Harvard Pre-Med: What's it Like?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior looking into pre-med programs and wanted to know more about Harvard's pre-med. Can someone talk about their experience at Harvard in the pre-med track? Are there ample research opportunities, and what's the academic and extracurricular environment like?

I've heard from many students who have pursued the pre-med track at Harvard, and they generally report a positive experience. While Harvard is an academically rigorous institution, the pre-med coursework can be challenging, which is to be expected for any pre-med program.

Regarding research opportunities, Harvard has a wealth of resources. You'll find numerous research facilities, such as the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and several affiliated hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital. With its robust research community, students have many opportunities to get involved in cutting-edge research projects.

Academically, Harvard has a flexible curriculum for pre-med students. As a pre-med, you'll complete the required courses for medical school admission (biology, physics, chemistry, etc.), but you can also major in any subject you're passionate about, not necessarily only in the sciences. Furthermore, Harvard offers several integrated life sciences concentrations, like Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology (HDRB) and Neurobiology, which can offer a more interdisciplinary approach to pre-med subjects.

In terms of extracurriculars, Harvard offers a variety of opportunities for pre-med students. There are clubs, internships, and volunteer activities, which are essential to gain practical experience and make yourself stand out in your medical school applications. Organizations like the Harvard Pre-Medical Society, the Harvard College Global Health and AIDS Coalition, and numerous volunteering programs offered through the Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) provide a strong support network and ample opportunities for involvement outside the classroom.

While the environment can be competitive, many students emphasize that there is strong support from their peers, faculty, and advisors, who are all engaged in student success. Students also stress the importance of finding balance in such a demanding environment through their other interests and hobbies.

Overall, Harvard's pre-med track offers challenging coursework, significant research opportunities, a flexible curriculum, and a diverse extracurricular environment. It's crucial to keep in mind that the pre-med experience varies from student to student, but it seems that individuals pursuing this path at Harvard find the resources and support they need to succeed in their academic and professional goals.