Official Harvard Extension 2013 Thread

Started by MedWonk
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Sciengee said:
Alright. I don't think there should be any parallels drawn between interest in a subject based on single class exposure and interest in a field based on 10 years of practice. So I doubt that I will suddenly lose interest in my field after a tough exam.

Look, your assumption that I am frustrated with the class because I don't know how to or am not willing to study enough for it is...well, just that, an assumption. I haven't missed a single lecture or review, completed every problem ever given to us, aced all midterms and psets; yes, I expected to breeze through the final like I did in other classes. So when after all that I find myself pulling my hair out during the final and never wanting to see another orgo problem again, sure I'm frustrated. You seemed to share those frustrations just a few months ago, glad to see things changed so drastically for you.

I never said that grading was unfair, but I do think that the exams themselves could use some help. When in the same course, within the same semester, everyone gets an A on one exam but finds another the hardest one they've ever taken (esp. when it's worth 30% of their grade), I question the inconsistency and unpredictability of it.
In any case, all this is nothing but a reflection of my own experience.
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From what I've gathered, the staff did not expect the exam to be that difficult. I have faith we will receive the grades we earned. I'm sure that all of your hard will will pay off when grades are posted.

That said, I'm sorry that you had to finish the semester on such a sour note.

I'm not trying to be confrontational, so my apologies if my comments were received as such.

smiley27 said:
I'm sure Sciengee put in a lot of hard work and did reasonably well on the test compared to the class on average. The test was on another level compared to all of our previous exams/practice problems. It was probably meant to be the great divider in terms of grades and probably most of us here hung in there with the best of em. Like I said, I talked with several "strong" students in the class and even they left pages blank/couldn't solve some problems. Hoping for the best 👍
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Fingers crossed. Hopefully all of those check plusses built up a decent grade buffer.
 
Let's all just be happy we're not in the undergrad Chem 30 Orgo class (also Brandon's), for which I heard the average on the first semester final was 23%. Then again maybe that was our average this semester lolz
 
johnnyscans said:
From what I've gathered, the staff did not expect the exam to be that difficult. I have faith we will receive the grades we earned. I'm sure that all of your hard will will pay off when grades are posted.

That said, I'm sorry that you had to finish the semester on such a sour note.

I'm not trying to be confrontational, so my apologies if my comments were received as such.
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Yeah, sorry, I'm pretty strung out from the stress of the past few weeks and the looming MCAT on top of that. I guess there is really not much left to do but move on.
In the words of a wise man,
smiley27 said:
Hoping for the best 👍
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I'm going to be starting HES this june with gen chem. I plan to take bio, orgo, and physics during the school year. Is taking three pre-reqs classes at once a bad idea? Or should I take orgo and bio during the school year and physics the next summer with my mcat that september or august?

I told the HCP that I would be applying to med school in 2014, but if I took the mcat next september instead of next may or june I probably would not be able to apply till 2015. So will they still provide me with sponsorship?
 
schun said:
I'm going to be starting HES this june with gen chem. I plan to take bio, orgo, and physics during the school year. Is taking three pre-reqs classes at once a bad idea? Or should I take orgo and bio during the school year and physics the next summer with my mcat that september or august?
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Depends on your tolerance for sleep depravation and pain.

Are you planning on working full-time? FWIW, a 4 credit course at HES is actually more like 5 or 6 credits when you factor in labs and section. Physics is notoriously difficult, Orgo is Orgo and who knows what Bio is going to be like.
Bio is M and W night
Phys is Tu night. Sections can be scheduled throughout the week, as can labs.
Orgo is Thurs night. Since you're in Phys on Tu, you'll have your Orgo labs from 9-1 on Saturdays (5 throughout the semester)

You're going to be busy, and you may not have time for much else outside of class.

schun said:
I told the HCP that I would be applying to med school in 2014, but if I took the mcat next september instead of next may or june I probably would not be able to apply till 2015. So will they still provide me with sponsorship?
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Ask Fixsen and Co., none of us will be able to give you a definitive answer.
 
schun said:
I'm going to be starting HES this june with gen chem. I plan to take bio, orgo, and physics during the school year. Is taking three pre-reqs classes at once a bad idea? Or should I take orgo and bio during the school year and physics the next summer with my mcat that september or august?

