advice on "do it yourself" post bacc

[christin7]

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hello everyone. After much deliberation and researching post bacc programs for many weeks, I have decided that the best choice for me is to take my required science courses at a local university (Grand Valley State) in Michigan. I am planning to work part time, and I'm thinking that I would be able to handle 2 classes/2 labs a semester. I was wondering if anyone who has done a "do it yourself" plan would have any advice for me, regarding classes, MCAT preparation, etc.

I just want to make sure I do whatever I can to get into med school, and it would be helpful to hear others thoughts before I get into this. Thanks!!!

 

[Lokhtar]

Get As. Really, thats the best advice. Doing it slowly and getting As is more important than squeezing more in and getting Bs.

 

[DrMidlife]

Did you know Grand Valley has a semi-structured program? http://www4.gvsu.edu/bmhs/bmhs_programs/mbms_desc.htm

 

[puchi]

I am doing the same thing. Im not rushing and trying to squeeze all my courses in one year, Im spacing them over a span of 2 years. Its somewhat harder because if you are not matriculated you typically have last pick for classes, but if you are proactive you can get into what you want.

Good luck.

 

[cheezer]

I've been at it for a year. Here's what I've concentrated on.

Priorities:
1. Get good grades
2. Take a full courseload of science classes to show that I can handle it
3. Volunteer. I began volunteering after the first semester, when I had established myself academically.
4. Research. I am currently seeking professors to research with, in part to get my name in a published work, in part to get a recommendation letter.
5. Leadership positions. I'm going to fit this in after I take the MCAT in the summer.

 

[zird00]

I too will be doing the post-bacc on my own. I am finishing up my MSW and will graduate in May. I plan to jump right into Chem I and II this summer. Then I will finish up the required sciences over the next year. Three lab courses per semester (see below)is not too much of a load is it? I am coming from taking 15 graduate hours per semester.

Summer
CHEM I
CHEM II

Fall
O-CHEM I
PHYS I
BIO I

Spring
O-CHEM II
PHYS II
BIO II

 

[christin7]

thanks for the advice! I am going to try and get A's as best I can....and that is why I'm not going to overload myself too much.


DrMidlife- I am checking out the semi-structured program at GVSU. I've been speaking with a counselor and will be trying to figure something out this summer. Thanks!!!


zird00....3 classes with 3 labs does sound like a lot of work. But I guess it depends on if you are working or not. I myself will be working part time and science is VERY hard for me...so I think 3 classes would be a bit much. I do want to get things done quickly but I also don't want my grades to suffer. I guess it just depends on how much you think you can take on. Good luck! =)

 

[hle007]

I plan to re-take the required science classes on my own schedule too rather than applying for one of those structured post-bac programs. I can't afford the program.


This may sound silly... when re-taking the sciences, do you guys wanted to re-take the labs too or is that a MUST?

I did very well in labs (the first time) and I am thinking of just taking the lectures again (which I did horrible in the first time).