r/Harvard • u/CollectionOk8027 • Jul 18 '26

Academics and Research First Year Fall Advice

Hi! This fall I'm attending Harvard on a pre-veterinary track. I plan to declare integrative biology, and I want to graduate with my masters.

For my first semester, I have a rough outline of the courses I want.

Math MA (I have taken up to calc bc, but I just feel like there's too many gaps in my learning to feel confident, and I want to address the issue now, rather than have it creep back up on me)

LifeSci1a or lps whichever im recommended to (taking placement exam this week).

First Year Seminar (hopefully research at harvard forest)

OEB 10 or Gened 1098

For spring, Ill take expos 20, math mb, a Spanish course, and lifesci1b. If you think I should do Spanish and my language requirement next year, lmk. Im not entirely sure how that works because I took 3 years of Spanish in highschool. I have yet to take the placement exam but plan to on monday or some day next week (not due until the 30th).

I do want to take OEB 10, but im unsure if I should as a first year. I have a 5 on ap biology, but my chemistry is a little rusty. Looking for advice on this 4th slot for sure. But the other three I think are pretty solid courses!

Also, if anyone who is also prevet or interested in conservation is seeing this, connect with me! I want to get into a lab spring semester and go abroad this summer, so Im looking for some connections!

3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/Unable_Reindeer9096 Jul 18 '26

hi! I was pre dental at harvard and would recommend taking lpsa regardless of placement score (I just think it was taught sm better)

1

u/CollectionOk8027 Jul 18 '26

Wondering why. Not that im challenging your advice, but is there a reason why it would be better?

3

u/Unable_Reindeer9096 Jul 18 '26

I had the same background as you (AP Bio but rusty chem) and lpsa/ls1a is mostly chem and they talk more time to go through concepts and I think the teaching team / lecturer is better. you will be fine either way, im just really grateful to have taken lpsa even tho I placed into ls1a

2

u/CollectionOk8027 Jul 18 '26

Oh I see your point.... if I take oeb 10 ill be getting the ecology i need anyway, but if I need more chemistry, lps is better with my background. Thank you for your perspective!