I told the HCP that I would be applying to med school in 2014, but if I took the mcat next september instead of next may or june I probably would not be able to apply till 2015. So will they still provide me with sponsorship?
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As much as it will be tough, I'd recommend bio, orgo, and physics during the school year over the other option. While Bio is difficult, it is not that time consuming week-to-week. Between the thre courses, lecture, lab, and section are time eaters, but most of your time will be spent learning material on your own, and it's hard to estimate how long this takes.

Re: option two, summer physics is pretty intense and won't leave you with an ideal amount of time to prepare for the MCAT. As far as I know you need to continue taking classes (one per semester) at HES during the 2014-2015 year to qualify for sponsorship in 2015. I agree you should speak with Fixsen/Peterson about this.
 
I'm glad I did two classes a semester. If I had taken three my grades would have suffered and I wouldn't be learning the material in each class as well as I would have had I taken two.
But that's just me and I've come across people that have taken 3-4 classes a semester and they've survived.
 
Hello all. I'd like some advice from students at HES. I'm thinking of applying to the HCP because of its relatively low cost. However, after reading some of the posts on SDN, I'm worried that I'm not cut out for it because I have a very weak math/science background. A whole summer of studying in my last term of undergrad barely got me an A- in general chem I (my first and only science class to date). I think I can do well if I have the time to get used to studying for the 'hard' sciences, but that would be difficult if the classes are extremely fast-paced. Is there a chance I can make it in HES if I put in the effort, or would I be better off signing up for classes at a state school (where tuition is about the same)?
 
879 said:
Hello all. I'd like some advice from students at HES. I'm thinking of applying to the HCP because of its relatively low cost. However, after reading some of the posts on SDN, I'm worried that I'm not cut out for it because I have a very weak math/science background. A whole summer of studying in my last term of undergrad barely got me an A- in general chem I (my first and only science class to date). I think I can do well if I have the time to get used to studying for the 'hard' sciences, but that would be difficult if the classes are extremely fast-paced. Is there a chance I can make it in HES if I put in the effort, or would I be better off signing up for classes at a state school (where tuition is about the same)?
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Whether you're better off signing up at a state school is a difficult question to answer, and often lends itself to bias. There are a lot of pros and cons to consider both for HCP and your state school. I can't say much about your state school, but generally taking prereqs at a state school won't hurt your application. An example is that people from obscure low-tier state schools go to Harvard Medical School.

On the other hand, earning sponsorship through HCP (and succeeding at HES) can be a major boon to an application. Another upside to the program is that it has a reputation for preparing you well for the MCAT if you're taking that. One might say a downside is that you have to put in a lot of effort outside of class to get an A. I wouldn't say the courses are extremely fast-paced, but they do often cover more content than a typical intro course.

I'd add that many people have succeeded here who came in with no science background. Working hard is usually the key, i.e. treat your two classes as a fulltime job, and do not put a cap on how much you study until you know it is enough to get the grade you want. On what other basis do you feel you have a very weak math/science background? Working hard to get an A- doesn't sound very weak. On the other hand getting C's in high school math and science courses could be an issue unless you just didn't apply yourself.
 
879 said:
Hello all. I'd like some advice from students at HES. I'm thinking of applying to the HCP because of its relatively low cost. However, after reading some of the posts on SDN, I'm worried that I'm not cut out for it because I have a very weak math/science background. A whole summer of studying in my last term of undergrad barely got me an A- in general chem I (my first and only science class to date). I think I can do well if I have the time to get used to studying for the 'hard' sciences, but that would be difficult if the classes are extremely fast-paced. Is there a chance I can make it in HES if I put in the effort, or would I be better off signing up for classes at a state school (where tuition is about the same)?
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Harvard Extension School per se offers the one-year sequences in two semesters of about 15 weeks each. Not to say that these aren't fast-paced, but keep in mind that many of the posts about HES courses being extremely fast-paced are about Harvard Summer School courses. The basic core science courses at Harvard Summer School – gen chem, orgo, bio, physics – each cover one year of content, 8 semester hours, in about six weeks plus exam week.

