha.
I was wondering about he cut off for chemistry as well since I felt like I was treading on it throughout the whole semester (which was definitely not the breeze that the fall semester was, that's for sure!). You could probably try emailing Justin about it since I am guessing we will never see our final exam scores.

I fu*ked up exam 3 big time with about 8 points of stupid mistakes. That's probably what did me in. . . well, either that or the final.

 

[smiley27]

I think the cutoff for the A in chemistry is pretty high. I wouldn't be surprised if it's higher than the cutoff for physics. It's no easy task getting the outright A in chem.
However, the cutoff for the A- in both classes is generously adjusted in our favor.

Just my opinion.

 

[BosNonTrad]

Has anyone taken biochem during the summer at Harvard? If so, any suggestions on how to succeed in the class?

 

[johnnyscans]

Has anyone taken biochem during the summer at Harvard? If so, any suggestions on how to succeed in the class?

You're taking Biochemistry this summer? Same here.

In regards to grading and the course, here's what I've found:
http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=744054

My takeaways:
He teaches difficult courses i.e. molecular biology, biochemistry proteomics. Keep this in mind when reading through any reviews of him.
Homeworks are, on average, more difficult than exams
Exams are long and difficult, but covered.

My plan: treat my summer courses like a full time job. Read, study, practice, repeat.

 

[Jennet]

Ah surprise grades! Fairly pleased with my performance, but of course I'd love to do better. Still feel like there is this math rut I can't shake. It certainly is a different language. Really looking forward to classes in the fall and maybe to Stats this summer. I haven't decided yet if $2700 is a doable amount without full-time work.

Quick question for everyone: I'm considering taking on a third course in the fall to compliment bio and orgo. I've heard that Evolutionary Development would be a nice upper level course but I'm concerning about how much prior biology knowledge we will need for upper division courses. Has anyone taken a course without biology and found it to be manageable? The TMDSAS require 14 credit hours of biology so I am thinking ahead.

Thanks friends! Congrats to everyone on some spectacular work!

 

[johnnyscans]

Ah surprise grades! Fairly pleased with my performance, but of course I'd love to do better. Still feel like there is this math rut I can't shake. It certainly is a different language. Really looking forward to classes in the fall and maybe to Stats this summer. I haven't decided yet if $2700 is a doable amount without full-time work.

Quick question for everyone: I'm considering taking on a third course in the fall to compliment bio and orgo. I've heard that Evolutionary Development would be a nice upper level course but I'm concerning about how much prior biology knowledge we will need for upper division courses. Has anyone taken a course without biology and found it to be manageable? The TMDSAS require 14 credit hours of biology so I am thinking ahead.

Thanks friends! Congrats to everyone on some spectacular work!

Some courses i.e., cell, molecular, micro, require a knowledge of topics covered in general biology. Cell bio would have been extremely tough without having taken an intro biology course, and molecular biology would probably be straight impossible. Evolution and development, however, is its own little niche of biology, and many of the topics taught in these classes can stand on their own. If its genetics heavy things could get ugly, but I reckon you'll do fine. You may be a little lost if in terms of some of the development stuff, but I'm sure you'll pick things up quickly. I would strongly recommend against any higher level classes without gen bio though.

A warning: three classes can be pretty tough at times. This past semester I was in Chem, Physics and Cell biology + 25-30 hours of lab work a week + 3 hours volunteering and there were times where I was out of the house from 7am until 10 pm. Test weeks can be overwhelming, and free time becomes notoriously hard to come by. That said, you can succeed if you work hard and have a flexible job/gig during the day.

I'm contimplating a third class for the fall as well. As of now I'm sold on Orgo and A&P and I'm thinking psyche or stats for the third slot, as three upper level science courses could be beyond brutal. It all really comes down to what my research schedule looks like by then. I'd love to take medical microbiology, but I'm not sure how masochistic I'm feeling.

Hope this helps. TLDR: you'll be fine, I'll check out the syllabus for you too and see what I think

 

[jlk21490]

Hi everyone,

I just graduated from undergrad. (this past weekend) and am interested in applying to the Health Careers Program for Fall 2012. Would it be too late at this point?

