Goucher, Bryn Mawr, and Harvard Extension

I am currently taking gen. chem. at HES, planning to officially enroll in the post-bacc program this spring or summer. Also took an intro psych course last spring. I've been very impressed with all the professors I have had. While there may be no "curve", I found that our chem professors give us all the tools needed to succeed and I managed an A without too much stress or strain (though there were people in the class who probably wouldn't agree with me on that). That being said, I'm not sure what the other courses are like and I haven't been terribly impressed with the attitude of the health sciences advisors, but that's only from very limited contact, they may actually be very nice people.

Feel free to PM if you have other questions. I actually considered applying to Bryn Mawr myself, but decided that this is the right place for me right now.

Doing some postbac stuff at HE as well, but only as a parttimer. PM if you have questions- overall, its not too bad a place, esp. if you are working/doing research as well. Currently in OChem, and am enjoying the class and the profs.

In the interest of full disclosure, I applied to both programs and was only accepted to Bryn Mawr. Goucher didn't even offer me an interview. The interesting thing is that I was not planning on applying to Bryn Mawr bc I didn't think they would accept me. The reason being was my perception that, although both are great post-bacc programs, the name Bryn Mawr (as a whole) carries more weight than Goucher in academic circles. It's a good thing that I did send out the bryn mawr application despite my personal doubts. Also, I think the Bryn Mawr program has been around longer and it's had a longer time to build a reputation, reportoire with med school adcoms.

One thing that I liked about Goucher better than Bryn Mawr was that is was smaller, although both are small. For me, I really like to be in small, cohesive environments (and that's why I didn't even consider Columbia). Also, I liked the fact that the Goucher classes are exclusively with other post-baccs so the professors understand that many are just picking up the foundations in science and will teach the class accordingly. However, upon visiting Bryn Mawr, I was informed that the same is true for Bryn Mawr classes, except in rare cases of scheduling problems.

As you can tell, and already know, the differences between the programs are slight...and it's really determine what you think will be the right fit for you. I know it's doesn't help to say this, but you can't go wrong either way.

As a side note, about Harvard's Extension program, I know nothing about it, but I would just say that the fact that you have a huge social network might actually be a detriment. I think your energy really needs to be focused on the classes and school. Every one says that these programs are the toughest year in their life (even harder than MS1 - some say), so you really can't be distracted. I've heard from some people who did their program in NYC around old friends that it was really difficult bc all their friends go out and it's hard not to stay home and keep studying when everyone else is partying. Also, I imagine taking classes at night stretches the program out longer - which could be a good thing if you'd like to keep working or a bad thing if time is of the essence for you.

Hello,
I'm not a post-bacc, but I'm a bryn mawr chemistry grad, so I'm fairly familure with the bryn mawr program. From my perception its not competative at all, bryn mawr undergrads aren't allowed to discuss their grades, so I think that carries over a bit to the post-bac program. All the post bac groups I knew at bryn mawr seemed to be close nit, and get along well, most of them were very cool people. And the professors at Bryn Mawr are great about making sure that you get the help you need to suceed. Sometimes you may take classes with undergrads, which may be annoying because they would be the underclassmen, but in general bryn mawr women are fairly mature, and I think that as someone above mentioned you only take classes with them because of scheduling problems. Bryn Mawr is a very safe, beautiful nice place to be, but that may not be important to you.
Also the pre-health advising at Bryn Mawr is awesome, I would be lost without Mary Beth davis, she is very helpful, as is Jodi.
I hope that helps a bit

Hi there!
I was not formally in HES postbacc program, but I took gen-chem, orgo, bio and genetics at the extension school. I loved it. Although there is some competition, you will find it everywhere...everyone is trying to get to the same place. Most of the stress comes from within yourself. The faculty is really friendly, and if you show you are interested, they are very helpful. Also, the people are really unique. Anyway, good luck in making your decisions.

Which post-bacc it will be for you? Great options and I'm sure you had great stats to get into these programs, so I'm sure you will be fine with anyone you choose but I'm just curious.

