Columbia Postbac: Ceremony?

[Enzyme1]

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I know Columbia has been brought up but I just realized that their postbacs upon completion of the program walk through a ceremony when they graduate. Is this the only postbac that does this?

Also, the lady I spoke with told me that they look for individuals who have taken at least 1 chem course prior to enrolling, so even if we have a 3.0 gpa, we still are not going to be likely admitted due to the fact that she said we ought to take that class beforehand, and most entrees have had very high gpas.

Someone on these boards said the opposite was true, stating that they just say that "on the phone", but realistically, you can still get in without those requirements.

But honestly, many have argued that Columbia's postbac is horrid, with virtually no guidance and support whatsoever, but with this glorious "ceremony" they give their postbacs at the end something just tells me that they do care about their students, and perhaps there is genuine or serious support, otherwise why would they glorify their students like this?
Just for my own clarification, please. Thank you.

 

[Enzyme1]

Anyone know with regard to the ceremony and if other postbac's do this? Thanks

 

[Gko]

I know Columbia has been brought up but I just realized that their postbacs upon completion of the program walk through a ceremony when they graduate. Is this the only postbac that does this?

Also, the lady I spoke with told me that they look for individuals who have taken at least 1 chem course prior to enrolling, so even if we have a 3.0 gpa, we still are not going to be likely admitted due to the fact that she said we ought to take that class beforehand, and most entrees have had very high gpas.

Someone on these boards said the opposite was true, stating that they just say that "on the phone", but realistically, you can still get in without those requirements.

But honestly, many have argued that Columbia's postbac is horrid, with virtually no guidance and support whatsoever, but with this glorious "ceremony" they give their postbacs at the end something just tells me that they do care about their students, and perhaps there is genuine or serious support, otherwise why would they glorify their students like this?
Just for my own clarification, please. Thank you.

I can tell you for certainty that HES doesn't go through a ceremony dedicated for HCP students. I don't remember any other post-bac programs making this a selling point during my search.

I would think they do the ceremony to attract students who want to feel special about themselves while making them think they've accomplished something. Call me a cynic, but all post-baccs are just a way for us to get the undergrad requirements we need to move onto med school and not much more. Until I get my long coat, I don't think there's anything being done worth having a ceremony over, so as I see it, the ceremony is just a selling point and not a genuine show of support. Flash over substance, in a way.

 

[columbiapostbac]

The postbac program here really is a program, you're part of a class with an identity and sense of community. That's why we get a nice ceremony and certificate at the end, along with decent food (sushi!) and an open bar. It's a reward and acknowledgement of shared suffering. 🙂

In regards to support, it's here if you ask for it, but they won't baby you. And if you're not doing well in this very competitive program, I think they'd prefer you leave rather than struggle on. It's probably for the stats, they want to maintain the 90% claim.

 

[hogfish]

Hey Enzyme,

Not sure where you heard about the 1 chem course bit - I have taken no chemistry (or any science for that matter) and was admitted for the Fall. I did have a fairly high gpa (>3.8) but it was from university with only a medium reputation (if that matters at all).

As far as advising goes, I'm used to bad advising at my ridiculously understaffed/budget-slashed/downright-poor state school . In all seriousness, the average advising experience is surely better at one of the smaller programs (BM, Goucher, Scripps), if only because at a large program like Columbia it's easy to get lost among the sea of students. But from reading these forums I gather that you can have a great advising experience if you seek one out at Columbia. I'm used to having the impetus placed on the student as I passed through two very large universities.

Good luck!

PS I think Gko was dead on; there's no line on medical school applications which asks how nice the grad ceremony was. Don't let that sway your decision.

 

[mm855752]

Delete please