Podcast Summary
Harvard Medical School: A Prestigious Institution with a Renowned Reputation: Harvard Medical School, founded in 1782, is the oldest and most renowned medical school globally. It's a private institution with a competitive admissions process, accepting 165 students annually, and is ranked number 1 for research. The curriculum offers two tracks: Pathways and HST.
Harvard Medical School, founded in 1782 and located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the oldest and one of the most renowned medical schools in the world. It is a private institution that accepts applicants from various backgrounds and does not require state residency. Harvard Medical School is ranked number 1 among research-oriented medical schools and is affiliated with 16 teaching hospitals in the Boston area. The school received over 6,900 applications in 2018, interviewed 889 applicants, and accepted a class size of 165. The entering class consisted of 58% women and 24% underrepresented in medicine. The curriculum includes two tracks: the Pathways Program and the Health Sciences and Technology (HST) Program. Melissa Friedman, the director of admissions at Harvard Medical School, joins the podcast to discuss the curriculum and admissions process. Melissa brings extensive experience to her role, having spent nearly 12 years in the admissions office at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She currently serves on the AMCAS advisory committee and has made numerous local and national presentations on medical and dental school admissions.
From Boston Volunteer to Harvard Medical School Admissions Officer: Boston native Melissa, with degrees in human development and educational studies, found her passion in admissions work after volunteering in her undergrad admissions office. She transitioned from dental to medical admissions, finding the most rewarding aspect to be the people at Harvard Medical School.
Melissa, a Boston native with degrees in human development and educational studies from Colby College and Tufts University, found her passion in admissions work after enjoying her college search experience. She began volunteering in her undergrad admissions office and was encouraged by a friend to consider it as a career. After starting in a private boarding school, she spent over a decade at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine before joining Harvard Medical School in 2015. The transition from dental to medical admissions involved a learning curve, but she has found the most rewarding aspect to be the people - the dedicated faculty and students who bring down the intimidating reputation of Harvard Medical School with their down-to-earth personalities. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys exploring all the great things Boston has to offer with her husband and daughter.
Exploring Boston's Urban and Natural Experiences: Boston offers a unique blend of urban and natural experiences, with easy access to beaches, mountains, sports teams, and cultural events. Harvard Medical School provides two distinct curricula: Pathways and HST, each with unique features for students.
Boston offers a unique blend of urban and natural experiences, making it an ideal place for living and studying. The city's proximity to the coast allows for easy access to beaches, while its proximity to mountains offers opportunities for hiking and biking. Boston is also known for its sports teams and cultural events. In the realm of education, Harvard Medical School offers two distinct curricula: Pathways and HST. Pathways, the larger program, is a more traditional approach with a flipped classroom model in the first year and a more interactive format. HST, a smaller program, is run in conjunction with MIT and offers a more quantitative-based curriculum for students interested in physician-scientist careers. It's important to note that students in both programs can pursue the MD-PhD track. While the curriculum at Harvard Medical School may be complex, resources like the dean for medical education's video can help clarify the different pathways and experiences available to students. Overall, Boston and Harvard Medical School provide a rich and diverse educational and living experience.
Harvard Medical School's Pathways Curriculum: Interactive, Collaborative Learning for Medical and Dental Students: Harvard Medical School's Pathways curriculum offers a flipped classroom, case-based learning experience for medical and dental students in smaller groups, emphasizing attendance, collaboration, and interaction.
The Harvard Medical School (HMS) Pathways curriculum for the first year offers a flipped classroom, case-based, collaborative learning experience. Students are divided into smaller groups, each with a learning studio and affiliated faculty members. These groups consist of both medical and dental students, who attend classes together and work closely with each other. The curriculum covers the full 4 years, but the first year is where students experience this interactive, collaborative learning environment. The rest of the week, students attend hospital sites for their Practice of Medicine course, where they learn how to be a doctor and begin their principal clinical experience. While students don't have complete control over their hospital assignments, there is a small group of students who can choose to participate in a different type of clinical experience. Overall, the Pathways curriculum emphasizes attendance, small group learning, and interaction between medical and dental students.
