Hey coffeecat no problem whatsoever... Anything for a fellow SDN-er
I've answered your questions down below...
•••quote:•••Originally posted by CoffeeCat:
•Thanks E'01!
I have a few questions about the Harvard Extension Program if you don't mind
1. Is this program mostly for people who don't have the science or for people who need a GPA boost? Both! Thats the neat thing about it. Granted, most people it seemed fell in the first category.
2. Does the program have any links to med schools? No (Columbia, U Conn I believe, and some other post-bacs do). It's a neat idea, but I didn't want to limit myself. None of the linkage schools that the above post-bacs offer, really appealed to me...no offense to anyone. I just wanted to be able to have full choice of where I could apply at the end of the day.
3. Is it a unified program where you have a group of people taking classes together or do you just pick a few classes and go? This is a toughie for some people - oone of the reasons that people leave according to the pre-med advisor (I met with him before I enrolled). It's highly independent. No hand-holding. If you want a supportive and cohesive environment, it's up to you to do that - i.e. get out there and know people. At first it may be a little hard, because people are on such different schedules. A lot of people work FT and/or doing volunteer work. But you can do it. Columbia walks you through the process I believe and try to re-create an undergrad pre-med experience (my view is limited since I only attended an orientation) whereas harvard leaves you to do the work. BUT, the two advisors are EXTREMELY supportive. What worked for me was having a definite plan with timeline then approaching my advisor for feedback. In other words, don't expect them to do the work for you.
4. It sounds as though it's not very successful? The program is very successful for people who complete it. The advisor (Dr. Fixsen) and program director (Dr. Peterson) can give you stats. They're pretty high. I had mentioned that a good friend of mine only received one interview, but I should had mentioned that her degree is from a small school in Russia and quite a few med schools told her outright not to apply or if she did, she'd be at a distinct disadvantage.
5. Can you complete it in a year? Sure! To be honest though, 3 or more lab science course taken at once is a little heavy. But it can be done - particularly if you are not working FT.
6. If you're applying that year, do you get grades in time to send them out and make a difference? Certainly! You just need to have your pre-requisites done. You can take upper-level classes while you're applying and submit your grades when you get them. One teeny thing: Harvard charges $500 for the committee letter. BUT they do a good job.
If you have any more questions please ask!
Thanks!•••••