I've been getting a lot of PMs about HST so I just compiled all the information here but realize that this is just one persons take on things
its up to you to seek out more sources.
Curriculum:
I think the real strength of HST comes from the scientific depth and volume of medical knowledge we learn. Our curriculum is rigorous in terms of getting to the nitty gritty molecular details underlying medicine and the research being done at the forefront of medicine by our lecturers. Its quantitative in the sense that sometimes we use a calculator and there is a small engineering component to most of the classes. Bottom line, if you want to go into academic medicine, HST will provide you with an excellent scientific foundation for your future research.
The overall course structure of HST is pretty similar to undergrad since we have a traditional curriculum. For example, first semester we took anatomy, pathology, immunology, and genetics. We had one or two midterms + final exam for each class, two papers, and a presentation. Second semester is very problem-set heavy. These problem sets are usually very short and are just to keep you on track.
The grading is technically p/f, but we have an internal "excellent" rating that is given to some percentage of students for each class based on the highest scores determined by the instructor. This is not a big deal and serves as a motivator to allow some "recognition" for the courses that you really excelled in.
Logistics:
First semester is extremely challenging as the program will be going full-steam ahead from day one when you will be in class 38+ hours/week. Mercifully, after first semester we spend less than 20 hours a week in class. For example, second semester we have class only in the morning 4 days of the week, leaving sizeable blocks of time for lab. Most people opt for the standard research assistantship (RA), which is 20 hours a week, which gives you ~$12,000/semester. $9,000 goes towards tuition (ie. deducts your cash payment and loans) and you get $3,000 to spend at will.
You should know that some of my classmates had a hard time finding prof's who would support them (esp. prof's from MIT engineering labs who have less $$$). HST requires that the PI pay $9,000/sem, more than some are willing to do. But in the end, everyone found a lab that they were satisfied with. (Note: NP students cannot apply for the RA-ships, which are funded by MIT. Instead they must apply for funding from the office of enrichment programs (OEP), which provides $4,000/sem)
Our small class size is great because the professors make a big effort to learn all of our names! The editor of the New England Journal of Medicine calls on us individually in lecture, which is not always a good thing...
Our class is very close-knit and we do a lot of stuff together. That being said, it does get a bit claustrophobic at times and, realistically, you probably won't find your best friend or soul mate in a group of 30.
Finances:
First off, this issue is very personal. I think you have to think very hard about how important the money issue is to you (i.e. what do you want out of medical school, what do you lose/gain at either school, and your financial situation).
That being said, I was accepted to a number of top programs (including full-ride) and had a really hard time deciding where to go. I chose Harvard HST because I really want to become an academic physician. I love the science-oriented HST curriculum, unsurpassed research opportunities, and the exceptional quality of my peers... these were all deciding factors.
At Harvard, they offer a base $24,000 subsidized loan/year (very low rates and they only accrue interest after med school... and possibly after residency too). After that, they basically cover the rest of your "calculated need" via scholarship money. You'll have to wait for the finaid office to get back to you to determine exactly what this means for your case.
In my mind, the most important thing is to decide which opportunity you most regret not taking. For me, going to the medical school that best fit my personal interests and aspirations was something I could not refuse.
Step 1 and Residency:
I can't comment too much on board scores other than to say neither NP nor HST teaches for the boards. I don't see either group having an edge on this one since its one of those "how good are you at taking this test" sorts of exams. Yet our match list is (one of) the strongest in the country. Go figure.
In terms of clerkship rotations, for any particular rotation you will either get your choice of hospital or time frame (but likely not both). If clinical training was a significant problem at Harvard, again I doubt that we would have the outstanding match list that we do (check out the 2005 on the "general residency issues" forum).
As far as residency applications go, a recent HST alum told me that HST-ers get a particularly positive reception at interviews because of the programs rigorous curriculum and reputation for being an academic-minded subset of HMS students.
Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware):
HST is a very time-consuming program both in class and out. Thus, if you're fairly confident that you want a lot of extra time to explore career areas or other personal interests, you'll have to be much more proactive about it than if you are in NP.
In summary:
Best parts: quality of instructors and the amazing amount of knowledge we've covered. I get $12,000/semester to do an awesome part-time research project that I would do anyway.
Worst parts: first semester we were in class ALL the time, but thankfully it's over now.
🙂 Also, I wish that I didn't live in a dorm, but apartments are expensive and Vandy's location is really convenient.
Hope that helps. I'm happy to answer any other questions via PM.
Good luck making your decisions!
SV