Harvard Summer School courses can be applied toward the HES HCP and often are, but you could certainly take all your core requirements and more through HES in fall and spring semesters without using HSS. Or you could take only 4 sh courses in one or more additional pre-health science subjects, but not 8 sh one-year-sequence equivalents, through HSS.

Relying exclusively or more heavily on HES might involve longer calendar time to completion, depending on the schedule you'd planned.

HSS tuition, meanwhile, is more than twice as high as HES.

Disclaimer: I'm not a student at HES. Yet! I am a prospective student.
 
879 said:
Hello all. I'd like some advice from students at HES. I'm thinking of applying to the HCP because of its relatively low cost. However, after reading some of the posts on SDN, I'm worried that I'm not cut out for it because I have a very weak math/science background. A whole summer of studying in my last term of undergrad barely got me an A- in general chem I (my first and only science class to date). I think I can do well if I have the time to get used to studying for the 'hard' sciences, but that would be difficult if the classes are extremely fast-paced. Is there a chance I can make it in HES if I put in the effort, or would I be better off signing up for classes at a state school (where tuition is about the same)?
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What do you mean by weak math/science background? Do you mean you've taken math & science and done poorly or just that you haven't taken many math/science courses? I came into the program with almost zero math/science background and found the pace of the courses to be fine. They provide you with a number of resources to supplement your learning (great TFs, review sessions, sections, practice problems, practice exams). I didn't take summer school but I've heard those can be extremely fast paced.

An A- in gen chem is a very good sign. I'm confused when you say that a whole summer of studying - was it a summer school class? Or did you study the summer before the class?

I think you will find that it doesn't take a genius to do well at HES, but most of the people that do well are very hard workers. If you have the discipline and motivation to keep up, the hard work will pay off. It's not going to be a walk in the park.


How did everyone feel about how Orgo turned out? I didn't do as well as I had hoped on the exam but my overall grade turned out better than expected.
 
PlumbLine said:
How did everyone feel about how Orgo turned out? I didn't do as well as I had hoped on the exam but my overall grade turned out better than expected.
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Worse than expected. I only scored a few points above the average on the final and I ended up with an A-. Sucks considering my mid-term exam scores .... Was really hoping for the solid A but I'll get over it 🙄

Glad to be apart of the "exceptionally strong" class this year. Great job on getting a grade better than you expected. Hope that's the case for everyone on here. Orgo is officially done!!!
 
Hey Everyone,
So most of you guys and gals that do HES, do it as a postbacc program to take or retake the pre-requisites? Anyone here enrolled in any of the master programs at HES???
I know it isn't a true SMP but I was considering that as a backup if I don't get into any of the other SMP's.
Thanks!
 
Thanks for your responses. Your comments are all helpful and encouraging.

Magilacutty said:
I'd add that many people have succeeded here who came in with no science background. Working hard is usually the key, i.e. treat your two classes as a fulltime job, and do not put a cap on how much you study until you know it is enough to get the grade you want. On what other basis do you feel you have a very weak math/science background? Working hard to get an A- doesn't sound very weak. On the other hand getting C’s in high school math and science courses could be an issue unless you just didn’t apply yourself.
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I had lackluster grades in high school math and didn't take any basic science courses until general chem in college. I had to retake precalc in college and received an A, which I had to study hard for. I don't mind putting in the extra effort to learn the material, but I worry that studying hard may not be enough to earn an A.

chartero said:
Harvard Extension School per se offers the one-year sequences in two semesters of about 15 weeks each. Not to say that these aren't fast-paced, but keep in mind that many of the posts about HES courses being extremely fast-paced are about Harvard Summer School courses. The basic core science courses at Harvard Summer School – gen chem, orgo, bio, physics – each cover one year of content, 8 semester hours, in about six weeks plus exam week.
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Thanks for the clarification. The summer school courses sound really intense. I'm not sure I could handle all of orgo or physics in 6 weeks.

