<p>So lately I've been thinking of what I might want as a concentration once I get to Harvard. I'm a math/science guy, and I was thinking of taking premed requirements with a physics, chem, or physics and chemistry major. I've heard that these types of majors and premed courses are generally difficult. Does anyone know if they are particularly intense compared to other majors at Harvard, or is it just like that at any college? Is there anyone on here currently doing something like this, or thinking of doing it?</p>
<p>If you're a math/science guy, you won't necessarily find that kind of major more difficult. The intensity of a Harvard major depends a lot on what track you choose to take within it (i.e., you can take a whole bunch of graduate seminars and make an English major extremely challenging).</p>
<p>I know a bunch of Dartmouth pre-meds take organic chem at Harvard because it's easier. lol</p>
<p>You'll probably be fine. Don't worry about it.</p>
<p>Strange.... We went to a Tufts reception this evening in Houston, and they said the very same thing. Many Tufts pre-meds take orgo at Harvard because the grading is easier. I wonder if this is true or just an urban myth.</p>
<p>I know the Dartmouth thing is true because my sister and all her pre-med friends want to do it, but they aren't sure about the cost and timing and everything. I've met a couple adults from Dartmouth who did the same thing. Besides the fact that the class and/or grading is said to be easier, some kids also like to take the pre-med requirements after and outside of their college because the difficulty of the classes generally lowers their GPAs.</p>
<p>Is Hanover really that close to Cambridge?</p>
<p>Eh...that can't be right, Cambridge is 140 miles from Hanover.</p>
<p>Summer classes, guys. Summer.</p>
<p>Or after they graduate. </p>
<p>That would be some commute otherwise.</p>
<p>I got this from a topic in the pre-med forums:</p>
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</a></p>
<p>The book is by Michael Crichton. He probably embellished on a lot of that, and it's probably true that "times have changed" since he was a student, but it's an interesting perspective. It's different from all you hear about how students don't care about other students' grades at Harvard.</p>
<p>summer classes are easier everywhere, so I dont see the point in really spending so much money to take orgo at harvard.</p>
<p>In the case of Dartmouth, I know several reasons why kids do it:
1. Summer classes at Dartmouth aren't any easier than normal classes since D kids attend "Sophmore Summer"
2. By taking the single course at H, they have more time to concentrate on it without worrying about their other classes
3. D has ten week terms, I believe, so if they take it at H they have more time to complete and master the material
4. Apparently D pre-med classes are hell
5. They don't need to worry about their GPA as much</p>
<p>Anyway, Terra, I don't know the Harvard pre-med atmosphere, but I suspect that if you do decide to pursue pre-med you'll be fine.</p>
<p>Yep, I'm pretty sure I heard that a lot of Harvard premeds get into top medical schools, and almost all get into medical schools.</p>