If you’re a high school student interested in a future STEM career, you must indicate this to colleges by going above and beyond in demonstrating your interest. This might mean attending an enrichment program to help develop your STEM skills. By attending such programs, you show colleges that you are genuinely passionate about a career in science and technology and willing to further your education past the expectations of high school. 

In this blog, we cover one such program - the Health Professions Recruitment and Explore Program (HPREP) at Harvard Medical School!

What is HPREP?

The Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP) at Harvard Medical School is a program that recruits high school students from underrepresented backgrounds to learn more about science, medicine, and public health. The program aims to eliminate any educational disparities and improve access to the unique resources only available to Harvard Medical School. 

In this program, participants are introduced to various topics in science and health, with specific emphasis on problems and issues affecting disadvantaged communities. Through lectures (taught at HPREP and done by Harvard Medical School faculty themselves) and hands-on experiences, you’ll build on your existing medical knowledge and develop foundational skills that are key to pursuing a career in medicine!

What is the structure of HPREP?

HPREP at Harvard Medical School is a 10-week program with an advanced, hands-on biology and health curriculum. There are 10 sessions from 9:30 am-3:15 pm on Saturdays—for those days, students will attend lectures, labs, and workshops taught by Harvard graduate teachers and mentors. The program takes place at the Harvard Medical School campus in the Longwood Medical Area in Boston, from October to February. 

During the morning portions, all students will attend the same classes and workshops. During the afternoon mentoring portions, students are organized into groups of 10-15 student-mentor pairs based on grade level. 

How much does HPREP cost?

Due to generous sponsors, the program comes at no cost to its applicants. Students are provided lunch and snacks, as well as MBTA passes for commuting students. All of the lecture and workshop material is provided for free.  

What is the eligibility for HPREP?

Applicants must be current high school students in grades 9-12. Because the program happens in person on the Harvard Medical School campus every week, HPREP requests that applicants attend schools in the greater Boston area.

In addition, the program focuses on students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds—students who belong to these groups are more likely to be accepted into the program. 

What are the application deadlines?

The application generally opens in late August or early September and is due by the end of September. Students should expect to hear back from the admissions committee in October. 

To apply, multiple essay questions must be answered, with word limits ranging from 50-500 words. Details can be found on the website’s page here. 

Is HPREP Prestigious?

While the name “Harvard” can’t hurt regarding prestige, this program is meant to be accessible and is thus not incredibly competitive. HPREP receives over 100 applicants yearly, with approximately 75 students accepting it. This means the program has a relatively high acceptance rate and is thus not known as significantly prestigious. Any prestige from this program comes from the unique resources and opportunities offered by the doctors, professors, and professionals involved, as well as its association with Harvard Medical School. 

7 Reasons Why HPREP Is a Great Experience

1. The program offers incredible mentorship opportunities.

Through this program, you will be paired with a Harvard Medicine or graduate student who will help you with the application process or any specific challenge you face. Having this mentorship opportunity is a great way to be guided through the college admission process, and you can even approach them for LORs!

2. The program helps you better prepare for a career in STEM.

The program aims to better equip its students with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to enter the STEM world. Apart from lectures, career support will be provided through workshops on interview skills, the application process for healthcare programs, one-on-one mentorship, etc. This is a significant boost for anyone looking to get a foot in the door in the public health world. 

3. The program helps you form a great network.

Some of the program’s special guest lecturers are doctors, professors, and professionals in science and medicine. Experienced teachers and students also regularly run the program at Harvard. By engaging with mentors, organizers, and even your peers, you will form a tight-knit community that will hold your stead when looking for opportunities and LORs!

4. The program encourages hands-on learning

Participants of HPREP are encouraged to engage in hands-on activities, workshops, and laboratory experiences. This offers students a real taste of what it’s like to work in professional healthcare and research settings. There is no better way to learn about a future STEM career than working inside a lab, hospital, or research facility. 

5. The program promotes diversity and inclusion.

The program works to increase student awareness of health disparities and engage the scientific communities across Harvard in eliminating these disparities. You’ll be given the mentorship you might lack in your community to craft an excellent internship application or college application—the program hopes to build a community of support around you to help you succeed in any way possible. 

6. The program comes at no cost.

The program comes at no cost, with all meals, travel, and classes covered. The program does this to encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to apply; this way, those from a disadvantaged community don’t have to worry about costs, and the great opportunities that come with this program can be accessible and open to all. 

7. The program is an excellent addition to any college application!

Although not the most prestigious of STEM programs, participating in this program indicates your experience in professional settings and alongside Harvard mentors, researchers, and professors. This is great to put on your college application as something you did to further your education in your field of interest. 

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

Image Source - Harvard University Logo