Official Harvard Extension 2012 Thread

[johnnyscans]

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Is it just me or finding housing in Boston really hard?? Seems like all the places go within the first 24 hours..

I've been using Padmapper but recently they don't put up craigslist listings any more. I've tried using the Harvard housing website for vacant places but mot of their ads are out of date.

Do you guys have any other sites that might be worth checking out?

Finding housing here, especially for a Sept. 1st move-in date, is extremely difficult. I can't even imagine searching for housing now that Padmapper doesn't include Craigslist ads. I'd say you should email realtors but I emailed about 8-10 who were recommended to me and not a single one responded.

Your best bet is to (if you can) hook up with a realtor and have them show you places back-to-back-to-back. Bring a checkbook. Once you find a place you like sign it right then and there. Don't wait an hour or two. I lost two places on my search waiting a few hours.

 

[Soco9087]

The padmapper thing really sucks, I was planning on trying to find a cheaper place next year.

Just be persistant, took me about 2 months to find the place that I'm in now and that was a summer move in date I'd imagine that trying to find a place to the fall is going to be a lot harder.

Personally I'd avoid a realtor at all cost, unless you can find one who doesn't charge a fee. You best bet is to keep browsing though craigslist ads as that seem to be the most popular place that people post to here.

 

[LAnative]

During your application year, preferably through a 4-yr university.

Let's say you apply to university of X, which requires a year of calc for matriculation. You take Calc I in the fall. If you're invited for an interview to university of X you register for calc II in the spring. If you're accepted you finish. If not, you can finish or withdraw.

So it isn't held against your application if you have pending completion of a calculus requirement?

 

[LAnative]

Also, where are the actual theory classes held? Is it in the actual campus?

 

[johnnyscans]

So it isn't held against your application if you have pending completion of a calculus requirement?

Usually calculus is a matriculation requirement. Actually, most classes are matriculation requirements, but most of your science classes are completed prior to application since you need them for the MCAT.

 

[xcrunner18]

I'd recommend A&P. Not easy, but important for medical school.

Yep, I took a physiology course my senior year and did really well. Any experience with some of the non-premed elective courses in the biology department?

 

[mdanitka]

Finding housing here, especially for a Sept. 1st move-in date, is extremely difficult. I can't even imagine searching for housing now that Padmapper doesn't include Craigslist ads. I'd say you should email realtors but I emailed about 8-10 who were recommended to me and not a single one responded.

Your best bet is to (if you can) hook up with a realtor and have them show you places back-to-back-to-back. Bring a checkbook. Once you find a place you like sign it right then and there. Don't wait an hour or two. I lost two places on my search waiting a few hours.

Finding housing is absurd. I have been searching for almost a month now and still nothing 🙁 It's really starting to make me nervous with each passing day coming closer to that August 1st move in.

In other news, can anyone tell me what books I need to get for Chem/Phys this Fall? I can't seem to find the link on the site anywhere. Thanks! 🙂

 

[Equestrian]

I apologize if this has been discussed above... I'm curious whether anyone has taken the physics sequence during the summer, and would recommend doing so?

I'm trying to map out a schedule for June 2014 application, allowing sufficient time for MCAT prep, but was not able to start this summer...

I was thinking:

Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Bio I and II
Chem I and II
Plus Writing Comp or some other non-science (I'm also doing GPA repair and not sure I should try doing Physics at the same time as Bio and Chem)

Summer 2013
Physics I and II

Fall 2013/Spring 2014
Orgo I and II
Bio electives (Biochemistry, Genetics, etc.)

March (or May) 2014
MCAT

June 2014 - Apply

Any thoughts/advice?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Randommemb]

I apologize if this has been discussed above... I'm curious whether anyone has taken the physics sequence during the summer, and would recommend doing so?

I'm trying to map out a schedule for June 2014 application, allowing sufficient time for MCAT prep, but was not able to start this summer...

I was thinking:

Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Bio I and II
Chem I and II
Plus Writing Comp or some other non-science (I'm also doing GPA repair and not sure I should try doing Physics at the same time as Bio and Chem)

Summer 2013
Physics I and II

Fall 2013/Spring 2014
Orgo I and II
Bio electives (Biochemistry, Genetics, etc.)

March (or May) 2014
MCAT

June 2014 - Apply

Any thoughts/advice?
Thanks in advance!

