Applying for post bacc program

[Nimisha]

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Hi -

I shall be completing a degree in B.Tech Chemical Engineering
at IIT Kharagpur in India by May 2009.

After many months of consideration, i want to pursue medicine,
and hope to go to the US by summer 2009 to start the progess.

Can anyone advice:
- about which institutions offer a good post-bac course.
- do they consider international students
- is financial aid awarded to international students
- I dont have any biological sciences background after my 10th grade. Is that going to be a problem?
Will schools give me a conditional offer, or should i wait until i have my
final degree grade to apply?

Thanks in advance,

 

[WingedPainter11]

Nimisha,

This semester I just began studies at Columbia's Postbacc Premed program. When I researched postbacc programs, this one came across as the oldest and best in the country. So far, I have been impressed with the faculty and the level of organization of the program.

As per your questions:

-Yes, there are several international students in the program.
-Financial aid is offered only in the form of student loans, which I believe you will find at any institution for a non-degree seeking postbacc premed program or if you already have one Bachelor's degree. But I believe if you work for the school at least half time, you can get tuition remission for up to 7 credit hours, which is more than you will probably take each semester anyhow.
-The school actually prefers that you have taken little or no science in your past. More info about who they accept is on their website (given below).
-I believe they will conditionally accept you.

More info about the program is located on their website:

http://www.gs.columbia.edu/index_postbacc.htm

If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Cheers!
Eric

 

[DrMidlife]

There's an entire forum on postbacs here.