Not sure about Bryn Mawr or HES -
Goucher would be THE program I would want to go to.
I didn't even apply b/c I've taken way too many science courses.
I used to swim at the pool there (USS) and it's a nice cozy campus. They have amazing acceptance rates as well - most likely b/c a large percentage come from strong Ivy League backgrounds - view their brochure: Jane Doe, Yale film, Johnny Smith, Harvard Poli Sci. etc.
If you are accepted into two of the strongest structured post bac programs, why would you opt out and go unstructured at HES? Were you accepted in the structured post-bac certificate at HES?
My vote is Goucher, or Bryn Mawr - kick butt and you'll wind up Harvard Med - and that is all that counts.
Best of luck!

I'm looking at applying to Bryn Mawr as well, and I'm a little hung up on a couple of things on the app:

* I don't have SAT scores... I have ACT scores. Has anyone here been able to use these?

* They say an app will NOT be considered unless it already demonstrates an ability to handle a rigorous course load.' Okay, but what exactly does that mean? I could argue that my 2 or 3 classes per quarter plus PT job plus EC's = 'rigorous.'

But on the other hand, one of my goals in doing a structured postbac is finally getting the chance to be a student and only a student, FT. If they're telling me this postbac is for people who already can demonstrate a heavy class load, and I won't be considered because I had to support myself all those years before I realized I was headed toward doctorhood, then I'll save my $50.

Those of you who have applied and interviewed, what can you say about this apparent rule, and the way it's brought into practice?

Originally posted by Febrifuge
* I don't have SAT scores... I have ACT scores. Has anyone here been able to use these?

Click to expand...

You should email or call Jodi Domsky and ask her directly. My guess is that I can't imagine why ACT won't be acceptable, after all, it is acceptable to colleges.

Originally posted by Febrifuge
* They say an app will NOT be considered unless it already demonstrates an ability to handle a rigorous course load.' Okay, but what exactly does that mean? I could argue that my 2 or 3 classes per quarter plus PT job plus EC's = 'rigorous.' But on the other hand, one of my goals in doing a structured postbac is finally getting the chance to be a student and only a student, FT. If they're telling me this postbac is for people who already can demonstrate a heavy class load, and I won't be considered because I had to support myself all those years before I realized I was headed toward doctorhood, then I'll save my $50.

Click to expand...

I think by "ability to handle rigorous course load" they mean that you had good grades before. I think "the rigorous course load" they are referring to is the post-bacc itself, but they want to see by your academic record/history if you've done well in classes to determine if you'll be able to handle it. I think you really stress the fact you've worked and gone to school...I didn't fit the mold necessarily and I got in.

That's very encouraging. Much appreciated, LilyMD!

I guess what rubbed me the wrong way was that where other postbacs I've investigated have phrased it more in terms of "we want to see that you are someone who will be able to handle the tough courseload in our program," the Bryn Mawr FAQ page phrases it more in terms of "we want to see that you have a history of doing well with a tough academic courseload."

The distinction is important, and since there is also a GPA requirement, it looks as though they're trying to scare away people who are merely 'okay' applicants. Which is not a bad thing; I'm glad they're not going the other way, and merrily collecting $50 checks from people who don't have a shot. But I do have to wonder about how the distinctions are made, and if there is a category of 'good applicant, just not good enough for this school,' I have to wonder if I don't walk, talk, and look like someone in that category.

But you're absolutely right; the way to find out is to call them and discuss it. Thanks for the heads-up on Jodi.

I've always been a full-time student (worked part-time and EC during high school as well). I took the standard 12-15 credits. I did well in school but not awesome (not as if I got straight A's every semester), nothing particularly rigorous. Plus, my major was in communications (not biochemistry). Anyhow, I did attend law school, which may be what some consider rigorous and again did well, but not awesome. I have worked full-time (no school) for the past 2 years.

I've mentioned this before on other posts, but in case you haven't read it, I nearly did apply to Bryn Mawr bc I was intimidated by the name and felt they wouldn't accept. You're right...they're something about the wording that makes it seem more intidimating than other schools...for example, they stressed that they wouldn't even review your application if all your supporting materials (transcripts, LORs) weren't in by the deadline; for some odd reason, this hardline policy seemed like they were very strict. I thought I'd have a better chance at Goucher bc although their program is very similar, to me, the name Goucher as a university does not carry as much weight as Bryn Mawr. Anyhow, I applied to Bryn Mawr on a whim and got it...but I got rejected at Goucher. If I hadn't applied to Bryn Mawr, I would've just assumed well if I didn't get into Goucher, there's no way Bryn Mawr will take me either. Don't take yourself out of the running...these are very competitive programs, they will do that for you.

