COLUMBIA POST-BACC thread

[lk2230]

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Hi, everyone, I'm posting because I've seen very little written on this board about Columbia U's Post-Bacc program, despite it being a large program.
I would love if people would post with their thoughts/opinions on the program, your background, your plans, how your grades are going, etc. I think it would be helpful to everone digging through the program, or those applying.

I'll start: In my second semester, taking Chem II, Chem Lab, Physics II, Physics lab. Chem lab is the worst, most time-consuming class I've ever taken.
I'm doing OK in the program, though not as well as I would have hoped. I have approx. a 3.0 from first semester (I had a rough time adjusting, and math is not my strong point so Chem/Physics are tougher for me than say, Bio). I think I will raise my GPA somewhat this semester, though I'm having a really tough time with Chem.
I also work part-time for a medical journal/foundation as an editorial assistant helping my boss (MD) write his manuscripts and reading other manuscripts submitted for publication.
Still trying to figure out plans for summer.

So what's up, guys? Would love to hear from anyone about anything related to the program, particularly your plans and how you are doing in the program.

 

[Mr. Adventure]

Hate to be a negative Nancy, but I've seen several, several posts about the Columbia Post-Bac program here....kinda the reason why I did NOT apply to it. 😀 Good luck!

 

[businessmd06]

Hey,

I applied for fall 2006 to the Columbia program, and am not sure what I will do. I like the structure and I like the fact that they have a solid placement of their post baccs to MD schools on first app (94%). I am considered about what kind of GPA I can attain as I have heard they are trying to crush to under grads and weed out, so the curve effects the post baccs as well. I am a bit concerned hearing you got a 3.0? How are your peers fairing? I was hopeful I could pull a 3.5-3.75 in the program.... I also applied to NYU because I can do it in one year, and also to Hunter as a backup.

Anyone else have any input?

 

[lk2230]

Hey,

I applied for fall 2006 to the Columbia program, and am not sure what I will do. I like the structure and I like the fact that they have a solid placement of their post baccs to MD schools on first app (94%). I am considered about what kind of GPA I can attain as I have heard they are trying to crush to under grads and weed out, so the curve effects the post baccs as well. I am a bit concerned hearing you got a 3.0? How are your peers fairing? I was hopeful I could pull a 3.5-3.75 in the program.... I also applied to NYU because I can do it in one year, and also to Hunter as a backup.

Anyone else have any input?

My grades are on the lower end of what I see people getting. Most people seem to do pretty well, the curves are actually pretty generous. I just have a rough time with math, and chem/physics are tough on math.

 

[rainyday]

I did it. My GPA there was 3.95. I loved my professors and classes. I'm doing fine in my application process this year. Still, I do not recommend the program, primarily because I found the administrators/advisors incredibly condescending and unsupportive. I especially don't recommend it if you are going to take out 2 years of loans like I did. If you are funded, you may not mind the bad parts as much. I've heard Hopkins postbacc has a much more supportive environment.

 

[businessmd06]

I have to stay in NYC as my wife is finishing her PHD at Columbia (Micro Bio) - I basically have to decide if I think I can stomach one year meaning summer classes (Gen Chem and O Chem) and do it at either NYU or Hunter, or go the two year route at any one of them or Columbia. The thing about Columbia is the high placement to med school. I guess I am just wondering if it really matters compared to Hunter and NYU. I have talked to students at both NYU and Columbia and get mixed reviews. The NYU student loved the program, and liked the fact it was very laissez-faire. They do not require review of your essays, nor do they require medical community service / volunteering etc.... they also allow 1 yr if you start in the summer....

I guess we will just have to wait and see where I get in 🙂 btw, what are the people who have posted here's undergrad GPA / Stats

 

[lk2230]

I have to stay in NYC as my wife is finishing her PHD at Columbia (Micro Bio) - I basically have to decide if I think I can stomach one year meaning summer classes (Gen Chem and O Chem) and do it at either NYU or Hunter, or go the two year route at any one of them or Columbia. The thing about Columbia is the high placement to med school. I guess I am just wondering if it really matters compared to Hunter and NYU. I have talked to students at both NYU and Columbia and get mixed reviews. The NYU student loved the program, and liked the fact it was very laissez-faire. They do not require review of your essays, nor do they require medical community service / volunteering etc.... they also allow 1 yr if you start in the summer....

I guess we will just have to wait and see where I get in 🙂 btw, what are the people who have posted here's undergrad GPA / Stats

I was an undergrad at NYU's Tisch School, majoring in film. Graduated with a 3.58 (with honors). Also took some science classes post-graduation at Nassau Community College and got all A's. Hope I can bring my current GPA up. For those who've completed Columbia, what did you do with your summer in between first and second years?

 

[rainyday]

In response to 2 questions:

My undergrad GPA was 3.68 with honors from a top school.

During my summer I worked full-time as a lab tech.

I have to stay in NYC as my wife is finishing her PHD at Columbia (Micro Bio) - I basically have to decide if I think I can stomach one year meaning summer classes (Gen Chem and O Chem) and do it at either NYU or Hunter, or go the two year route at any one of them or Columbia. The thing about Columbia is the high placement to med school. I guess I am just wondering if it really matters compared to Hunter and NYU. I have talked to students at both NYU and Columbia and get mixed reviews. The NYU student loved the program, and liked the fact it was very laissez-faire. They do not require review of your essays, nor do they require medical community service / volunteering etc.... they also allow 1 yr if you start in the summer....

I guess we will just have to wait and see where I get in 🙂 btw, what are the people who have posted here's undergrad GPA / Stats