Formal Post-Bacc vs. Non-degree at top STEM university

[Ronald Kris]

I'm currently a grad student in a rather mathematical field at a top state STEM uni. I am considering a formal post-bacc but my current school doesn't offer a post-bac. However, in the name of not dealing with applications/rejection risk, as well as stability, I could stay here as a non-degree candidate and take the pre-med requirements: the lecture halls are more than big enough.

What is the better choice and why? Are my grades likely to be much better or worse in one place than another?

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[tarheel14]

If you are able to take the courses at your university, I suggest you do that. Taking courses at a less rigor institution may not look too great or show that you challenged yourself. Taking your pre med courses at a more challenging institution will also better prepare you for the MCAT. Best of luck!

 

[RealMacaw]

Definitely stay where you are if they are offering all the courses you need.

Whether you are in a formal program or not really doesn't matter compared to:
- how challenging your courses are
- how well you do in them
- how well you round out your application with ECs and recommendations
- of course, the MCAT

Of these, the letters of recommendation may be the only area where a formal program *may* have an advantage, but in any program the strategy is the same. Get to know your professors and let them know you. Try to take a few smaller classes in subjects you like where it's easier for them to do that.

Keeping your school situation as simple as possible will free up your time/energy to focus on the other stuff.

Good luck!

 

[Ronald Kris]

ok but how about the grading in a post-bac? It looks like the grade distribution at my current school is close to a normal distribution, with C+/B- said by many a students to be the median grade (negative skewed curve). Is that similar to formal postbacs? Is the grading distribution more favorable at those?