PlumbLine said:
What do you mean by weak math/science background? Do you mean you've taken math & science and done poorly or just that you haven't taken many math/science courses? I came into the program with almost zero math/science background and found the pace of the courses to be fine. They provide you with a number of resources to supplement your learning (great TFs, review sessions, sections, practice problems, practice exams). I didn't take summer school but I've heard those can be extremely fast paced.

An A- in gen chem is a very good sign. I'm confused when you say that a whole summer of studying - was it a summer school class? Or did you study the summer before the class?

I think you will find that it doesn't take a genius to do well at HES, but most of the people that do well are very hard workers. If you have the discipline and motivation to keep up, the hard work will pay off. It's not going to be a walk in the park.
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I'm not good at math, and I just haven't taken many science courses. The gen chem course was taken during the summer. I took my textbook with me everywhere that summer so I could read it whenever I had the chance. I didn't do well on the midterm but scored the top grade in the class on the final, which averaged out to an A-.

I want to be challenged specifically because my math/science background is limited. I'd like to work hard and prove to myself that I can handle the rigor of medical school. However, I'm afraid that it would be a mistake if I come out with Bs and Cs and ruin my chances of ever getting accepted anywhere.

How is the social environment at HES? Is it easy to gather study groups and get to know one another, or do most people study on their own?
 
sharpieLIFE said:
Hey Everyone,
So most of you guys and gals that do HES, do it as a postbacc program to take or retake the pre-requisites? Anyone here enrolled in any of the master programs at HES???
I know it isn't a true SMP but I was considering that as a backup if I don't get into any of the other SMP's.
Thanks!
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Not a good idea. A master's program that isn't specifically recognized as an SMP won't offer any direct benefit for med school admissions. There is nothing at the Extension School that is meant to recreate the same curriculum and environment that you would get as an MS1. I would urge you to look at BU and Tufts which are the two places around here that offer an SMP, and to also take a look at some of the SMP school threads.
 
SpagoBMS said:
That was a lot faster than expected. I'm happy with what I got, but not completely satisfied. Bio has been such a wild card this year.

Good luck to everyone else!
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The cutoff for an A in Bio must have been pretty high. I asked for the score on my final and I calculated that I had an overall 91.2 for the semester = A-.

Then you have Orgo, overall score almost 3 percent lower, = A.

:smack:
 
PlumbLine said:
The cutoff for an A in Bio must have been pretty high. I asked for the score on my final and I calculated that I had an overall 91.2 for the semester = A-.

Then you have Orgo, overall score almost 3 percent lower, = A.

:smack:
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Anderson's curves are rough. I had a 92.3% (or something) raw last fall and got an A-.
 
Also an A- in Bio, major relief. Coulda easily been lower had I not rocked that PSET and done well in lab.

Unfortunately, an A- in Gen Chem. I thought maybe the cutoff would be more generous this semster, but I kinda doubt it was.
 
Hi everyone,

I'm interested in taking my prereqs at Harvard Extension starting this Fall but unfortunately I just recently submitted my app to the Health Careers Program and I haven't heard anything back (and from what I've read here it sounds like it might be too late this year).

I was wondering if anyone who wasn't in the HCP has ever had trouble registering for classes? Do the core pre-reqs like chem, physics, etc fill up or can I plan on registering for these classes even if I'm not in the HCP? It's not clear to me if being in the HCP guarantees you a spot in the class.

I've been admitted to other postbacs but they're much more expensive and I'd really prefer to take my classes at HarvardEx but I don't want to face the situation of not getting into the classes I need this Fall.

Thanks in advance for any advice! This thread has been incredibly helpful and I'm excited to hopefully take classes at HarvardEx this Fall.
 
premedagain said:
Do the core pre-reqs like chem, physics, etc fill up
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From HES during the the fall and spring terms – Harvard Summer School during summer may be different – there is currently no enrollment cap in the core prerequisite one-year sequences in biology, organic chemistry, and physics.