That's very encouraging. Much appreciated, LilyMD!

I guess what rubbed me the wrong way was that where other postbacs I've investigated have phrased it more in terms of "we want to see that you are someone who will be able to handle the tough courseload in our program," the Bryn Mawr FAQ page phrases it more in terms of "we want to see that you have a history of doing well with a tough academic courseload."

The distinction is important, and since there is also a GPA requirement, it looks as though they're trying to scare away people who are merely 'okay' applicants. Which is not a bad thing; I'm glad they're not going the other way, and merrily collecting $50 checks from people who don't have a shot. But I do have to wonder about how the distinctions are made, and if there is a category of 'good applicant, just not good enough for this school,' I have to wonder if I don't walk, talk, and look like someone in that category.

But you're absolutely right; the way to find out is to call them and discuss it. Thanks for the heads-up on Jodi.

Hi. I've been accepted into Columbia's Post-bacc pre-med and Bryn Mawr's as well. I'm debating which schools to pursue. I have friends in and a working knowledge of New York City, but think Bryn Mawr's placement rate to be more appealing. The academic rigor seems to be better at Bryn Mawr as well. Obviously, I'm leaning Bryn Mawr, but would like some advice from anyone who went to either program or who knows someone in either program.

Thanks,
Eric

Both programs have great reputations, and there are certainly reasons why someone might be better off at Columbia, but in general I'd say you're much better off going to Bryn Mawr:

1. Going to BM is almost a guaranteed admit to med school; just about everyone finishes the program, and the acceptance rate is then 95-100 percent. At Columbia, by contrast, the attrition rate is very high; about 40% from what I've heard.

2. BM is much smaller, and offers top notch advising. Columbia has a notoriously bad rap on this. I've heard nightmare stories about having to wait to see an advisor, advisors not knowing their students, etc.

3. Classes are fairly small at BM, about 50-75 people each. At Columbia, you'll be in large sections, with undergrads.

4. BM is one year; Columbia is a minimum of two.

Less money, less time, smaller classes, better advising, and a higher percentage of acceptances would all tilt this in Bryn Mawr's favor.

BTW, I'm not a student at either, but I did investigate both programs, and was accepted at Bryn Mawr, so I know their program fairly well. If somebody out there who goes to Columbia wants to offer a contrary opinion, please do; my knowledge of their program is more second-hand.

Hi, I got into Bryn Mawr and Columbia's program last year and am in my first year of Columbia's program now. I decided on Columbia because of the schools that were more common for the post bacs to go to, i am not a fan of the med schools on the linkage list. It really want to go to a med school in NYC so I think it is most beneficial for me to be working and volunteering at NYC med schools....Unlike most I am in no rush to finish the program in one year, I am taking physics and chem this year and orgo next, but this gives me more of a shot to do well on the april mcat as oppsed to taking physics orgo and bio all while studying for the april test....taking the april test was very important for me as I have not heard anything good about waiting till aug. So the length of the columbia program was good for me since I now have all of this summer and next year to add some more volunteer/research etc. Another reason for me was that I have lived in Phila before and was certain I didn't want to go to a med school there.

I think it depends on your individual circumstances, and you should call columbia and ask about your options (you only need something like 15 credits to get their committee letter..more credits for the certificate but the lette ris most important) for example i know someone doing it in a year because all she needed was physics and orgo....also i have heard of people taking physcis in the summer ..so the length seems to be up for discussion.
I have had a fantastic advising experience in fact my advisor was upset i didn't visit her more, very very helpful people there .

yes the classes are gigantic but it is fine for me, but everyone is different.

good luck i hated making the choice especially between bryn mawr and columbia it was jsut so stressful of a decision (especially since neither place you can get a degree out of 🙂 )