It is recommended that you do chemistry before biology, as knowledge of basic chem is fairly important to the bio class taught at HCP.

 

[Equestrian]

It is recommended that you do chemistry before biology, as knowledge of basic chem is fairly important to the bio class taught at HCP.

Thanks for the quick response! So, taking them concurrently can't work? I'm eager to get right into biology so I can prepare for the upper-level bio electives...

 

[Soco9087]

I apologize if this has been discussed above... I'm curious whether anyone has taken the physics sequence during the summer, and would recommend doing so?

Any summer course at Harvard is very brutal. What normally takes 2 semesters is crammed into your brain in 7 weeks. I'm in biology right now and try to keep up and on top of everything is not easy and I have the luxary of not having to work,I don't have any research positions, volunteer positions yet and no social life yet either because I forgot how hard it is to make new friends, that and everyone in class is still in high school. I'm pushing about 40 hours a week for this class not included lab. The first exam is coming up and boy is it going to be a doozy. There just so much information it makes it extremely hard to keep it all in.

With that in mind I'm going to wait to see what johnny has to say about biochem and molecular at the end of the summer so I can convince myself out of taking Ochem next summer.

It is recommended that you do chemistry before biology, as knowledge of basic chem is fairly important to the bio class taught at HCP.

It is recommended, but for myself I jumped right into to bio and haven't taken in chemistry in almost 8 years I still found it pretty easy to deal with all the chem, that just me though. If you feel confident in your ability a simple review of basic chem would suffice.

 

[johnnyscans]

Any summer course at Harvard is very brutal. What normally takes 2 semesters is crammed into your brain in 7 weeks. I'm in biology right now and try to keep up and on top of everything is not easy and I have the luxary of not having to work,I don't have any research positions, volunteer positions yet and no social life yet either because I forgot how hard it is to make new friends, that and everyone in class is still in high school. I'm pushing about 40 hours a week for this class not included lab. The first exam is coming up and boy is it going to be a doozy. There just so much information it makes it extremely hard to keep it all in.

With that in mind I'm going to wait to see what johnny has to say about biochem and molecular at the end of the summer so I can convince myself out of taking Ochem next summer.



It is recommended, but for myself I jumped right into to bio and haven't taken in chemistry in almost 8 years I still found it pretty easy to deal with all the chem, that just me though. If you feel confident in your ability a simple review of basic chem would suffice.

Molecular and biochem are fair. Super interesting classes, but very time consuming. That said, Dr. Viel is a great professor. Keep in mind, i have a year of full time lab experience, so i have a good base of knowledge in both these classes. I've heard that orgo is simply too much to learn over the summer. The classes I'm taking both build upon prior knowledge as opposed to teaching you a completely new topic.

 

[Magilacutty]

I apologize if this has been discussed above... I'm curious whether anyone has taken the physics sequence during the summer, and would recommend doing so?

I'm trying to map out a schedule for June 2014 application, allowing sufficient time for MCAT prep, but was not able to start this summer...

I was thinking:

Fall 2012/Spring 2013
Bio I and II
Chem I and II
Plus Writing Comp or some other non-science (I'm also doing GPA repair and not sure I should try doing Physics at the same time as Bio and Chem)

Summer 2013
Physics I and II

Fall 2013/Spring 2014
Orgo I and II
Bio electives (Biochemistry, Genetics, etc.)

March (or May) 2014
MCAT

June 2014 - Apply

Any thoughts/advice?
Thanks in advance!

This is roughly my plan as well minus taking Writing Comp or some other non-science this year. I think I read in this thread or an older one that the Chem knowledge needed for Bio is minimal, and only relevant the first few weeks.

I'd also be curious if anybody here has taken summer Physics. Unfortunately, I doubt that many people have taken this AND either summer Bio or Chem, so comparing may be difficult.

 

[Soco9087]

I'd also be curious if anybody here has taken summer Physics. Unfortunately, I doubt that many people have taken this AND either summer Bio or Chem, so comparing may be difficult.

I was thinking a long the same paths as you, but the way the courses as structured in the summer, class in the morning and lab in the afternoon, there no way to take any combo of the classes concurrently, ceteris paribus.