There is an enrollment cap in general chemistry, and in some recent years enrollment has reached or exceeded the cap. Students are advised to register for general chemistry promptly, though it isn't likely to be a 'mad rush on registration day' sort of thing. Registration is online.

or can I plan on registering for these classes even if I'm not in the HCP?
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Yep!

My information is based on reading the Harvard Extension site, and a quick recent phone call to the HCP office. Owen Peterson there is very helpful.
 
I'm thinking of taking three classes next semester:

E-10 Introduction to Biochemistry
E-56c Human A&P I
E-50 Neurobiology

For people that have taken these classes, were these classes as difficult and time consuming as the pre-reqs? I've only taken two classes/semester and even then it was a handful but I've held my own. I'm for sure taking biochem and a&p but I'm debating adding on a third class-neuro. If I don't take neuro I'll probably get a part time job or do more research or something. I've heard neuro is a good class and I think that the nervous system is fascinating but I did hear that the class is graded on a curve and there are graduate students taking the class and it's challenging. I did hear biochem wasn't too bad though.

Anyone wanna chime in on my situation and tell me what they think? Are these classes as tough as orgo or what?
 
Magilacutty said:
Also an A- in Bio, major relief. Coulda easily been lower had I not rocked that PSET and done well in lab.

Unfortunately, an A- in Gen Chem. I thought maybe the cutoff would be more generous this semster, but I kinda doubt it was.
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At least we all survived gastrulation.
 
smiley27 said:
I'm thinking of taking three classes next semester:

E-10 Introduction to Biochemistry
E-56c Human A&P I
E-50 Neurobiology

For people that have taken these classes, were these classes as difficult and time consuming as the pre-reqs? I've only taken two classes/semester and even then it was a handful but I've held my own. I'm for sure taking biochem and a&p but I'm debating adding on a third class-neuro. If I don't take neuro I'll probably get a part time job or do more research or something. I've heard neuro is a good class and I think that the nervous system is fascinating but I did hear that the class is graded on a curve and there are graduate students taking the class and it's challenging. I did hear biochem wasn't too bad though.

Anyone wanna chime in on my situation and tell me what they think? Are these classes as tough as orgo or what?
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I thought biochem was pretty straightforward and easy. Assuming it's the same person teaching it in the fall (Haynes), all you have to do is use the lecture guides she posts. The guides are money for this course. I made flashcards in anki using the lecture guides and absolutely crushed the tests and psets. The only reason I showed up to lecture at all was as an excuse to go out for a couple pints afterward with friends. Discussion section wasn't helpful and mainly covered the chemistry in the course for people who had only the barebones in chemistry foundation for the class. Having taken orgo, you're way ahead of the game and discussion likely won't be helpful for you.

Assuming you do well in the course, she's easy to swing an LOR from if you go to her office hours.

DO NOT BUY THE TEXTBOOK.
 
Magilacutty said:
Also an A- in Bio, major relief. Coulda easily been lower had I not rocked that PSET and done well in lab.

Unfortunately, an A- in Gen Chem. I thought maybe the cutoff would be more generous this semster, but I kinda doubt it was.
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I'm curious as to what the Gen Chem cutoff was. I had a 98, 66, and 83 on midterms and ended up with an A overall. Was very surprised.
 
mattycavernous said:
I'm curious as to what the Gen Chem cutoff was. I had a 98, 66, and 83 on midterms and ended up with an A overall. Was very surprised.
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Nice job! You musta done really well on the final. Your max score with those midterms counting for 30% could have been 94.7. This is assuming 100% on final, pset, and labs.
 
MedWonk said:
I thought biochem was pretty straightforward and easy. Assuming it's the same person teaching it in the fall (Haynes), all you have to do is use the lecture guides she posts. The guides are money for this course. I made flashcards in anki using the lecture guides and absolutely crushed the tests and psets. The only reason I showed up to lecture at all was as an excuse to go out for a couple pints afterward with friends. Discussion section wasn't helpful and mainly covered the chemistry in the course for people who had only the barebones in chemistry foundation for the class. Having taken orgo, you're way ahead of the game and discussion likely won't be helpful for you.

