Berkeley vs Columbia Post Bac

[yogithebear]

Thoughts? Stanford History major currently working in ED's in Uganda. I have been accepted at both and trying to deduce the benefits of both. Seems like neither decision will be a bad one, but I'm wary of the quality of Berkeley's program vs. NYC and the overall 'competitiveness' of Columbia.

 

[RRNMD]

Thoughts? Stanford History major currently working in ED's in Uganda. I have been accepted at both and trying to deduce the benefits of both. Seems like neither decision will be a bad one, but I'm wary of the quality of Berkeley's program vs. NYC and the overall 'competitiveness' of Columbia.

I can only talk about the UC Berkeley Ext program a little bit. I did the informal Berkeley Ext. program so I did not actually apply directly into the program, instead I just took my pre-reqs at the Ext.

My Experience:
I liked taking classes at the extension. Most of the students in my class were in the program. I guess there is an advantage to being in the program in that you receive a committee letter and also they have an adviser who looks over your applications for you. What I liked the most about the Extension is the quality of students you meet there and interact with. I took classes with some of the smarted students I have met thus far and the level of seriousness students had was refreshing and kept me on my toes.

Successes:
The rate of students getting an acceptance into medical schools is high. Most of the students that I personally knew, who completed the program, got into med school either last year or this year, mostly first time applicants. While I was not in the formal program, I have managed 2 DO acceptance thus far and have some MD interviews lined up. Many of the students I met got into UC med schools. Honestly though, there will not be a lot of hand holding. You have to take the initiative to get things done and to set up your shadowing and stuff, I believe, However, for me taking classes in Berkeley provided me with the right atmosphere and weather ( I don't think I can deal with NY weather very well) needed to do well. I have loved Berkeley since I lived there for two years in high school and so going back to Berkeley was the right decision for me.

If you would like to speak with someone in the program to get their perspective, please PM me, I can probably hook you up with someone.