 

[Soco9087]

Molecular and biochem are fair. Super interesting classes, but very time consuming. That said, Dr. Viel is a great professor. Keep in mind, i have a year of full time lab experience, so i have a good base of knowledge in both these classes. I've heard that orgo is simply too much to learn over the summer. The classes I'm taking both build upon prior knowledge as opposed to teaching you a completely new topic.

Sounds either like a slight advantage, or a massive disadvantage. If I don't take summer orgo that means I would have to study ahead to prepare for a spring 2014 mcat. Either way seems like I'm fighting a losing battle. I should have stuck with the typical plan and taken summer cham and then orgo and bio this fall. Oh well, the path I take has no room for regrets.

 

[MedWonk]

This is roughly my plan as well minus taking Writing Comp or some other non-science this year. I think I read in this thread or an older one that the Chem knowledge needed for Bio is minimal, and only relevant the first few weeks.

I'd also be curious if anybody here has taken summer Physics. Unfortunately, I doubt that many people have taken this AND either summer Bio or Chem, so comparing may be difficult.

I've taken Chem in the summer and am in Physics now. Chem was easier, but I have more non-class time in Physics. Both are manageable. You should follow your heart.

 

[johnnyscans]

Sounds either like a slight advantage, or a massive disadvantage. If I don't take summer orgo that means I would have to study ahead to prepare for a spring 2014 mcat. Either way seems like I'm fighting a losing battle. I should have stuck with the typical plan and taken summer cham and then orgo and bio this fall. Oh well, the path I take has no room for regrets.

MCAT only tests your first semester of Orgo (at least how it's taught at HES). I'll be taking Orgo and A&P I and II this upcoming year and plan on taking my MCATs in April. This provides me with two benefits:

1. Earliest possible application date

2. No MCAT stress during finals

It's a no brainer for me. I will have finished the main 3 electives I wanted to take (cellular, molecular and biochemistry) and will be wrapping up A&P.

 

[Equestrian]

I've taken Chem in the summer and am in Physics now. Chem was easier, but I have more non-class time in Physics. Both are manageable. You should follow your heart.

This is reassuring! I had originally planned to take Chem this summer, but ultimately decided that the schedule was just too intensive (as I have other commitments).

 

[Randommemb]

MCAT only tests your first semester of Orgo (at least how it's taught at HES). I'll be taking Orgo and A&P I and II this upcoming year and plan on taking my MCATs in April. This provides me with two benefits:

1. Earliest possible application date

2. No MCAT stress during finals

It's a no brainer for me. I will have finished the main 3 electives I wanted to take (cellular, molecular and biochemistry) and will be wrapping up A&P.

Just want to chime in that the MCAT does cover second semester o-chem material as taught at HES

 

[johnnyscans]

Just want to chime in that the MCAT does cover second semester o-chem material as taught at HES

Reeeaaaalllyyy. Sonnovabitch. How much of the second semester is fair game for the MCAT?

. . . my master plan is crumbling before my eyes!

 

[Randommemb]

Reeeaaaalllyyy. Sonnovabitch. How much of the second semester is fair game for the MCAT?

. . . my master plan is crumbling before my eyes!

Technically all of it. That said, a number of those in o-chem took the April MCAT. Second semester info will be fresh in April so no need to blow your plans up if that is your strategy.

 

[johnnyscans]

Technically all of it. That said, a number of those in o-chem took the April MCAT. Second semester info will be fresh in April so no need to blow your plans up if that is your strategy.

Fair enough. Thanks for the heads up. I guess I just need to keep that in mind for my prep.

 

[Jennet]

Just want to chime in that the MCAT does cover second semester o-chem material as taught at HES

Good thing I'm going with the June date. Still not regretting that choice.

 

[rock2doc]

Fair enough. Thanks for the heads up. I guess I just need to keep that in mind for my prep.

It is entirely possible for second semester stuff to show up on the MCAT. You should probably be familiar with the most important reactions of the second semester. But, I know people who did just fine on the MCAT without any second semester Orgo, so who knows. You'll have probably covered what you need to know by April, anyways.

To add another data point to the "when should I schedule my MCAT oh god am I gonna die" question: I was originally scheduled for April 28th, but moved it to May 24th. I was taking Bio at the time, and decided I didn't want to have to learn the last few weeks' material on my own. 2 weeks after finals was perfect for me. You do have to take an MCAT break the week before finals, though, so it's important that you are on schedule.

