Chances on formal Post-Bacc acceptance?

[Chexx]

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Hey everyone,

I've been lurking for a few years now while trying to figure out exactly what I wanted to do. I thought I had a plan set in stone; but, unfortunately it all depends on whether I make it into a formal post-bacc program....unless there are any other suggestions? I'm pretty set on a formal program (regardless of how much it may cost) but will go DIY if its my only option. Just wondering if anyone has any insight on my situation with my current stats and getting into a formal post-bacc in California.

Graduated: Cal State w/ BA in Philosophy
uGPA: 3.125

sGPA: about 2.7 (after being a liberal arts major decided to take 3 science classes and calculus during my last semesters....to shorten my post-bacc but that was definitely the wrong choice hurting my overall GPA and sGPA)------Physics: A; Gen. Bio: C; Gen. Chem: C; Calculus I: C

GRE: 153 V; 154 Q; 4.5 on the essay

Experience:
6 Years in a Physical Therapy Office (2 as office assistant; 4 as PT Aide with patient contact)
3 Years EMT (working full-time throughout school)

Staying in SoCal with these stats seems difficult since the only possible school would be USC or CSUF (after retaking calc. to meet reqs). USC seems out of reach but I'm just going off the 3.0 min / 3.25 or so general GPA.

If anyone has any suggestions I'm all ears and will take any constructive criticism...no excuses here for GPA woes. I've been looking into UCLA Extension...but once I start there's no turning back to a formal post-bacc since I will surpass the maximum number of science classes I'm allowed to take and remain eligible. Overall plan is to work on my grades then go for MD / DO (most likely DO)...... Do I have any shot at a formal? or shall I just enroll in a CC / Extension now.... Thanks

 

[DrMidlife]

Usually when people say "formal postbac" they mean a program like Bryn Mawr or Goucher or Scripps or Mills. These programs are very difficult to get into, and they're designed for ~history majors who got mostly A's. Usually you can't have more than a couple math/science classes for eligibility.

I suggest that your interest in doing a formal program should not be specific to the prereqs. You need to learn how to be a mostly-A student. You have enough damage from undergrad that one year of mostly-A work isn't going to get you into a med school that's worth getting into. Definitely you need more than one year of mostly-A work to stay in California.

So my recommendation is to work on a plan that has you in school full time for 2-3 years, such as a second bachelors, such as in neuroscience or microbiology or biochemistry. If you do this at a smaller school, maybe private, you might find the support you're looking for when you refer to a formal program. You might find that you can't work when you're in school if you want A's. You might find that A's are just not possible in these classes for you.

Another idea that's specific to California is to do a full time year of undergrad science, and if you're successful, then move onto traditional grad work in science. In my view, with all the competition in California and the uncertainty of SMP outcomes lately, a rigorous reputable MS in a hard science is a valid option.

But either way, you need lots of undergrad A's in science before you will be taken seriously.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Chexx]

Usually when people say "formal postbac" they mean a program like Bryn Mawr or Goucher or Scripps or Mills. These programs are very difficult to get into, and they're designed for ~history majors who got mostly A's. Usually you can't have more than a couple math/science classes for eligibility.

I suggest that your interest in doing a formal program should not be specific to the prereqs. You need to learn how to be a mostly-A student. You have enough damage from undergrad that one year of mostly-A work isn't going to get you into a med school that's worth getting into. Definitely you need more than one year of mostly-A work to stay in California.

So my recommendation is to work on a plan that has you in school full time for 2-3 years, such as a second bachelors, such as in neuroscience or microbiology or biochemistry. If you do this at a smaller school, maybe private, you might find the support you're looking for when you refer to a formal program. You might find that you can't work when you're in school if you want A's. You might find that A's are just not possible in these classes for you.

Another idea that's specific to California is to do a full time year of undergrad science, and if you're successful, then move onto traditional grad work in science. In my view, with all the competition in California and the uncertainty of SMP outcomes lately, a rigorous reputable MS in a hard science is a valid option.

But either way, you need lots of undergrad A's in science before you will be taken seriously.

Best of luck to you.

Thanks, sorry I must have gotten a bit confused on formal vs informal. I guess I was looking for like a structured program similar to USC where you have a support system / program coordination and things like that. Since its probably too late to apply for a 2nd bachelor's right now I'll sign up for some extension classes and/or CC classes to at least get back in the game. Then eventually move into a MS in a hard science.