Considering Post-Baccs

[koptimist08]

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Hello!

I'm going to apologize for my wordiness in advance.

I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice about post-baccs. I'm currently finishing up my undergrad and will be graduating in June 2014. I'll have all of my pre-reqs done, but SGPA is only around 2.7 and a overall GPA of 3.0. So I'm considering the option of looking into post-baccs that would start in fall 2014. Also I still haven't taken my MCAT and not sure if I should wait to take it until post-bacc, since many of them offer MCAT prep. However, I've been running into a few questions that I haven't been able to find concrete answers for.

I realize there are career changer versus academic enhancer post baccs, and what I want is the academic enhancer. Looking through these I found some that require MCAT score versus others that require SAT scores, or no standardized test scores at all. From my understanding ones that require MCAT are more competitive. Since I haven't taken my MCAT, I'm trying to decide if/when I should take it? Also as long as the success rate is high, would a post-bacc without the MCAT requirement versus one calling for an MCAT score be much different? As you can see I'm very confused and tend to overthink, but this is an important decision. I went astray with my GPA, so from this point I really to want to make the best decision possible, giving me the best chance to med school. I would appreciate any advice.

 

[freakingoutabit]

1. Have you considered a DIY post-bacc? You don't need to apply to a formal program to do post-bacc work. (Honestly, I think most of those programs are just unnecessary money makers for universities.) You can always just apply to take classes at your local college, no MCAT score necessary. You would still be able to bring up your GPA and take upper level science courses to show that you can hack it, and you'd save a fortune.

2. If you do decide to do a formal post-bacc, have you finished the pre-reqs? If you haven't, you should ABSOLUTELY NOT take the MCAT. If you have, do a few practice tests before you make this decision. You should take the MCAT when you're absolutely ready and at your MCAT prep peak, not when you're in a hurry to get into a post-bacc program.

 

[NuttyEngDude]

2. If you do decide to do a formal post-bacc, have you finished the pre-reqs? If you haven't, you should ABSOLUTELY NOT take the MCAT. If you have, do a few practice tests before you make this decision. You should take the MCAT when you're absolutely ready and at your MCAT prep peak, not when you're in a hurry to get into a post-bacc program.

+1 keep in mind that when you apply, med schools will see ALL mcat's you've taken.

 

[Goro]

Frankly, these programs are a dime-a-dozen, and you can DIY as well. An SMP might be worth looking into as well.

You can do wonders for your GPA if you simply retake any F/D/C coursework thanks to AACOMAS' grade replacement policy.

I realize there are career changer versus academic enhancer post baccs, and what I want is the academic enhancer. Looking through these I found some that require MCAT score versus others that require SAT scores, or no standardized test scores at all. From my understanding ones that require MCAT are more competitive. Since I haven't taken my MCAT, I'm trying to decide if/when I should take it? Also as long as the success rate is high, would a post-bacc without the MCAT requirement versus one calling for an MCAT score be much different? As you can see I'm very confused and tend to overthink, but this is an important decision. I went astray with my GPA, so from this point I really to want to make the best decision possible, giving me the best chance to med school. I would appreciate any advice.[/QUOTE]

 

[cabinbuilder]

Hello!

I'm going to apologize for my wordiness in advance.

I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice about post-baccs. I'm currently finishing up my undergrad and will be graduating in June 2014. I'll have all of my pre-reqs done, but SGPA is only around 2.7 and a overall GPA of 3.0. So I'm considering the option of looking into post-baccs that would start in fall 2014. Also I still haven't taken my MCAT and not sure if I should wait to take it until post-bacc, since many of them offer MCAT prep. However, I've been running into a few questions that I haven't been able to find concrete answers for.

I realize there are career changer versus academic enhancer post baccs, and what I want is the academic enhancer. Looking through these I found some that require MCAT score versus others that require SAT scores, or no standardized test scores at all. From my understanding ones that require MCAT are more competitive. Since I haven't taken my MCAT, I'm trying to decide if/when I should take it? Also as long as the success rate is high, would a post-bacc without the MCAT requirement versus one calling for an MCAT score be much different? As you can see I'm very confused and tend to overthink, but this is an important decision. I went astray with my GPA, so from this point I really to want to make the best decision possible, giving me the best chance to med school. I would appreciate any advice.

I would do your own post-bacc. So much cheaper and you can make your own schedule especially if you are working. Just take the pre-req classes that you need (or need to take over) to fix your GPA and prepare for the MCAT. I would not get sucked into a formal program that requires an MCAT because you really are defeating the purpose of the post-bacc. If you were ready to take the MCAT you wouldn't need a post bacc. Just doesn't make sense to me. I did my own DIY post-bacc in an era where there was no such thing as a formal prost bacc program. Take advantage of the ACOMAAS grade replacement to boost your science GPA, take the MCAT - do well, then apply DO.