First, familiarize yourself with the information below.

Then: 

• 1. Submit the form in my.harvard 

  2. Schedule a meeting with me   I strongly encourage you to book in-person! 

In Neuro, we require a 30 minute meeting (on zoom or in person) to discuss your academic goals and course plans before your declaration can be approved. 

The College's deadline to declare a concentration is Friday October 9, 2026.

During your declaration meeting, we will create a personalized 4 year plan for you, mapping out your coursework through graduation. This spreadsheet will be shared via google drive, and is a living document to help us communicate and adapt as plans inevitably change.

Obtaining hands-on experience in a neuroscience lab is an incredible experience that complements what you'll learn in the classroom. You don't need to have any prior experience -- the lab will provide a mentor and the necessary training.

How do I get started? 

• • This page will give you a streamlined overview.

I've joined a lab! Then what? 

• During any semester or the summer, you can receive funding to support your research (e.g. HCRP).

• Starting junior year, you can register for course credit for the time you spend doing independent research (Neuro 91). 

• Note: credits and funding cannot both be earned during the same semester. 

If you enjoy the experience and want to take a step further, plan to write a thesis based on your work in the lab. 

• To complete a thesis, join a lab by winter break of junior year at the latest. 

• The first required step is to submit a Junior Thesis Proposal in May of your 6th semester.

  • Detailed information about about the thesis process can about found here and here. 

• A thesis is key if you plan to apply to grad school. 

More tips: 

• Kate Penner is a designated research advisor for life sciences. She runs events and workshops that are super helpful and she's available for 1-on-1 meetings. I highly recommend signing up for her newsletter! 

As a sophomore, you should:

• Read this Premedical Information Webpage carefully. Bookmark it in your browser! 

  • Make sure the recommended courses are in your 4 year plan 

• Get acquainted with the Premed and Pre-Health Office within the Mignone Center. They have tons of amazing resources, including two specialized advisors, Oona and Rob. 

• Keep an eye on the events calendar -- they host application workshops, Q+A sessions, and more. 

• Have a meeting with Oona or Rob. Instructions for how to book are on the Premed Office page linked above. 

I know, I know – already?!! Some application deadlines are as early as December/January.

• Explore the many summer opportunities and funding on the Mignone Career Services (MCS) summer experiences webpage. 

• Attend the Summer Opportunities Fair in December. 

If you're considering a thesis, you will likely spend the summer between junior and senior years doing research on campus. For the summer after sophomore year, consider exploring other opportunities including what would be funded by Harvard! 

For example: 

• • Do neuroscience research in Japan through the RIJS program

  • Arrange a clinical internship in pediatric and family medicine, and travel somewhere new in the US! 

  • Apply for an internship in Geneva, Switzerland with GAVI, the international vaccine non-profit 

  • Study abroad (neuro will accept credits from abroad, but premedical coursework must be taken in the US)

  • Premed shadowing abroad through Atlantis (this program costs $$ but they have some financial aid)

  • Find a neuro lab anywhere that will host you for a summer project, and apply for funding through SFO (international, domestic)