 

[johnnyscans]

It is entirely possible for second semester stuff to show up on the MCAT. You should probably be familiar with the most important reactions of the second semester. But, I know people who did just fine on the MCAT without any second semester Orgo, so who knows. You'll have probably covered what you need to know by April, anyways.

To add another data point to the "when should I schedule my MCAT oh god am I gonna die" question: I was originally scheduled for April 28th, but moved it to May 24th. I was taking Bio at the time, and decided I didn't want to have to learn the last few weeks' material on my own. 2 weeks after finals was perfect for me. You do have to take an MCAT break the week before finals, though, so it's important that you are on schedule.

By April of next year I'll have Chem 1/2, Phys 1/2, Bio 1/2, Orgo 1, A&P 1 and Molecular Bio, Cellular Bio and Biochemistry under my belt.

Hopefully Orgo II coincides with my studying. Fingers crossed.

 

[Soco9087]

Lame guess I might have to bite the bullet and take summer orgo. Anyone taken it before or know someone that has? Search results have just people saying keep saying its easy, which I'm pretty sure that isn't right.

 

[johnnyscans]

Lame guess I might have to bite the bullet and take summer orgo. Anyone taken it before or know someone that has? Search results have just people saying keep saying its easy, which I'm pretty sure that isn't right.

I'm too hardheaded to change my plans haha. Gonna plan for an April MCAT and if things look bad I'll switch to May.

 

[MedWonk]

Reeeaaaalllyyy. Sonnovabitch. How much of the second semester is fair game for the MCAT?

. . . my master plan is crumbling before my eyes!

Looking at the table of contents of my BR OChem book, the second volume covers carbonyl and nitrogen chemistry extensively, which is pretty much all of second semester. It does seem to focus a lot on carbohydrates, which is a nice "putting it together" type of problem, since it makes you work with acetals, ketals, carboxylic acid derivatives, and enolates all at the same time. The bad part is that I'll be forced to use Fischer projections. I hate Fischer projections. Also, it covers a lot of the lab techniques used in OChem. I don't know what you do in your lab for research, but some techniques might already be familiar to you, so there's that.

 

[smiley27]

Has anyone taken or heard anything about
BIOS E-105 Medical Detectives?

I'm considering taking it. It's an online course.

 

[johnnyscans]

Has anyone taken or heard anything about
BIOS E-105 Medical Detectives?

I'm considering taking it. It's an online course.

http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=1052881

Doesn't look too promising.

 

[Jennet]

http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=1052881

Doesn't look too promising.

"Run away while it is not too late", "...grading is arbitrary", "found lectures minimally helpful', etc, etc. I'd probably stay clear. Thank the science gods for websites like this.

 

[smiley27]

Yeah.. I probably won't take it based on some of the reviews. I am just looking for a soft gpa-booster class that won't require a lot of time outside of the ochem and bio I'll be taking.

If only we had waterpolo and basketball class like how my undergrad did in the kinesiology department I would be all over that.

 

[smiley27]

Another question:

Has anyone taken or has heard of someone that had taken biochemistry (bios e10) and bios e1a (intro bio) at the same time? Last year's course syllabus says that intro bio and chem is strongly preferred before biochem but has anyone taken intro bio and biochem concurrently and has done well? I've taken gen chem.

I've emailed the professor but am looking for other's opinions about this.

 

[johnnyscans]

Another question:

Has anyone taken or has heard of someone that had taken biochemistry (bios e10) and bios e1a (intro bio) at the same time? Last year's course syllabus says that intro bio and chem is strongly preferred before biochem but has anyone taken intro bio and biochem concurrently and has done well? I've taken gen chem.

I've emailed the professor but am looking for other's opinions about this.

FWIW it's worth I'm in summer biochem, so it's not the same as the fall offering. That said, the class is very bio heavy. It's probably the most difficult class I've taken thus far. It's not that the class is unfair or taught poorly, it's just bloody tough. You're pretty much explaining how chemistry drives our biological processes. You're taught as if you've already been taught these processes and have a solid understanding of how things work. I joke that it's taking the most confusing aspects of chemistry and biology and mixing them together. Oh joy.