Assuming you do well in the course, she's easy to swing an LOR from if you go to her office hours.

DO NOT BUY THE TEXTBOOK.
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Awesome. Thanks Medwonk! 👍 Looking at the syllabus is making me excited to take the course.
 
Has anyone who ordered a transcript to be sent once Spring grades are available received theirs yet? I was hoping to submit AMCAS this week but no sign of my HES transcript.
 
PlumbLine said:
Has anyone who ordered a transcript to be sent once Spring grades are available received theirs yet? I was hoping to submit AMCAS this week but no sign of my HES transcript.
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I just got mine in the mail. When I called Student Services last week, they said that they mailed my transcripts on Tuesday, so it looks like it took about a week. Hopefully AMCAS will receive their copy soon. Comparing the official transcript to my grades online, everything looks exactly the same (course number, name, etc.).

Also, not sure if you've seen, but ACMAS submission has been pushed back one week to 6/10.

Good luck to everyone looking to submit their AMCAS apps soon!
 
Hi everyone,

I'm starting the program at Harvard this fall - super excited (and a little nervous)! This thread has been incredibly helpful and I had a few questions about classes and housing.

On the website it says the typical path for the program is taking chemistry and physics the first year, and bio and orgo the second...for those of you already in the program, is this what you did? Has anyone taken three classes a semester? Also, not sure if anyone is taking the MCAT in 2015, but with the changes that will happen, has there been any discussion of restructuring the HCP (ex - adding a required biochem class)?

In terms of housing, I almost fell out of my chair looking at rent prices! I'm coming from DC, which can be pricey but I feel like I was finding studios for minimum $1800 in Cambridge. I only just started apartment hunting, so maybe I need to dig deeper. Can anyone recommend some apartment buildings in Cambridge? Also, do any of you guys live in downtown Boston (is that what they call it?) and commute to Cambridge? Thanks!! 🙂
 
PlumbLine said:
Has anyone who ordered a transcript to be sent once Spring grades are available received theirs yet? I was hoping to submit AMCAS this week but no sign of my HES transcript.
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I did. AACOMAS received it on 6/3 so I assume AMCAS will have received it yesterday or Monday. It seems like it takes about a week before it gets marked as received, though. At least that was the case with my undergrad transcript. AACOMAS processed my transcripts within a couple days.
 
cannella88 said:
Hi everyone,

I'm starting the program at Harvard this fall - super excited (and a little nervous)! This thread has been incredibly helpful and I had a few questions about classes and housing.

On the website it says the typical path for the program is taking chemistry and physics the first year, and bio and orgo the second...for those of you already in the program, is this what you did? Has anyone taken three classes a semester? Also, not sure if anyone is taking the MCAT in 2015, but with the changes that will happen, has there been any discussion of restructuring the HCP (ex - adding a required biochem class)?

In terms of housing, I almost fell out of my chair looking at rent prices! I'm coming from DC, which can be pricey but I feel like I was finding studios for minimum $1800 in Cambridge. I only just started apartment hunting, so maybe I need to dig deeper. Can anyone recommend some apartment buildings in Cambridge? Also, do any of you guys live in downtown Boston (is that what they call it?) and commute to Cambridge? Thanks!! 🙂
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Welcome! I'd recommend the typical program. Taking Bio instead of Physics my first year conferred no advantage that I can think of. Some people take three courses, but it's definitely safer to see how two go. As I've mentioned before a four credit class can feel more like six, and you'll spend more time than you might think in lecture, discussion or lab.

