<p>ive always wondered for harvard and other schools, during the admissions process do they consider which concentration you want to go to? obviously some apply without even a concentration in mind but if it really came down to a deciding factor would a college be more willing to admit the one with a declared major that is rare or the other applicant who may be slightly better but going for something say...pre-med?</p>
<p>You mean Molecular and Cellular biology, right? My son is planning to be a biochem major, but I haven't had a chance to ask him which one of the above he'll select, or if he'll stay with the old biochem major, which I think is still an option.</p>
<p>Oops, thanks for the correction Donemom. Definitely meant Molecular + Cellular (guess I had chem on the brain).</p>
<p>Is your son in the class of '09? I think we have the option of declaring either an "old" or "new" concentration, but '10 on can only choose a new one.</p>
<p>just<em>forget</em>me is correct. Our class (Class of 2009) will still have to choose between Biology, Chemistry and Biochemical Sciences for our concentration but can switch in Fall 2006. Class of 2010 and beyond MUST choose from the new concentrations.</p>
<p>i wish they had created a concentration that combined human biology with biochemical sciences, like physiological sciences or something. i'm not too interested in evolutionary biology. anyway, i should probably worry about getting in first.</p>
<p>Donemom:
I hope your S is having discussions with directors of undergraduate studies/head tutors. Plans of study need to be filed by May 8, although they are not binding.<br>
My S had a very very helpful discussion with the head tutor of his department who suggested some courses my S should consider taking over the next few years, and also commented on my S's plans for studying abroad.</p>
<p>Thanks, Marite. I know he's met with his advisor a couple of times, but I'm not sure how recently, and I'm not at all sure if he met with anyone in the capacity you mention (also, what's a "head tutor"?). He's been so busy setting up his summer housing plans along with writing a major paper these last few days, so I can't say anything right now. Once this stress dies down (and before finals), I'll try to suggest he seek more guidance. Oh, and by the way, what concentration is your son considering?</p>
<p>The head tutor/director of undergraduate studies is a prof in a particular department, in charge of advising students in the department (and attracting new ones). Students who are not sure which concentration they will choose are encouraged to seek out different DUS to discuss their interests.
The freshman advisor may be a member of the faculty or not (my S has a dorm proctor as his advisor). And the advisor may not be in the department (s) the student is considering. Plans of study, co-signed by a DUS and the advisor, are due May 8. So I'd suggest you send him a gentle reminder. As I said, the plans are not binding, but given the changes to life sciences, it would be a very good idea for your S to have those discussions.</p>
<p>My S will be majoring in math (what else? :)) He was thinking of doing a joint degree but decided against it when he realized he would be doing nothing else plus Core courses.</p>
<p>I think my son has seen a pre-med advisor, as well as his regular one who's a physician in some capacity there. I think your idea is a good one, and I will pass it along. Thanks so much, Marite!</p>