chances of getting into post bac?

[xcitylovex]

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I recently graduated from UCSD majoring in math and economics. I have a 2.6GPA do to some screwing around in college, being a math major in general, and also family issues.
What are my chances of getting into a post-bac program? If I do have a chance, which ones would you recommend I apply to? The majority of the ones I've looked at require at least a 3.0. If not, what other routes can I take?
Thanks

 

[NewmansOwn]

My feeling is you won't get into any worthwhile postbac program with that kind of GPA. I would be wary that any "formal" postbac program that would accept you would be nothing more than a money pit replete with false promises.

A completely respectable option would be to enroll as a non-degree seeking student at your local 4-year university and take the pre-reqs + a bunch of other upper-level science classes until your GPA is above 3.0. Then, take the MCAT and maybe consider an SMP. All in all, maybe 3 or 4 years of extra coursework before you could apply to med school.

 

[deleted248403]

Agreed with Newmans.

You are looking at prob 2 years of pre-reqs & upper level science, then taking the MCAT, then hopefully attending an SMP, and then applying.

As already mentioned, you are 3-4 yrs away from application and better than a 3.5-3.7 the whole way there, as well as solid MCAT

 

[xcitylovex]

Thanks to both of you for the input.
I read in the another forum that the Harvard program will accept almost anyone, as it is part of the extension school and therefore technically open enrollment. Do you think this would be a good option for me to take undergrad science courses, and then apply for SMP? The reason I'm asking is because I'd like to be in a place where there are plenty of research opportunities, and the place I am now (outside of Sacramento) is definitely not conducive to that.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Thanks to both of you for the input.
I read in the another forum that the Harvard program will accept almost anyone, as it is part of the extension school and therefore technically open enrollment. Do you think this would be a good option for me to take undergrad science courses, and then apply for SMP? The reason I'm asking is because I'd like to be in a place where there are plenty of research opportunities, and the place I am now (outside of Sacramento) is definitely not conducive to that.

Harvard Extension is decent and there are a number of success stories around this very forum, but is it worth it to you to uproot yourself and move across the country to a very expensive city when you could do coursework considerably cheaper at UC-Davis and perhaps even get involved with research at their medical school?

Maybe you have your reasons for wanting to leave and that's all good -- just something to think about.

 

[xcitylovex]

Harvard Extension is decent and there are a number of success stories around this very forum, but is it worth it to you to uproot yourself and move across the country to a very expensive city when you could do coursework considerably cheaper at UC-Davis and perhaps even get involved with research at their medical school?

Maybe you have your reasons for wanting to leave and that's all good -- just something to think about.

I'm about an hour away from UCD, so it wouldn't be too convenient unless I move to Davis, which would end up costing me quite a bit as the town is pretty expensive. I am originally from the east coast though (grew up in CT and NY), and have always wanted to go back, so that is probably why I am drawn to the Harvard program. I figure that I will have to move somewhere to complete my pre-med requirements, so why not do it somewhere I really want to be?

Thanks again for your help! I really appreciate it.