Idk about HCP changes. Biochem is definitely available if you want it. You can also take Stats through the Extension School, and I'm sure they offer Psych and Sociology classes as well. Idk much about the 2015 MCAT, tbh

In terms of places, I'd recommend looking in Somerville, still close to Harvard. I've looked at many places there for $400-$600 w/roommates. Do you need to live in a studio? Have you been using Craigslist? I spent full days searching and emailing people through Craigslist and it seemed to work out eventually. Just beware of scams as about half of the $400's were shady. You could live in Boston if you want, ideally off the Redline as that goes to Harvard Sq.
 
cannella88 said:
In terms of housing, I almost fell out of my chair looking at rent prices! I'm coming from DC, which can be pricey but I feel like I was finding studios for minimum $1800 in Cambridge. I only just started apartment hunting, so maybe I need to dig deeper. Can anyone recommend some apartment buildings in Cambridge? Also, do any of you guys live in downtown Boston (is that what they call it?) and commute to Cambridge? Thanks!! 🙂
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Check out Somerville. I'd recommend Porter or Davis Squares. What's your main source of transportation? Downtown Boston is going to be super expensive. Allston/Brighton is an option, but I don't like the vibe over there. Do you need to live alone? Have you looked for places with roommates?

SpagoBMS said:
Has anyone taken biochem with alain viel?
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Summer, yes. What's up?
 
For those who have taken the MCAT, how much of second semester Bio and Orgo is covered? Trying to plan when I should take the exam.
 
Lev11 said:
For those who have taken the MCAT, how much of second semester Bio and Orgo is covered? Trying to plan when I should take the exam.
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Mine was very second semester heavy. If I hadn't previously taken physiology things would have been ugly.
 
Lev11 said:
For those who have taken the MCAT, how much of second semester Bio and Orgo is covered? Trying to plan when I should take the exam.
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The actual exam was a huge blur for me, but pretty much all of second semester Bio up until the very end is important for the MCAT. I took mine in May (after finals) and studied for it throughout the semester. I started taking practice full-length AAMC exams closer to the end of the semester after I had finished content review, and would always miss questions on topics that we hadn't yet covered in class (e.g. evolution, viruses, immune system). That said, I'm glad I waited until I completed the course to sit for the MCAT.

As for Orgo, I took it over the summer, so can't help you out too much here. The orgo covered on the MCAT does tend to be more general/conceptual, so you may be able to get away more with self-study in that regard.

As a resource (thought I didn't find it to be super helpful), you can check out the Content Outlines published by the AAMC to view the specific topics covered in each section: https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing/

Hope this helps!
 
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johnnyscans said:
Mine was very second semester heavy. If I hadn't previously taken physiology things would have been ugly.
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For me it was just the opposite. All of my bio passages were on cellular bio, bacteria and all of the fun stuff from the first semester. No physiology at all. And I only took second semester bio at HES. Things got pretty ugly. Be prepared to know it all.
 
Lev11 said:
For those who have taken the MCAT, how much of second semester Bio and Orgo is covered? Trying to plan when I should take the exam.
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Mine covered a lot from second semester of both courses. I wouldn't take it until after those two classes, or at least keep it for the end of second semester.
 
Hey all,
I am starting HCP this summer (1 year track) and just found out that while students are eligible for health insurance through Harvard U during the summer, we are not eligible during the fall or spring semesters. Does anyone have experience with this or maybe this is a new development? Basically I started the MassHealth/CommonwealthCare (RomneyCare) application process because its the cheapest and best alternative option (unless others have better suggestions).

By the way, if this applies to any current or future HCP student, MassHealth/CommonwealthCares will require a letter from Mr. Peterson or Dr. Fixsen detailing that you are a HCP student but not eligible for health insurance. The rule is if you are >9 credits at a university you have to seek health insurance thru that university, so this letter proves that you arent eligible as a HCP student, and therefore might be eligible for one of the Mass health plans.
 
jdg2115 said:
Hey all,
I am starting HCP this summer (1 year track) and just found out that while students are eligible for health insurance through Harvard U during the summer, we are not eligible during the fall or spring semesters. Does anyone have experience with this or maybe this is a new development? Basically I started the MassHealth/CommonwealthCare (RomneyCare) application process because its the cheapest and best alternative option (unless others have better suggestions).

