Caught In The Middle: Post Bacc Advice

[sunc92]

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Hello SDN People!

I recently decided that I want to pursue medicine and was planning on applying to formal Post-Baccalaureate programs (Bryn Mawr, Goucher, Scripps, UVA, etc). However, I found out that I am most likely not be eligible due to my situation. I wanted to enter a career changer program because I have taken about half of the science prerequisites, but want to retake most of them in a short period of time.

- Graduated from UCLA in 2014 with a B.A. in History. cGPA: 3.55, sGPA: 2.69, non-science GPA: 3.91
- Currently working at a law firm in Los Angeles, CA

I started out as a bioengineering major and switched after four quarters when I decided to pursue law. I messed around and didn't do very well (Bs and Cs). So far I've taken 1 year of Calculus, 1 year of Gen Chem (plus 1/2 lab), 1/3 year of Organic Chem, 2/3 year of Physics (plus 1/2 lab), and 1/4 year of Biology. Basically, I have a little more than half of the prereqs for med school done and BM, Goucher, Scripps, UVA, NYU have responded to my emails saying that I've taken too many for them to accept me.

So far I've found two career changer programs that said they would consider my application: CSUF Premedical Program & Harvard Extension. I'm heavily leaning toward both of these programs rather than a DIY at a local university because I'm still fresh out of college and would prefer structure, advising, and being a full-time student.

Since I haven't found any grade enhancement programs that will accept a non-science major and I want to retake most of the classes for better grades and MCAT preparation, my question to you guys is whether anyone knows of formal post-bacc programs with linkages that might accept an applicant who has taken around half of the prereq classes 2-3 years ago. Someone who does not fit either the profile of a career changer or a grade enhancer.

I emailed Upenn, Tufts, and Columbia, but they haven't got back to me yet. I've looked in other forum threads, but it's hard to find information that is relevant to my situation. If anyone has any information for these schools that might help me and any general advice, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!

 

[Bru]

None of the formal first tier postbacc places are going to touch you as you have found out.

I am sure there are programs out there that will accept you but likely not those with high numbers of linkages. But frankly linkages aren't the way most people in postbacc programs get into medical school anyway. The majority just apply like everyone else with the best grades, MCAT and ECs that they can. Also, the advising and structure of most postbacc programs is only adequate. It really comes down to just you and your ability to navigate this process so even if you get into a "program" I wouldn't expect a lot of hand-holding.

 

[The Helpful Aye Aye]

I was in a similar situation and Hofstra allowed me to take any science-related classes I wanted (and retake prereqs).

 

[sunc92]

Do you guys think it'll be just a waste of money to apply to Columbia (sounds like they're a bit more lenient), Tufts, or UPenn? I know that my best shot is probably Harvard Extension or CSUF (much cheaper as well), but it'd be nice to have options.

 

[sunc92]

I was in a similar situation and Hofstra allowed me to take any science-related classes I wanted (and retake prereqs).

How was the Premed Certificate Program @ Hofstra? Was the advising good and do you think the committee letter significantly helped you matriculate into med school?

 

[The Helpful Aye Aye]

How was the Premed Certificate Program @ Hofstra? Was the advising good and do you think the committee letter significantly helped you matriculate into med school?

I got my committee letter from my undergraduate. Advising was good though.

 

[ksyhe]

Just to put this out there -- when I was looking at postbacs, if I hadn't gotten into any of my first choice programs (Bryn Mawr, Goucher, JHU), Harvard Extension was actually my next choice. It's a solid program, it's dirt cheap, it's flexible, and has a good track record (and I was also living in Boston at the time). The premed advisor at my undergrad also recommended it over UPenn/Tufts, and also mentioned HES *before* pitching my undergrad's nascent postbac program (which she actually heads) -- I took this to be a good sign in HES's favor.

There are also several HES alumni at my medical school -- sometimes I think about how they probably paid a fraction of what I spent on my postbac, and we ended up in the same place (although guess I did save time).

Another option (if you really want first class advising) -- do the DIY near your home, and use the extra money to hire an admissions consultant. There are a couple of good ones that have been mentioned on these boards before.

Good luck!