I don't see it being impossible without a year of biology, I just don't see it being enjoyable. For as difficult as molecular biology and biochemistry are, I find both classes fascinating. I know it's partly because I'm a giant nerd, but It's also the icing on the cake of my undergraduate biology education. You're looking at things on their most basic level and learning how the laws of chemistry are pretty much driving our processes.

You're going to be plenty busy with organic and bio. . . I could see things getting out of hand if you add biochem into the mix. Have you taken any math in college? What about stats?

 

[smiley27]

FWIW it's worth I'm in summer biochem, so it's not the same as the fall offering. That said, the class is very bio heavy. It's probably the most difficult class I've taken thus far. It's not that the class is unfair or taught poorly, it's just bloody tough. You're pretty much explaining how chemistry drives our biological processes. You're taught as if you've already been taught these processes and have a solid understanding of how things work. I joke that it's taking the most confusing aspects of chemistry and biology and mixing them together. Oh joy.

I don't see it being impossible without a year of biology, I just don't see it being enjoyable. For as difficult as molecular biology and biochemistry are, I find both classes fascinating. I know it's partly because I'm a giant nerd, but It's also the icing on the cake of my undergraduate biology education. You're looking at things on their most basic level and learning how the laws of chemistry are pretty much driving our processes.

You're going to be plenty busy with organic and bio. . . I could see things getting out of hand if you add biochem into the mix. Have you taken any math in college? What about stats?

I took precalc and calc last summer at umass, got an A- and B. Took intro to statistics a long time ago and got an A. Is there quantitative analysis in biochem or are you just asking to see if I should take a math class instead to fulfill a prereq? I need to retake english because I got a D a long time but I was thinking of taking expo-25 in the january term but I gotta take a placement test. I heard the expository writing class is tough at HES because it's the gatekeeper to the ALB undergrad degree so not sure yet. Might take it elsewhere.

Do you think biochem is challenging because the material itself is challenging or because of the accelerated summer pace? And does your class require a lot of background knowledge from second semester bio? I'm working on a gpa comeback so I can't afford to screw up anymore but I like the idea of biochem before the mcat.

A quick cursory glance at the biochem syllabus tells me that it deals with kinetics and thermodynamics from gen chem? More heavy on second semester topics? I did well in second semester of chem and I'm reviewing all of it now (for mcat) so I feel like I'd be prepared with the chem background and hopefully I can learn the bio as I'm taking it. I don't want to get myself to deep if it requires a lot of second semester bio knowledge.

 

[johnnyscans]

I took precalc and calc last summer at umass, got an A- and B. Took intro to statistics a long time ago and got an A. Is there quantitative analysis in biochem or are you just asking to see if I should take a math class instead to fulfill a prereq? I need to retake english because I got a D a long time but I was thinking of taking expo-25 in the january term but I gotta take a placement test. I heard the expository writing class is tough at HES because it's the gatekeeper to the ALB undergrad degree so not sure yet. Might take it elsewhere.

Do you think biochem is challenging because the material itself is challenging or because of the accelerated summer pace? And does your class require a lot of background knowledge from second semester bio? I'm working on a gpa comeback so I can't afford to screw up anymore but I like the idea of biochem before the mcat.

A quick cursory glance at the biochem syllabus tells me that it deals with kinetics and thermodynamics from gen chem? More heavy on second semester topics? I did well in second semester of chem and I'm reviewing all of it now (for mcat) so I feel like I'd be prepared with the chem background and hopefully I can learn the bio as I'm taking it. I don't want to get myself to deep if it requires a lot of second semester bio knowledge.

I mentioned math just as an idea for possible classes.

Biochem is tough because it's tough, independent of pace. There's not much second semester bio on it, but a ton of first semester (protein structure, glycolysis, krebs cycle, enzyme activity).

 

[smiley27]

I mentioned math just as an idea for possible classes.

Biochem is tough because it's tough, independent of pace. There's not much second semester bio on it, but a ton of first semester (protein structure, glycolysis, krebs cycle, enzyme activity).

Thanks man. I'll see what the prof has to say.

 

[Jennet]

FWIW it's worth I'm in summer biochem, so it's not the same as the fall offering. That said, the class is very bio heavy. It's probably the most difficult class I've taken thus far. It's not that the class is unfair or taught poorly, it's just bloody tough. You're pretty much explaining how chemistry drives our biological processes. You're taught as if you've already been taught these processes and have a solid understanding of how things work. I joke that it's taking the most confusing aspects of chemistry and biology and mixing them together. Oh joy.

