Columbia University Post-Bacc

[OnyxGaia]

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Hi folks,

Has anyone attended, is currently attending or will be attending the Post-Bacc Pre-med program at Columbia? I am considering going there and I'd like to know if it's worth the effort. How are the courses? Are they very challenging? Does the program do a good job at preparing for Med School admission as well as the MCAT itself?

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.

Onyx

 

[kiping]

i went there- you can pm me any questions

 

[DarkChild]

I'm glad kiping stepped up; I can only comment on what I saw as an ugrad at CU:
while the post-baccs didnt get that much love from the ugrads (at times the post-baccs were HUGE gunners) I think the program is pretty good. You basically take courses with other columbia undergrads so while the classes are as challenging as at any other schools, you still have to distinguish your self from the crowd. that can be tough in a class like intro bio with 100+ people. but the cool thing is that a decent number of post baccs do research in labs and end up getting pretty good LORs as a result. also i imagine its a pretty good support group just because you're all non-trads going through the same thing. and the program seems reasonably well organized.

 

[DannyWSP]

I am still waiting to hear from them, so providing they accept me to the program I will almost definitely be attending beginning January.

Darkchild said pretty much exactly what I have heard. Super competitive, but solid program. The aspects that do it for me: There are 300+(I think) post-baccs right now so that will provide a good support system. You have to maintain a 3.00 to even stay in the program. It is a pretty strict two year program so there is room to excel and do cool things like research (as dark mentioned). Linkages are key, and it is the oldest post bacc. program out there. They also provide MCAT prep. In comparison to say NYU, it seems to be a better deal for the $$.

Their matriculation rate for post baccs. is also very admirable. I think it is going to be very tough though, make no mistake. The competitive nature almost turned me off, but it's all what you make of it anyway.

When will you start if you go?

 

[OnyxGaia]

Originally posted by DannyWSP
I am still waiting to hear from them, so providing they accept me to the program I will almost definitely be attending beginning January.

Darkchild said pretty much exactly what I have heard. Super competitive, but solid program. The aspects that do it for me: There are 300+(I think) post-baccs right now so that will provide a good support system. You have to maintain a 3.00 to even stay in the program. It is a pretty strict two year program so there is room to excel and do cool things like research (as dark mentioned). Linkages are key, and it is the oldest post bacc. program out there. They also provide MCAT prep. In comparison to say NYU, it seems to be a better deal for the $$.

Their matriculation rate for post baccs. is also very admirable. I think it is going to be very tough though, make no mistake. The competitive nature almost turned me off, but it's all what you make of it anyway.

When will you start if you go?

Thanks for the replies DarkChild and Danny. Although I have not received my formal letter of acceptance yet, the admissions office told me I had been accepted and would be receiving a letter soon. So I would be attending in January. If I go there, maybe we can keep in touch.

Whether I go will probably depend on the Financial Aid I get. Last nght I was agonizing over Columbia or the more affordable Hunter. Basically, I need all the extra help that I can get based on not so great undergrad grades. If doing well in this program will help me get into Med school, I will just have to bite the bullet.

Onyx

 

[Cacophony]

I also went to Columbia's post bac and am willing to answer your specific questions.

Do you know what schools are you looking to apply to after your post-bac?

If you are interested in NYC or NY state schools I would recommend looking into the Hunter Program. I have heard it is excellent and a fraction of Columbia's cost.