Hey guys, I'm thinking about applying to Harvard, and I'm interested in both evolutionary biology and molecular and cellular biology. Can someone help me understand the differences between the two programs and how I should decide which one to apply for? Thanks!
The Harvard Evolutionary Biology (Evo Bio) and Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) programs both explore the biology field but in quite distinct ways. Understanding the differences between the two programs is important in determining which one would be the best fit for your interests.
Evo Bio is focused on the study of the origins, diversity, and relationships of living organisms and their populations. The curriculum delves into topics like evolution, ecology, paleontology, and population genetics. This major will allow you to explore questions like how and why species evolve, how ecosystems are organized, and what the impacts of human activity on biodiversity are. As the field is highly interdisciplinary, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from various fields such as geology, physics, and psychology, among others.
On the other hand, MCB is concerned with the study of the molecular and cellular processes that occur within living organisms. The program dives into topics like molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology. You'll learn about the cellular structures, functions, and processes that are essential to life, like cellular signaling, energy conversion, and gene regulation. MCB prepares students for careers in medicine, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
To decide which program to apply for, consider your interests and career goals. If you are more fascinated by questions related to the origins and diversity of life on Earth, studying ecosystems, and the relationship between organisms, then Evo Bio would likely be a better match. On the other hand, if you're more intrigued by molecular processes inside cells, genetics, and biochemical reactions, then MCB might be the right choice.
It's important to note that you don't need to declare your major right away when applying to Harvard. In most cases, you will declare your concentration in your sophomore year. Therefore, you'll have some time to explore both fields through introductory courses and talking to professors in both departments before making your final decision. Overall, focus on what excites you the most and where you see yourself thriving in the long run.
For more general advice on how to craft the most competitive application to Harvard possible, consider checking out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to respond to Harvard's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-harvard-university-essays/. After all, Harvard is one of the most selective schools in the world, and essays are often just the thing that distinguish one talented applicant from another.
Good luck with your future academic pursuits, and application to Harvard!
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