This is a pretty fair review of biochem. If it helps smiley, I've talked to a few people about it as I was considering for next summer, and I've been told the same thing. I'd be careful taking orgo, bio, and biochem at once. Are you taking the MCAT next year as well? Don't want to burn yourself out before the big one.

 

[smiley27]

This is a pretty fair review of biochem. If it helps smiley, I've talked to a few people about it as I was considering for next summer, and I've been told the same thing. I'd be careful taking orgo, bio, and biochem at once. Are you taking the MCAT next year as well? Don't want to burn yourself out before the big one.

Yeah.. I'm just thinking of ideas, biochem should be good for the 'CAT but isn't necessary. It's just that I'm going to have to take it eventually (a school im targetting requires it) and there are so many upper division bio classes that I wanna take during my application year (next year) and I'd be overloading myself if I wait to take all of them after the prereqs.

I'm planning on a june/july mcat. I'll be a late bloomer but I can't mess this bad boy up. I need it to be good or else my low gpa is gonna get my app tossed in the auto-reject pile.

Are you looking at an april/may mcat like everyone else?

 

[Jennet]

Yeah.. I'm just thinking of ideas, biochem should be good for the 'CAT but isn't necessary. It's just that I'm going to have to take it eventually (a school im targetting requires it) and there are so many upper division bio classes that I wanna take during my application year (next year) and I'd be overloading myself if I wait to take all of them after the prereqs.

I'm planning on a june/july mcat. I'll be a late bloomer but I can't mess this bad boy up. I need it to be good or else my low gpa is gonna get my app tossed in the auto-reject pile.

Are you looking at an april/may mcat like everyone else?

No way, I'm in your boat. I'm taking the test when I'm ready and I won't be fully focused and ready until June/July. I'm in no hurry to take the most important test in my career thus far. Will you be taking any prep courses?

 

[smiley27]

No way, I'm in your boat. I'm taking the test when I'm ready and I won't be fully focused and ready until June/July. I'm in no hurry to take the most important test in my career thus far. Will you be taking any prep courses?

Nope, not gonna take a prep class. I think I have enough self-discipline and motivation to avoid having to take one. I'm already going over some review books and realized that I'm gonna need to put in a lot of work for the verbal section. But Rueckner and Tucci did us well for physics and gen chem.

I highly recommend if you haven't already that you try a timed verbal reasoning section to see where you stand. Some people are naturals at verbal but not me. I'm glad to have discovered I read at the sesame street level a year before the test rather a few months before.

 

[Jennet]

Nope, not gonna take a prep class. I think I have enough self-discipline and motivation to avoid having to take one. I'm already going over some review books and realized that I'm gonna need to put in a lot of work for the verbal section. But Rueckner and Tucci did us well for physics and gen chem.

I highly recommend if you haven't already that you try a timed verbal reasoning section to see where you stand. Some people are naturals at verbal but not me. I'm glad to have discovered I read at the sesame street level a year before the test rather a few months before.

Ha ha! Well we can always help each other. I'm a verbal whiz; it happens to be the only section on the MCAT my tutor is skipping. Still, some of the questions are intentionally confusing; the verbal section isn't a joke. I'd venture to say that verbal is more of an exercise in test taking than in English reasoning skills. I'm still miffed that they removed the writing portion...

 

[johnnyscans]

Yeah.. I'm just thinking of ideas, biochem should be good for the 'CAT but isn't necessary. It's just that I'm going to have to take it eventually (a school im targetting requires it) and there are so many upper division bio classes that I wanna take during my application year (next year) and I'd be overloading myself if I wait to take all of them after the prereqs.

I'm planning on a june/july mcat. I'll be a late bloomer but I can't mess this bad boy up. I need it to be good or else my low gpa is gonna get my app tossed in the auto-reject pile.

Are you looking at an april/may mcat like everyone else?

A note on Biochem. Fixsen mentioned a study that shows a statistically significant correlation between MS1 success and those who have taken biochem. It is the only class that has such a significance. It will help on your MCAT, but it could save you come medical school.

