Advantages/Disadvantages of Certificate granting vs. None Certificate Granting?!

[atran017]

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I was just wondering if anyone here has some insight as to whether or not it is more advantageous to attend a program that grants a certificate upon graduating versus one that does not. Albeit, the ultimate goal for many of us is matriculation into a medical school, but, do admissions committees really care about whether or not the post bac program gives out certificates?

Irrespective of the above issue, I believe that it's more important to do well (i.e. 4.0 across the board) and that certificates should not really be issue?!?! Would this be accurate?


Thanks ahead of time,

A.

 

[NewmansOwn]

I was just wondering if anyone here has some insight as to whether or not it is more advantageous to attend a program that grants a certificate upon graduating versus one that does not. Albeit, the ultimate goal for many of us is matriculation into a medical school, but, do admissions committees really care about whether or not the post bac program gives out certificates?

Irrespective of the above issue, I believe that it's more important to do well (i.e. 4.0 across the board) and that certificates should not really be issue?!?! Would this be accurate?


Thanks ahead of time,

A.

I would agree. I think a certificate is relatively worthless in most situations.

 

[sarahg]

I'm pretty sure the committees don't care. The only advantage I can see is that if you want a slide-year job or something, having "Certificate in Heath Sciences/Premedical studies/Whatever from Wherever" on your resume might look good.

 

[Cyclechick]

I thought the main reason for the certificate is so that you can receive student loans, is that right?

 

[NewmansOwn]

I thought the main reason for the certificate is so that you can receive student loans, is that right?

It is an option you can check on your FAFSA, but it doesn't affect your student loans. If you attend a formal program, you'll get this paper to sign which basically says you are exercising your right to federal loans under the postbaccalaureate/5th year undergraduate rule. As long as you haven't already taken a 5th year of undergraduate coursework, you'll get the same student loan treatment as any degree-seeking undergraduate.

 

[atran017]

It is an option you can check on your FAFSA, but it doesn't affect your student loans. If you attend a formal program, you'll get this paper to sign which basically says you are exercising your right to federal loans under the postbaccalaureate/5th year undergraduate rule. As long as you haven't already taken a 5th year of undergraduate coursework, you'll get the same student loan treatment as any degree-seeking undergraduate.

That's exactly what a post bac pre med advisor told me. Most post bacs are categorized as fifth year undergrads in order to qualify for student loans.


Anyways, thanks for the replies and insights.

A.

 

[Chauffeur2MD]

I don't think that a certificate matters much at all. Med schools know that some programs give them while others do not, and there is not much difference.

As for financial aid, I think the only thing that matters is how many credits you take per term.