Hi Samantha,
I'm applying for the current cycle and I was wondering what your overall impression of the program is after having completed it? Any input on how the program was perceived by medical admission committees? Did you or other classmates find success and gain admission to medical school after successfully completing the UCSD Post Bac program? Basically I'm wondering if it's worth the time and commitment for those who are persistent and driven towards a career in medicine? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
I absolutely loved the Post Bac program! First, I really enjoyed how they provided me with so much support. They were always looking for feedback and were open to any suggestions we had to make the program better. They really wanted to make sure the program was exactly what we wanted so they were willing to add on extra things like interview prep, additional MCAT prep, more workshops, etc. If you needed a tutor, they provided you with that as well. In addition, having a faculty adviser that has had admissions committee experience was one of the best parts. My adviser helped me throughout the application process with picking schools, writing my personal statement, applications, and even interviewing after I graduated from the program. He was a great source of support and guidance throughout the application process. Lastly, as a post bac student, you take a series of classes that are meant just for the program and are designed based on what is taught at the medical school. It is taught by one of the best teachers I've ever had and I know every single one of my classmates would say the same. You learn about different diseases, the physiology behind them, their mechanisms of action, symptoms and treatments. I really made me feel like I was in medical school learning the things that really interest me.
I think that the program is perceived by medical school admissions committees well! If you do well in the program, it shows them that you can handle a rigorous course load and that you will succeed in medical school. The program was designed by the administration and the advisers with this goal in mind. They have admissions committee experience so they picked the classes based on what they would like to see an applicant do well in.
I know that personally, I have found success after the program with multiple interviews and multiple acceptances! We are still in the middle of the interviewing season, but I know that several other classmates have gotten interviews and acceptances too.
I
really think that it was worth the time and commitment. You have to be willing to dedicate yourself fully to the program and to work hard. But in the end, it will show admissions committees that you can work hard and succeed!