Do I go to Upenn, (or harvard) or wait one more yr to apply to Bryn Mawr

Hello all:

I am utterly utterly confused.

I have currently been accepted to the UPenn HCP evening program and the harvard extension for taking all of my premed requirements (yes, ALL of them, including English Lit) and am currently scheduled to attend in Fall of 2006 to the UPenn program.

However, having read some threads seems to indicate that the Upenn program is not very well structured and since many students only take a few evening classes, it's not a very cohesive/supportive program with students forming study groups. I'm beginning to think it is not as strong as i think it is. Certainly not of the calibre of Bryn Mawr and Goucher.

(as mentioned in this link, http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=218437 and this, http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=165214 )

I think Dr. Hunter is awesome and look forward to working with her, if I were to attend.

The reason I am concerned about this, is that although I am an American citizen, I have never studied in the USA. In fact the Med school application process is very foreign to me, and I look forward to guidance that Dr. Hunter et al would provide. I don't want to be handheld all the way, but feel it is very important to me they can help.

I have heard very good things about Bryn Mawr and had submitted my application late, so that they had sent me a letter to inform me to reapply next year since the entering class for fall of 2006 was full.

The question is, should I go to Upenn or even the HES this fall, or should I defer Upenn and apply and hope to get into Bryn Mawr? My chances of getting into BM are reasonable. I studied in England, did my undergrad at a British IVY with my BSc. Physiology (equivalent of a 3.1 gpa) and my MSc Chemical Engineering (equiv. 3.5 gpa). SAT's 1300.0.

(You may ask if I did my undergrad in physiology, why do I need to do my undergrad prereq's in biology, chem?, and if I did my engineering MSc. why do I need physics. The reason is that I never did any of the introductory courses).

I currently have a corporate job, so I don't mind waiting until spring of 2007 to start (either at Bryn Mawr - if I got in, or Upenn), but I'm 27 yrs old and i'm not getting any younger. In fact, I'm aching to get on with my life, because being stuck in corporate America, I ask myself ... there has to be more to life!

For those of you who have attended or know the Upenn program well, do you recommend highly recommend the program? Please highlight it's strengths and weaknesses. What would the reasons you would discourage or encourage your brother/sister/loved one to attend or not?

Some of you may even consider that I apply to goucher (e.g. Pemulis! 🙂 which I have but I personally know a couple individuals that have dropped out from your very year)

So finally:

Those who know the Upenn program, do you recommend it ?

Those who know the Upenn program and the BM program, do you recommend I wait to see if I get into BM? or is there not such a big difference that i might as well go to Upenn?

How is the HES? I've visited Upenn/Philly, and coming from NYC, I think I would hate Philly and much prefer Boston. I hate being land locked and Boston seems to have so much more to offer.

I know Upenn is cheaper, but cost is not really an issue.

If you do reply please pm your phone number so I can call you up and pick your brains. It might be easier to explain over the phone than having to type thousands of words.

Thanks so much all!

Why don't you start the penn program with some classes then apply to BM next year?

I really saw nothing wrong with the Penn program. I do agree that the structure is not of that of say a Goucher/BM and you might not have the cohesiveness, but you might have that as well. There are a few people around who started the program this year. I'm not sure if they are around or not but if having that support/structure is something that you want or need then you need to go where you need to go. Penn's program seems pretty good as does HES. If you like going to classes at night so you can continue to work then go for it. Alot of non-trads like yourself often take this route. But remember its not a race. Don't rush to get everything done if you've been out of school awhile (esp the sciences). I did that 🙁 Not good. Take your time and really think about the pros and cons and where would be a good fit for you.

You already have a partial list of pros and cons. Really just take the time to think about those factors and what is important to you! I remember working and agonizing over when can I quit. 🙂 and if you need to bounce things, this is the place to do it!

snorkelingdoc2b said:

Upenn program is not very well structured since many students only take a few evening classes

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It depends on the students. Many of the students entering my year (into the PreHealth program, not the Special Sciences program which is for people who've taken most of their prereqs and are trying to boost their GPA/finish up) stayed together in the same several core classes and I definitely saw large study groups being formed. However, since I tend to do much better one on one, I ended up just studying with a new acquaintance in my orgo class and going to professor office hours during the day. For physics, I also met regularly with the physics TA. However, you're right that the majority of the students do take the evening classes offered through CGS (you can take the day classes with regular Penn undergraduates in the program which I've done, but that's a more expensive option and also feels a little strange as an older student outside of the binge drinking teeny bopper lifestyle).

