Does anyone know about Columbia, if say, I registered for just gen chem or something in the fall and then later formally applied to the postbac program?
Hey Jelloh, this doesn't sound like a problem but I would call and ask (admissions advisors were surprisingly helpful over the phone, a little slow over email). The program is for people who've taken 'none or few' of the medschool prereqs, so as long as you're still in the 'few' category, you'd probably be fine.
I considered Hunter too (it's been near the top of the usnwr best value list for the past few years, and for good reason). It really depends on what your goals are. I want to maximize my chances of getting into a research heavy med program and while the advantage of coming out of Columbia might be marginal compared to Hunter, for me it's enough to justify the expense. If price is your first concern, Hunter is the way to go - and it's got a good program to boot!
And hey mm,
-Ive heard some horror stories about some classes for PostBacc which were supposedly ridiculously brutal and people worked their assess of and only received sub par grades. Im looking to get all A's and that kind of freaked me out.
I've read a number of posts on this site that basically get at this same point. I think the question is - can you be in the top 50% - or top 30% - of the large 'weeder' courses? I believe the courses are curved to around ~b (this can be found in other posts), so if you're in the top 50% of all your classes, and top ~30% in most (for those A's and A-'s), you'll do fine. The competition can be stiff - Columbia undergrads didn't get to where they are by slacking off thus far.
Also, some complaints were about teaching style of a couple professors (bio comes to mind), but you'll probably find tough teachers (and disgruntled students) at any large program. Not sure how NYU fares in this regard, but I'd imagine it's similar.
-Ive heard the administrative side of Columbia is a hassle and advising sucks? I dont no.
I have too! This was an initial concern of mine, though reading over the posts this seems to be a less frequent complaint in recent years. The most criticism I've seen was about the advising, but I've also read reviews full of praise (I think this is one area where you get out of the relationship only as much as you put in to it). That said, NYU may/may not invest more resources in this department, so I'd check that out if this is a big concern.
My plan is the traditional 2 year -slow- route. I know those summer courses seem very appealing but the impression I've gotten is that medical schools may look down on them for core courses like organic chem. I could definitely be wrong, but I'd check that out before you set anything in stone. I also plan to use the summers and really the full two years to get as much research and clinical experience as I can; you're competing against traditional med school candidates, many of whom have been volunteering for three years by the time they apply.
PS what neighborhood are you considering? I want to be around morningside (I visited and it's awesome) but I think prices might push me up to washington heights.
Good luck to both of you!
