Considering post-Bac program

[reichhorn]

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I have a BS in computer science, and I am currently looking into a career in medicine. From research that I have done, it appears that the only classes that I need are Organic Chem I and II, and 8 semesters hours of Biology. I can get these requirements as a non-degree seeking student at a local university, or I can take the same classes at another university that offers a post-bac program. The problem is that I would have to move 3 hours away to take the classes in the post-bac program. Also, I fear that all the post-bac. program that this University offers is essentially enrolling as a non-degree seeking student and taking the same exact classes as I would in my current city(ie. I would be wasting my money).
How much weight do medical collges put into these programs? Are they worth it, if you consider having to move and more expensive tuitions?
any information will be appreciated
thanks

 

[jules0328]

I have a BS in computer science, and I am currently looking into a career in medicine. From research that I have done, it appears that the only classes that I need are Organic Chem I and II, and 8 semesters hours of Biology. I can get these requirements as a non-degree seeking student at a local university, or I can take the same classes at another university that offers a post-bac program. The problem is that I would have to move 3 hours away to take the classes in the post-bac program. Also, I fear that all the post-bac. program that this University offers is essentially enrolling as a non-degree seeking student and taking the same exact classes as I would in my current city(ie. I would be wasting my money).
How much weight do medical collges put into these programs? Are they worth it, if you consider having to move and more expensive tuitions?
any information will be appreciated
thanks

I really dont think it is necessary for you to enroll in a post bacc program simply for 4 classes that you are missing. Enroll in your local university and save your money, not a community college, make sure it is a 4 year school. Post baccs are really for people who do not have any pre med requirements and from the looks of it, you are almost there. As far as medical schools, as long as you have the grades, it doesnt matter that you took some at one university and some at another university. Others may oppose my thread, but that is just my opinion. Save your money, and go to local. Ace your classes and ace your MCAT and dont forget to do some clinical volunteer work or internship in the medical field or research.

Good luck!

 

[punchberry]

From research that I have done, it appears that the only classes that I need are Organic Chem I and II, and 8 semesters hours of Biology. I can get these requirements as a non-degree seeking student at a local university, or I can take the same classes at another university that offers a post-bac program.

I would suggest contacting an advisor at a post-bac program (or two or three) to find out if those four classes are really all you need. If that is really the case, then the local university is probably fine. Other things that a post-bac may offer:
1. A second GPA to weigh against your undergrad one, if the latter is low
2. The chance to get recommendations and perhaps a "committee letter" - How long ago was your undergrad, and can you get a committee letter or at least a strong group of letters from there?
3. Clinical exposure / volunteer experience (varies by program)
4. Ongoing advising based on how your credentials stand against what it takes to get in.
5. Relationships with medical schools, and the ability to "link" to some of them.

I am sure that it is possible to obtain all of these things at your local state school, but it will take more initiative to put them together. Figure out which of the above you need, which are included in the post-bac programs you are considering, and which will be accessible to you as a non-degree seeking student at your state school.

The problem is that I would have to move 3 hours away to take the classes in the post-bac program. Also, I fear that all the post-bac. program that this University offers is essentially enrolling as a non-degree seeking student and taking the same exact classes as I would in my current city(ie. I would be wasting my money).

I would also advise taking cost heavily into consideration. You will have plenty of opportunity to accumulate debt once you get to med school.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[steedums]

I'm in that same boat. I got a bs in cs/cse from rensselaer w/3.6 gpa but have found that field to be utterly ******ed. I spend about 10 minutes a day doing real work, and the rest doing paperwork. I actually got a call from somebody in a diff department about a coversheet on something I submitted last week! Its so much worse than office space. Anyways, I've been looking and saw that ochem and bio was all I needed. One thing that is different is that because I was an engineer, I took chemistry of materials, and not the regular chemistry. I knew classmates in the other, and we studied almost the same material, so I don't know if I need to retake those. Also, how important is it what school I go to for these classes. I'm in north san diego, and theres cal state san marcos, sdsu, ucsd... Its hard to get into classes though because its "open university" since I have a degree already, so I have to pay more and am last to get into any classes. I just found this forum, and its awesome to see that other people in the same boat as me!