Answers to Columbia Post Bac Questions for 2006

[businessmd06]

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Hey,

I was writing in regards to anyones experience at the Columbia Post Bac. I spoke to one student who is in her first yr of Med School at NY Med College after going to Columbia and having her glide year. (She finished the PBac 2.5 years ago.) Anyways I was wondering if people out there wouldnt mind answering some questions I had:

1. Does Columbia tend to grade on the "Ivy Bell" which seems to give a few A's, but almost everyone receives a B or better?

2. How did the linkage program work for people you know or yourself? I am 27 and so it is a major reason for me to go to Columbia to skip the glide year. I have already been away from school and do not need the year break. The person I spoke to was selected by Columbia to link to Suny Downstate and then was not accepted by Suny?? I would be pretty upset if Columbia selected me and then I still did not get linked. Maybe this was because the State school is much more difficult (Lower Tuition, and they tend to like to admit people from non-ivy schools)

3. How was the rigor of the classwork, and do you think it is feasable to work during it? I am a regional manager of a merchant bank. I work from home, and may days vary, I do not do a 9-5. There will be days when I am super busy, and others where I will have time in between appt's to study.

4. How did Med School in your view look at the fact that you did your science at Columbia? What kind of GPA did most students have?

5. Was the 35k and 2 year structured program worth it in the end, or do you feel if you would have received A's in Hunters program and saved 25k you would still be in the same place today?

I know these are a lot of questions, whatever you have time to answer I would greatly appreciate it. I am considering leaving a very lucrative career to pursue something that I have a large interest in, and a desire to use to help others. Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Justin

 

[nefarious]

1. Does Columbia tend to grade on the "Ivy Bell" which seems to give a few A's, but almost everyone receives a B or better?

Yes.

2. How did the linkage program work for people you know or yourself? I am 27 and so it is a major reason for me to go to Columbia to skip the glide year. I have already been away from school and do not need the year break. The person I spoke to was selected by Columbia to link to Suny Downstate and then was not accepted by Suny?? I would be pretty upset if Columbia selected me and then I still did not get linked. Maybe this was because the State school is much more difficult (Lower Tuition, and they tend to like to admit people from non-ivy schools)

Columbia makes the nominations, the schools make the final decision. Very few people manage to successfully link each year. You need a stellar application to even assure yourself a reasonable shot. Don't base your decision on whether or not to attend Columbia's program on your perceived chances of linking.

3. How was the rigor of the classwork, and do you think it is feasable to work during it? I am a regional manager of a merchant bank. I work from home, and may days vary, I do not do a 9-5. There will be days when I am super busy, and others where I will have time in between appt's to study.

If you're organized, working is very feasible (I did).

4. How did Med School in your view look at the fact that you did your science at Columbia? What kind of GPA did most students have?

Lower grades may be slightly forgiven due to the reputed rigor of the courses but the name alone will not forgive a shoddy record. In order to received committee support, you have to have at least a 3.0 in the coursework. I would venture to say the average GPA coming out is around a 3.5.

5. Was the 35k and 2 year structured program worth it in the end, or do you feel if you would have received A's in Hunters program and saved 25k you would still be in the same place today?

45k is the better estimate.

If you're looking to go SUNY, it probably doesn't matter. If you're aiming higher, 25k is worth the boost to your application.