No way, I'm in your boat. I'm taking the test when I'm ready and I won't be fully focused and ready until June/July. I'm in no hurry to take the most important test in my career thus far. Will you be taking any prep courses?

I'm in the opposite boat. I know that my focus peaks right around April/May. My plan is to register for a late April test. If I'm feeling terrible come late Feb/early March I'll push it back.

Nope, not gonna take a prep class. I think I have enough self-discipline and motivation to avoid having to take one. I'm already going over some review books and realized that I'm gonna need to put in a lot of work for the verbal section. But Rueckner and Tucci did us well for physics and gen chem.

I highly recommend if you haven't already that you try a timed verbal reasoning section to see where you stand. Some people are naturals at verbal but not me. I'm glad to have discovered I read at the sesame street level a year before the test rather a few months before.

Good advice in regards to verbal. What practice test did you use for a benchmark?

Ha ha! Well we can always help each other. I'm a verbal whiz; it happens to be the only section on the MCAT my tutor is skipping. Still, some of the questions are intentionally confusing; the verbal section isn't a joke. I'd venture to say that verbal is more of an exercise in test taking than in English reasoning skills. I'm still miffed that they removed the writing portion...

You won't be taking any full length practice exams with verbal? Or you're just not practicing it?

In regards to the writing section: adcoms admitted they weren't even acknowledging the score unless it was painfully low. They felt that the personal statement was a much better indicator of writing ability than the MCAT.

 

[smiley27]

I used the first practice test in the EK 101 verbal book.

 

[Jennet]

You won't be taking any full length practice exams with verbal? Or you're just not practicing it?

In regards to the writing section: adcoms admitted they weren't even acknowledging the score unless it was painfully low. They felt that the personal statement was a much better indicator of writing ability than the MCAT.

I've actually already passed over the verbal and taken many practice verbal sections - my tutor had the brilliant idea to start with my strengths and move into my weaknesses. I started reviewing verbal during last semester so I could focus on Physics and Chem courses and this summer we've been reviewing the math based sciences (as they are by far my greatest weakness). Once I've completed the first semester of Bio and Orgo, we're moving into full practice exams. We designed the plan together and so far, so good!

I cannot wait until Bio & Orgo! Regardless of how hard they are, they definitely appeal to my learning style.

 

[polkadotsmonkey]

hi all, i have what may be a silly question for you but first i'll tell you what my situation is, i just recently realized that i'd like to pursue a masters in occupational therapy, with a bachelor's in psych under my belt i have all of the prereqs for applying next year except for anatomy and physiology - my question for you is: would i be shooting myself in the foot by taking it at hes without the biology prereq? i graduated from a top tier school a year ago and am a very dedicated student, your thoughts please 🙂 thanks in advance

 

[johnnyscans]

hi all, i have what may be a silly question for you but first i'll tell you what my situation is, i just recently realized that i'd like to pursue a masters in occupational therapy, with a bachelor's in psych under my belt i have all of the prereqs for applying next year except for anatomy and physiology - my question for you is: would i be shooting myself in the foot by taking it at hes without the biology prereq? i graduated from a top tier school a year ago and am a very dedicated student, your thoughts please 🙂 thanks in advance

You have never taken Biology before, or have you just not taken it at HES?

 

[Soco9087]

Ugh wait 2 weeks for orientation registration just to find out that it conflicts with class. Now I have to wait another 2 weeks for another sign up and then 2 more weeks for orientation.

So I'm looking for a lab by pulling up the various hospitals and emailing the labs I'm interested in. Any where else I should look?

 

[johnnyscans]

Ugh wait 2 weeks for orientation registration just to find out that it conflicts with class. Now I have to wait another 2 weeks for another sign up and then 2 more weeks for orientation.

So I'm looking for a lab by pulling up the various hospitals and emailing the labs I'm interested in. Any where else I should look?

MGH orientation? If so, stick with it. It took me a few tries to get a slot.

When emailing the PIs be open about your time commitment, experience and willingness to (hopefully) work for free. It's a mutually beneficial relationship. You get a spot in a lab and receive training and hopefully a project. Your PI receives a publication. My PI has told me that what sold him on me was my willingness to work 30 hours a week for 2+ years.

 

[johnnyscans]

I need EVERY ONE OF YOU to keep your fingers crossed for me on my Biochem exam tomorrow.