Harvard Medical Students' Lottery System for Unique Clinical Experiences: Harvard Medical School's PCE program offers students a lottery system to explore primary care interests at Cambridge Health Alliance, with individual activities, research, and student organizations in the afternoons, and year-long clinical experiences in the second year, while third and fourth years allow students to choose their own specialties
The Harvard Medical School's Practical Experience (PCE) program at Cambridge Health Alliance offers students a unique opportunity to express their interest through a lottery system. This community medical center is popular among students, particularly those with an inclination towards primary care. While students at other sites are randomly assigned, they are encouraged to explore other hospitals during their later years. The afternoons after classes are not "free time," but rather an opportunity for individual activities, research, or involvement in student organizations. The first year is intensive, but some students start research projects. In the second year, students are assigned to hospitals for a year-long clinical experience with some overarching coursework. The third and fourth years allow students to forge their own pathways and explore various specialties based on their interests.
Exploring Interests and Advanced Learning Opportunities at Harvard Medical School: Harvard Medical School offers students a flexible learning experience, with opportunities to identify interests and delve deeper through advanced clinical electives, pursue additional degrees, and engage in global health opportunities.
Harvard Medical School offers students a rich and flexible learning experience. During the Pre-Clinical Education (PCE) years, students identify their areas of interest and have the opportunity to delve deeper through advanced clinical electives. Many students choose to pursue additional degrees, which can be completed between the third and fourth years or during the fifth year. The school provides resources for students interested in global health opportunities and offers on-campus housing for the majority of first-year students. Despite its large size and reputation, Harvard Medical School is known for its supportive and down-to-earth community. Students have access to 16 teaching hospitals and a variety of housing options, making it an accessible and accommodating environment for diverse student backgrounds.
Harvard Medical School's Holistic Review Process and Community Role of Academic Societies: Harvard Medical School values intellectual curiosity, passion, and unique experiences during application reviews. Academic societies foster community and help diverse students connect. Every application is reviewed by multiple faculty members to ensure a thorough assessment and build a diverse class.
Harvard Medical School values community and holistic reviews in their application process. The academic societies play a significant role in fostering a sense of community among students, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds. After applications are verified through AMCAS, Harvard Medical School sends secondaries to every applicant, and each application is reviewed by at least two faculty members. The school looks for intellectual curiosity, passion, and unique experiences when assessing applications, rather than following a specific recipe or checklist. The thorough review process ensures that no applicant falls through the cracks and that Harvard Medical School is able to build a diverse class.
Harvard Medical School values compassion, empathy, and leadership skills: Harvard Medical School values compassion, empathy, and leadership skills beyond clinical experiences. New prerequisites include a semester of calculus and statistics, which can be fulfilled through alternative means.
Harvard Medical School values applicants with compassion, empathy, and demonstrated leadership skills, which can come in various forms. While clinical experiences, such as shadowing physicians or volunteering in hospitals, are important, they are not the only way to gain relevant experience. The school is currently making some changes to its prerequisites, making the requirements more flexible, and students applying from the next year onwards will need to fulfill a semester of calculus and statistics through alternative means. Applicants will still need to provide proof of completion during the interview process. The changes are not expected to be major and should not deter potential applicants.
Navigating Medical School Applications: Communication and Understanding are Key: Applicants should communicate any discrepancies in their application to schools and only send updates for significant achievements. Schools limit application updates due to high volume and the interview day includes an interview, class observation, and flexible schedules.
While the application process for medical schools can be complex, with specific prerequisites and requirements, schools are aware of variations in curricula among institutions. Applicants should communicate any discrepancies to the schools, and schools will make an effort to understand the context. Regarding updates to applications, schools limit them to substantive ones due to the high volume of applications they receive. Applicants should only send updates if they have significant achievements to report. The interview day at Harvard Medical School is a full day experience, including a small interview portion, a chance to sit in on a class, and flexibility in schedules. Overall, communication and understanding are key in navigating the medical school application process.
Exploring HMS: Interview Day Experience: Prospective students attend classes, financial aid sessions, campus tours, and lunch with current students, followed by a 1:1 interview with faculty or student interviewers. The open-file interviews are meant to be meaningful and conversational, with applicant lounge for relaxation.
The interview day at HMS for prospective students is designed to be informative, flexible, and welcoming. Students have the option to attend classes, financial aid sessions, campus tours, and a lunch with current students. Interviews are conducted in the afternoon and are 1:1, with applicants meeting either with faculty members or student interviewers. The interviews are open-file, allowing interviewers to review the applicant's AMCAS application beforehand, and the conversation is meant to be meaningful and conversational, not stressful or prescriptive. The interview day also offers an applicant lounge where students can relax, work, or make phone calls. Overall, the interview day is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the school, provide opportunities for engagement with current students and faculty, and put students at ease in the interview process.