By the way, if this applies to any current or future HCP student, MassHealth/CommonwealthCares will require a letter from Mr. Peterson or Dr. Fixsen detailing that you are a HCP student but not eligible for health insurance. The rule is if you are >9 credits at a university you have to seek health insurance thru that university, so this letter proves that you arent eligible as a HCP student, and therefore might be eligible for one of the Mass health plans.
Click to expand...

MassHealth is probably your best option if you qualify. No shame in having this insurance if you're a student. I had UnitedHealth AMSA, which cost me about $2k. I had to lie and say I lived outside of Mass. It seemed like a good idea until they only offered to pay $130 for my $650 physical + labs.

Another option for HCP students is to try to swing a part-time job that has an insurance benefit. Brigham and Women's will give you top notch insurance for super cheap if you work 20 hr/wk. I am going to jump on their plan when my AMSA expires. I wouldn't advise working part-time though if you're doing the 1 yr. track.
 
jdg2115 said:
Hey all,
I am starting HCP this summer (1 year track) and just found out that while students are eligible for health insurance through Harvard U during the summer, we are not eligible during the fall or spring semesters. Does anyone have experience with this or maybe this is a new development? Basically I started the MassHealth/CommonwealthCare (RomneyCare) application process because its the cheapest and best alternative option (unless others have better suggestions).

By the way, if this applies to any current or future HCP student, MassHealth/CommonwealthCares will require a letter from Mr. Peterson or Dr. Fixsen detailing that you are a HCP student but not eligible for health insurance. The rule is if you are >9 credits at a university you have to seek health insurance thru that university, so this letter proves that you arent eligible as a HCP student, and therefore might be eligible for one of the Mass health plans.
Click to expand...

I never needed a letter to enroll in Commonwealth Care. Technically, the rule is at least 3/4 enrollment makes you fall under SHIP and thus makes you ineligible for Commonwealth Care. Each university defines 3/4 enrollment differently. HES full-time is 14 credits, so 3/4 would be 10 credits, which works out as you said above.

I could see you needing a letter to qualify to begin with if you take three classes per semester, but you could also time your application so that at the time of applicaiton you are not currently enrolled in at least 10 credits at HES. It'll get you insurance until the end of December, at which time you'll have to enroll in a different program due to the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) taking effect.

https://www.mahealthconnector.org/portal/site/connector/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.3ef8fb03b7fa1ae4a7ca7738e6468a0c/?javax.portlet.tpst=2fdfb140904d489c8781176033468a0c_ws_MX&javax.portlet.prp_2fdfb140904d489c8781176033468a0c_viewID=content&javax.portlet.prp_2fdfb140904d489c8781176033468a0c_docName=SHIP-FAQ.htm&javax.portlet.prp_2fdfb140904d489c8781176033468a0c_folderPath=/Health%20Care%20Reform/SHIP/FAQ/&javax.portlet.begCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken&javax.portlet.endCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken

These are the changes taking effect next year:

http://www.massresources.org/health-care-2014.html
 
Has anyone here taken Organic Chemistry in the summer? I spoke with Dr. Fixsen and he said that after General Chemistry, Orgo is easiest to stomach and most popular among HES students. I ask as I originally planned to take Bio in the summer but I will most likely just take it in the Fall/Spring along with Orgo and Physics.

Also, for those of you who are part of HEPS, what has your experience been like?
 
mediclo said:
I am graduating with a biochemistry degree with a gpa of 3.4 and MCAT of 30. What are my chances of getting into this program? Obviously I have finished most of my pre-reqs, and want to take more upper div sciences to boost my gpa. I will also be working full-time as a teach for america corps member in Rhode Island. But I have heard of people driving from RI to this program for the night courses. What are your guys' thoughts on that?

Thank you!
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Not sure. I haven't met anyone who's already taken the MCAT before enrolling. You should email the HCP office. Dr. Fixsen can give a better answer than anyone here. Your GPA is certainly fine (same as mine when I started), and your MCAT is also fine. Theoretically, you should be able to get in, but ultimately the HCP office determines what type of candidate they're looking for. From my experience, it seems they tend to go for people who don't have the prereqs done.
 
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