Thanks!

 

[quite]

Newbie questions:

- Anyone from Vanderbilt or West Virginia? (I am from WV and graduated from Vanderbilt).

- Can anyone suggest a good no-fee broker?

- I have never lived in a high rise before and would like to take this opportunity to live in a high rise. Are there any high rises that you know of in Cambridge?

- What kind of rent will I have to pay to get a one bedroom in Cambridge?

- Most people seem to find Physics really hard and Chemistry easier. How was your grade in Physics compared to your grade in Chemistry?

- If I decide to NOT formally enroll in HCP, can I study in any Harvard library? Don't want to borrow books - just study.

 

[Magilacutty]

Hi everyone,

I just graduated from undergrad. (this past weekend) and am interested in applying to the Health Careers Program for Fall 2012. Would it be too late at this point?

Thanks!

I'd call them tomorrow. The phone number is on the application form. About two weeks ago, Dr. Fixsen informed me that the application cycle was likely closing soon because they can only provide resources for so many HCP students, and they received a lot of applications this year. You can still open-enroll in HES should you miss this cycle, but it might NOT be too late.

The website says nothing about limited resources or application cycles, so this definitely caught me by surprise.

 

[johnnyscans]

Newbie questions:

- Anyone from Vanderbilt or West Virginia? (I am from WV and graduated from Vanderbilt).

- Can anyone suggest a good no-fee broker?

- I have never lived in a high rise before and would like to take this opportunity to live in a high rise. Are there any high rises that you know of in Cambridge?

- What kind of rent will I have to pay to get a one bedroom in Cambridge?

- Most people seem to find Physics really hard and Chemistry easier. How was your grade in Physics compared to your grade in Chemistry?

- If I decide to NOT formally enroll in HCP, can I study in any Harvard library? Don't want to borrow books - just study.

Almost all brokers in Boston are fee. Our real estate market sucks. Listings move extremely quick and most realtors are predatory scumbags. That said, if you find a good one let me know.

I don't know of any high rises in cambridge or somerville, at least not near Harvard.

A good 1 bedroom, without any roommates, will run you at least $1200.

3.7 throughout my year of chemistry, 4.0 throughout physics. I found chemistry easier but physics easier to get an A in, if that makes any sense.

No, libraries require a Harvard ID. Supposedly you can print out your enrollment form and get in with that but I'm an apartment studier, so I'm not certain.

 

[BosNonTrad]

There are high rises in Kendall Sq. These are mostly luxury buildings and will be on the expensive side ($2000+/month for a one bed). Archstone is one, then there are a few near the Cambridgeside galleria.

 

[SpagoBMS]

Some courses i.e., cell, molecular, micro, require a knowledge of topics covered in general biology. Cell bio would have been extremely tough without having taken an intro biology course, and molecular biology would probably be straight impossible. Evolution and development, however, is its own little niche of biology, and many of the topics taught in these classes can stand on their own. If its genetics heavy things could get ugly, but I reckon you'll do fine. You may be a little lost if in terms of some of the development stuff, but I'm sure you'll pick things up quickly. I would strongly recommend against any higher level classes without gen bio though.

When you say gen bio, do you mean both bio I and II? I'm taking bio I in the fall and was thinking of adding an upper div bio class for spring.

 

[quite]

No, libraries require a Harvard ID. Supposedly you can print out your enrollment form and get in with that but I'm an apartment studier, so I'm not certain.

Thanks. I am here in Cambridge over the summer and plan to enroll for summer classes (Biology-1; 2) when they start. Meanwhile if we want to get into a Harvard building just to pee or to drink water from a fountain, what do we do? Do we need to show them an enrollment form each time?

 

[quite]

Almost all brokers in Boston are fee. Our real estate market sucks. Listings move extremely quick and most realtors are predatory scumbags. That said, if you find a good one let me know.

True. True. Predatory scumbag is an appropriate word!

 

[quite]

3.7 throughout my year of chemistry, 4.0 throughout physics. I found chemistry easier but physics easier to get an A in, if that makes any sense.

Very interesting! Do others have similar experience?