Columbia Postbacc/Advanced Sequence

[TeacherGoneMed]

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I recently applied to Columbia's Postbacc program, I am wondering what is the deal with their acceptance rate. I have a less than perfect gpa and even an academic suspension, I finally got my act together and graduated with a 3.29 cumulative gpa, at least that is what my las transcript says. My last two years I had a gpa of 3.85. I have taken gen chem, phys, bio 1 & 2 with labs for non-medical students, I am just anxious to know my chances in getting into the program. I have a supportive spouse that enables me to go fulltime with no job. I made my case on my essay and on an explanatory note regarding my poor performance. Any advice would help, my biggest worry is how rigorous the program is and if I am prepared to handle the level of intensity at Columbia. I plan to dedicate my whole existence to making it but what if that is not enough? I hope this makes sense.

 

[oneandonlylo]

In my experience your GPA is probably sufficient and your letter will do a lot to help you... I'm not sure about how they'll feel abut having you in the program if you've already taken so many of the requirements... How long ago did you take them?

The program is, as they say, very rigorous. The first year of Gen Chem and Physics is a ton of work, which can be shocking to someone whos been out of the classroom for a long time. Establish good study habits early and you should be fine... people who took several months to adapt had trouble catching up. The second year is harder, namely because the coursework itself is harder, but its still manageable, especially if you put in the extra effort to attend optional recitations, office hours, reviews etc. I would say largely that the amount of hard work people put in correlates with the grades they get. This is not to say of course that there are many students who work very very hard and do not do as well as they wish to, but I believe they will succeed in the end for their efforts.

 

[TeacherGoneMed]

Are you in the program? I don't think that bio counts because it was specific for non-med students or who knows what counts for them. Do they offer resources for help in the tough subjects(All of them). I know that I will do everything in my power to establish a rigorous schedule from the beginning and keep up, first time in my life that I have the opportunity to dedicate my whole day to school. I have a sublet on 113 & Broadway, so I am literally steps away from school. Thank you for responding.

 

[TeacherGoneMed]

It's been about 4 1/2 years since I took these courses.

 

[oneandonlylo]

If it's been that long you should have no problem getting in.

You are offered a free tutor for one course each semester. I have not utilized this option but I know many people have with good results. The best resources are the office hours of both the professor and the TAs as well as recitations (which are optional for some classes, not for others).

 

[TeacherGoneMed]

Thanks again for your info. What about preparation for the MCAT? I wonder how soon I would need to start studying. Does Columbia offer any prep material or classes to help prepare for the test. Thanks again. I guess you are currently in the program because you seem to know more than most.

 

[oneandonlylo]

Oh yes sorry I forgot to answer that! I am nearly done with the first half of my second year (orgo-bio sequence).

No one I know has started MCAT prep yet... until you've taken enough coursework you don't really know enough science to consider it. I'll probably be starting to look at it for the first time this Christmas break in preparation for the April MCAT. I don't think Columbia offers MCAT prep persay. Most students take Kaplan, Princeton Review etc. that are offered close to campus. Ask me more about that in a few months 🙂

But remember, in theory, all of your coursework is MCAT prep.

 

[TeacherGoneMed]

What do you know about financial aid? I am wondering what are my options for paying for school, I know that it is expensive and without working it will be a handful. The only option that I know of are loans. Another question I have are the placement tests for calculus and chemistry. Are they difficult? What if I place out of them, does that mean that I cannot enroll in the classes? I think I am obsessing with it all, but what else do you do as you wait for an answer from them. Hopefully it will be good news and I don't have to figure out what other program to apply to.

 

[oneandonlylo]

I unfortunately can't tell you a thing about financial aid...

In terms of the placement tests... don't worry about them at all. If you don't pass them they make you sign a waiver saying that you are taking the classes against their advisement... meaning they would rather get even more money out of you by having you take pre-chemistry, pre-calculus etc. Don't worry about it. I did think studying for the tests was a good preparation for getting back into studying for when school starts though. Either way, don't stress it.

When do you get an answer?

 

[TeacherGoneMed]

Thanks for the info, I am trying to feel in the gaps of information that I am missing and you are being very helpful. I am going to start preparing a little for the tests as soon as they let me know if I made it in. They said they would let me know in a couple of weeks, let's hope it's sooner because January is around the corner. Thanks again.

 

[oneandonlylo]

If you come, keep a look out for me at the orientation!

 

[nycpremed11]

Hi there-- I am also starting the postbacc program in January. I am studying like crazy for the math placement tests. Are you sure that you can still take Calculus even if you dont pass the placement tests? I am definitely stressing about these tests, so finding your post was good.

 

[oneandonlylo]

I wouldn't worry about it too much