<p>The choice between HYPS and a 7 year med school program is a tough one (if you’re 100% sure you want to be a doctor… if not, I think the answer is relatively clear).</p>
<p>I think xjayz knows the Harvard -> med school stats better than I, but I can share a few.
*Around 90% of Harvard students who apply to med schools get in, compared to around 50% nationally. This figure is a little misleading though, weaker candidates are (correctly, IMHO) encouraged to get a job/do research/etc and then apply later.
*Harvard undergrads form a plurality, but nowhere near a majority at Harvard Med School.
*Around 12 seniors from Harvard get in to Harvard Med School each year (more… perhaps the same number or more, get in each year with postgrad experience).</p>
<p>Less objective info:
<em>If you’re an accepted student, you should try to visit the Office of Career services when you visit (they’re open M-F). They have a *ton</em> of info on applicants/acceptance rates/etc.
*Med school advising is done by each upperclass house, and, at least in my house, is very organized + gets you very well prepared. Your house will write you a “Dean’s letter” if you ever decide to apply to med school (even 10 yrs down the road!).</p>
<p>Finally, and this is a very subjective observation, I’ve found the premed classes at Harvard good overall, and very manageable. Obviously, organic chemistry will make you work (when you’re not procrastinating on CC 12 hrs before your midterm!), but the curve is usually set to around a B/B+ and there’s a fair amount of “tracking” so you can take the physics/math/organic chem class that fits your interests/abilities. Of the people I know who have stopped being premed, it’s been because they found other interests/aren’t sure about being a doctor, not because the classes have weeded them out!</p>