So, I guess if you need to have a preformed schedule that includes rigorous classes from 9am-5pm and preformed study groups, this probably isn't the place for you. Still, if you can reach out when you need help, don't mind evening classes, or what to have the flexibility to work, volunteer, etcetera, Penn might be a nice option.

snorkelingdoc2b said:

Those who know the Upenn program, do you recommend it ?

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I went to Penn as an undergraduate (and had a fantastic time), so I'm completely and utterly biased. That being said, having taken half of my premed classes as an undergraduate and now finishing up the rest in the postbac program, I can honestly say that I've felt more supported and learned a lot more through the night classes than I did in the intensive undergraduate oriented day courses I took as a freshman and sophomore. However, no one in this program is going to babysit you and I think that, for certain students, that may be a downfall of the program. If you have a problem with the course material or questions, it's up to you to sit down with the professors, get together with your classmates to form study groups, or what have you. In addition, although there are applicant workshops and other postbac events, if you want outside advising from Dr. Hunter or Dr. Ceccatti, it's up to you to make the appt and come with a list of questions. That being said, these two advisors offer some of the best advice I've heard, seem extremely organized, and positive yet realistic.

snorkelingdoc2b said:

I've visited Upenn/Philly, and coming from NYC, I think I would hate Philly and much prefer Boston. I hate being land locked and Boston seems to have so much more to offer.

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Philly definitely isn't New York or Boston. The stores and restaurants don't stay open as late and the energy vibe one gets from New York isn't there. (However, with rivers straddling university city where Penn is and the downtown area, it doesn't feel completely "land locked"). That being said, I had the choice between going to Columbia's postbac or Penn's and I stayed here. I like the fact that the city isn't as hectic and the fact that I can actually afford to live in downtown (which wasn't going to be an option in New York). I also like the BYOB atmosphere in Philly, the river pathway that leads up to the art museum, the old Society Hill neighborhood, and the Reading Terminal Market. Penn also has a really gorgeous campus, something that I didn't really feel when I went to visit Harvard a few years ago or Columbia. But, these are only my personal preferences and if you don't think you'll be happy here based on a gut instinct or a bias about places that aren't completely cosmopolitan and constantly happening, then Harvard is probably best for you.

I don't know why you would defer, either!

The other post was correct... no one will hold your hand at Penn. The post-bac experience is not a cash-in, acceptance-out program. If it were, I'd lose faith in the system. You must do the legwork. You must form relations with other students on your own, to form study groups. I *heart* my study buddies at Penn. We had a great group. But it depends on how outgoing you are! Be friendly and secure. Don't act competitively towards others and they won't towards you. People are pretty respectful here. But the truth is that everyone here is graded on a curve, so not everyone will get in! Some people drop the program. It is competitive. You do have to work hard. You should strategize with all of that in mind. Students often enter these programs overly ambitious, because we all want to get to medical school as quickly as possible. I believe that no matter where you go, all three programs are outstanding. All of my courses at Penn have been outstanding! I'm going to miss my friends, too. I was accepted to medical school this year and looking back on my decision to come to Penn, I don't regret a thing. I only wish I had done it a year earlier!

As for the evening classes... I LOVE IT! I love having the day time to study at the library or at any number of other places on campus. You can volunteer at the hospital during the day. There tons of opportunities. If I were you, I would concentrate on getting started! Congrats on your acceptance to Penn!! I am sure you will love it. 👍

snorkelingdoc2b said:

Hello all:

I am utterly utterly confused.

I have currently been accepted to the UPenn HCP evening program and the harvard extension for taking all of my premed requirements (yes, ALL of them, including English Lit) and am currently scheduled to attend in Fall of 2006 to the UPenn program.

