Suggestions? Will I be competitive?

[mikeg8654]

First time poster but have looked around here for awhile. I am a non-trad who is deciding on whether I should do formal or informal post-bac. I could use some help and guidance and would love to hear suggestions. Thanks ahead of time for taking the time to reply.


I would also like to give my background and some stats to see if I would even be competitive (without a real science GPA, or what GPA I could be competitive with).


After 4 years in the military (infantry) and getting EMT certificate (not license) I transitioned out of the military. I always wanted to be in public service specifically a DR (EM) but never felt like I was smart enough or capable. After all, I never expected to go to college that's why I went into the military. It was military service (3x deployed) where I learned I was capable of much more and became highly motivated. I got a job working as a university policeman and put myself through college (still not believing I can be a DR). I received a B.A. In political science. I then attended graduate school overseas in Spain (M.A. International Studies) and worked on my Spanish fluency. I'm intermediate level proficiency. I once again completed my EMT course and I am currently applying for licensure.

Here's my situation. Undergrad 3.54 Grad 3.96

I just started taking science pre-requisites yet (intro BIO, trigonometry, Psych 1, medical terminology), next semester pre-calc and intro chemistry, Anatomy.

Should I start a formal post-Bac or should I just take my pre-reqs at community college level?? I have heard most University's want to see a lot of science courses at University level but called around to a few DO schools in the area and they told me all they are concerned about is "regional accreditation". I have not consulted any MD schools (I'm from Ca). Since post-bacs are so expensive and I am 32 should I just do my pre-reqs at community college or do formal post-Bac (assuming I get in)?

With where I am at should I shoot for MD or DO?

I have 175 hour volunteering helping veterans
24 hours shadowing

is there anything else I should be doing? Suggestions?


As of right now I'm going to apply for formal post bac in a few months (hopefully I'm competitive) build some EC's and continue to take intro courses and get a good solid grasp of the basics/math (since I'm a social science guy I don't have any science background and did not have to take high math.

if I don't get into any programs I am going to just go CC route and get a private MCAT course and hopefully will just kill it.

nervous but won't quit. I do feel like I am running out of time.


ps. Male/Hispanic but did not come from poor family (middle class).


Thank you all

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[mikeg8654]

Forgot to mention its almost impossible to do 2nd Bachelors and get science courses at university level. National University (private, 4 profit offers some courses in person, they are regional accredited) would that be an option? Private for profit?

 

[SN12357]

Forgot to mention its almost impossible to do 2nd Bachelors and get science courses at university level. National University (private, 4 profit offers some courses in person, they are regional accredited) would that be an option? Private for profit?

Avoid private for profit schools like the plague.

Formal post-bacc will be easier in some ways but will be expensive.

Informal is generally cheaper, but you have to do more work to research the options figure out a schedule that works for you. Unclear to me why it's impossible to take your science courses at a university level--just because of your specific location? Many if not most large state schools allow you to enroll in classes as a non-degree student. It'd be preferrable to take courses at a 4-year university but as a nontrad adcoms will probably be more forgiving of community college.

Your GPA is fine, assuming you do well in the pre-reqs, which will improve it. Without an MCAT it's hard to weigh in on chances beyond that in terms of MD vs. DO. Add in a bit more clinical exposure and your ECs (work and military experience counts) are good for schools without a heavy research emphasis.

 

[mikeg8654]

Thanks for the reply. In So Cal, mainly be because of budget cuts schools are heavily impacted. You are certainly allowed to take a few courses as non-degree, however; its highly unlikely to get all the courses I need when I need them.

 

[gyngyn]

Thanks for the reply. In So Cal, mainly be because of budget cuts schools are heavily impacted. You are certainly allowed to take a few courses as non-degree, however; its highly unlikely to get all the courses I need when I need them.

Take your time. It's not running out. CC is fine.