Exploring HMS: Interviews and More: Prepare for flexible interview locations, engage in meaningful discussions, and show how past experiences shape future goals during HMS interview day.
Harvard Medical School (HMS) interview day is a unique experience where applicants are expected to come prepared with questions and engage in the process, while also exploring the campus and various teaching hospitals. Applicants may have interviews at different times and locations, some off-campus, which requires them to be flexible and prepared for transportation. HMS provides directions and arrangements for this. Applicants should thoroughly review their application and be prepared to discuss their experiences in depth beyond just the facts. They should aim to show what they learned and how it relates to their future career. Overall, HMS aims to get to know the applicant and assess if it's a good fit for both parties. The interview day is a significant investment for both parties, and HMS wants to make the most of it by learning about who the applicant truly is.
Thoughtful and thorough admissions process: Decisions not made on a rolling basis, all released on same day in early March, additional materials unlikely to impact decision, waitlisted students encouraged to update applications.
The admissions process at this university is thoughtful and thorough, with decisions not being made on a rolling basis. Applicants who interview earlier in the year do not have an advantage or disadvantage over those who interview later. All decisions are released on the same day in early March. Applicants are welcome to send thank-you notes or additional letters of recommendation, but these are unlikely to significantly impact the admissions decision. The university encourages waitlisted students to keep in touch and update their applications if there are substantive changes. Overall, the process is designed to be fair and transparent, with the goal of making decisions based on a complete and accurate understanding of each applicant's qualifications.
Seeking advice on personal statements from strangers online is risky: Applicants should seek advice from trusted sources, such as professors, pre-health advisors, or mentors, rather than posting personal statements online for strangers to review.
Personal statements are an important part of the medical school application process, and applicants should be cautious when seeking advice on them from strangers online. During the discussion, the admissions deans agreed that personal statements are a personal reflection of the applicant and should be reviewed by people who know them well. They also expressed concerns about the qualifications and motivations of strangers providing advice, which could potentially change the applicant's statement in a way that doesn't accurately reflect who they are. Admissions committees do read personal statements during the screening process, and they are an essential part of the application that can help distinguish applicants from one another. Therefore, it's recommended that applicants seek advice from trusted sources, such as professors, pre-health advisors, or mentors, rather than posting their personal statements online for strangers to review.
Applying to Medical School: A Serious Process: Medical schools carefully consider applications and interviews, requiring dedication and best effort from applicants. Honesty about past rejections and focus on personal growth are important.
The medical school application process is rigorous and thorough, with multiple readings of applications and interviews. Applicants should take it seriously and put their best effort into their applications, as they are being read and considered carefully. For those who have previously applied and been rejected, it's important to be honest about the situation in future applications and focus on what has changed since then. Medical schools understand that applicants may need to reapply, and they will consider the entire application, including past experiences, in the context of the applicant's current situation. Ultimately, the application process is designed to ensure that only the most qualified and dedicated individuals are accepted into medical school, making it a worthwhile investment of time and energy.
Assessing the Medical School During Interviews: During medical school interviews, assess the school's interview experience, personal fit, and other factors. Bring necessary documents, dress appropriately, and prepare for a productive day.
Interview days for medical school applications are not just for the school to assess the applicant, but also for the applicant to assess the school. It's essential to consider various factors, such as the interview experience, personal fit, and other aspects of your life, when making a decision. Regarding what to bring to an interview, it's generally not necessary to bring anything except for the required forms and documents given by the school. Dressing appropriately for the weather and bringing comfortable shoes, a notebook for taking notes, and possibly some medication for headaches are recommended. Ultimately, the interview day is an opportunity to learn more about the medical school and make an informed decision.
Stay authentic during medical school interviews: Utilize resources, be yourself, and enjoy the interview process to get to know the school and allow them to know you authentically.
Authenticity is key when applying to medical school and attending interviews. Bring your true self and try to relax and enjoy the process. It's important to utilize resources such as pre-health advisors and the National Association of Advisors to the Health Professions. Remember, interviews are an opportunity to get to know the school better and for the school to get to know you. So, be yourself and have fun during the experience. Additionally, Melissa Friedman, Associate Dean of Admissions at Harvard Medical School, emphasized the importance of utilizing pre-health advisors and shared that the information they provide is consistent with what admissions groups share. Overall, stay authentic, use available resources, and enjoy the interview process.