However, having read some threads seems to indicate that the Upenn program is not very well structured and since many students only take a few evening classes, it's not a very cohesive/supportive program with students forming study groups. I'm beginning to think it is not as strong as i think it is. Certainly not of the calibre of Bryn Mawr and Goucher.

(as mentioned in this link, http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=218437 and this, http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=165214 )

I think Dr. Hunter is awesome and look forward to working with her, if I were to attend.

The reason I am concerned about this, is that although I am an American citizen, I have never studied in the USA. In fact the Med school application process is very foreign to me, and I look forward to guidance that Dr. Hunter et al would provide. I don't want to be handheld all the way, but feel it is very important to me they can help.

I have heard very good things about Bryn Mawr and had submitted my application late, so that they had sent me a letter to inform me to reapply next year since the entering class for fall of 2006 was full.

The question is, should I go to Upenn or even the HES this fall, or should I defer Upenn and apply and hope to get into Bryn Mawr? My chances of getting into BM are reasonable. I studied in England, did my undergrad at a British IVY with my BSc. Physiology (equivalent of a 3.1 gpa) and my MSc Chemical Engineering (equiv. 3.5 gpa). SAT's 1300.0.

(You may ask if I did my undergrad in physiology, why do I need to do my undergrad prereq's in biology, chem?, and if I did my engineering MSc. why do I need physics. The reason is that I never did any of the introductory courses).

I currently have a corporate job, so I don't mind waiting until spring of 2007 to start (either at Bryn Mawr - if I got in, or Upenn), but I'm 27 yrs old and i'm not getting any younger. In fact, I'm aching to get on with my life, because being stuck in corporate America, I ask myself ... there has to be more to life!

For those of you who have attended or know the Upenn program well, do you recommend highly recommend the program? Please highlight it's strengths and weaknesses. What would the reasons you would discourage or encourage your brother/sister/loved one to attend or not?

Some of you may even consider that I apply to goucher (e.g. Pemulis! 🙂 which I have but I personally know a couple individuals that have dropped out from your very year)

So finally:

Those who know the Upenn program, do you recommend it ?

Those who know the Upenn program and the BM program, do you recommend I wait to see if I get into BM? or is there not such a big difference that i might as well go to Upenn?

How is the HES? I've visited Upenn/Philly, and coming from NYC, I think I would hate Philly and much prefer Boston. I hate being land locked and Boston seems to have so much more to offer.

I know Upenn is cheaper, but cost is not really an issue.

If you do reply please pm your phone number so I can call you up and pick your brains. It might be easier to explain over the phone than having to type thousands of words.

Thanks so much all!

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Oh and as for having nothign to do in philly, I don't know what restaurants you are going to or what areas that you are hanging out it but most restaurants I know are open well into the night especially on weekends. So the malls close a little early, make sure there is a supermarket near you open till a decent hour if not there are plenty of Wa-wa's to help you out. 😀

I love philadelphia and not just because I am a jersey girl always and forever, mostly because its NOT boston or NYC. There is so much to do but you are NEVER bored and never overwhelmed. Plus its alot easier (well for me since i know the city) to manuver around it. Its all fairly laid out great (except city hall area), everything is in blocks and one way streets. So much to do and so much to love.

Hey,

This is my opinion though I don't know too much about you. I know alot of people say that time doesn't matter and in many ways I agree. But on the other hand I think that it doesn't really matter what school you go to for medical school.

So I would say just go to U Penn and then go to med school from there. No one gives a crap what pre med program you go to and if you want to be a doctor than this is the best way to do it. Remember that almost all medical school programs are equal in terms of preparation if not name.

Colin

If you feel competative enough for BM I would wait. They have an excellet program and linkages to fine medical schools.

colin said:

Hey,
But on the other hand I think that it doesn't really matter what school you go to for medical school.

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Not all medical schools are created equal unfortunately. Some better prepare students for research, primary care, have their own teaching hospitals, grant money, etc. The possibilities are numberless. Agreed, you get the MD in the end, but no, they are not all the same.

Remember that almost all medical school programs are equal in terms of preparation if not name.

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Not true, see above.

Whatd you decide OP?