CSULA vs. UCLA Extension

[brianh7519]

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Hi, I just have questions about UCLA Extension and post-bac program at CSULA.

I'm currently an international student and graduating this year from UCSD with B.S in biochemistry(~3.5 sGPA, 3.5 oGPA). Back in sophomore/junior year, I wanted to go to dental school after graduating, but didn't apply because I learned that it's nearly impossible to get loans for international student. I have to wait 2,3 years after graduation until I get my green card, so I decided to apply then. I wanted to continue studying at UCSD as undergrad, but its pretty expensive to study another year while paying full tuition.
I'm moving to LA after graduating to live with my parents and since I have pretty long gap years, I want to do post-bac program that put less financial burden on me and my parents. I was thinking about doing m.s. program, but the tuition was pretty high.

So after graduating I'm thinking between UCLA extension and CSULA post-bac program. Also possibly classes at Santa Monica College. I know that cc is looked down upon compared to 4 year institution, so I'm thinking more between UCLA Extension and CSULA post-bac. Which one do you guys recommend? I'm thinking about being full-time, possibly taking 16 units/quarter..
I've heard some pros and cons about UCLA extension (hard to enroll in classes if doing open class? with other UCLA undergrad, hard to take more than 12 units if taking night classes,etc) but didn't hear as much about CSULA post-bac program...
Which one would you guys recommend?

 

[AntonFreeman]

I don't know much about dental school admissions. But aren't your grades competitive? It will be hard to take any classes through open university/extension in any UC's due to budget cuts.

 

[Mzeep]

I applied last year to CSULA postbac program but withdrew because it would end up costing me more than it would to take a year of class through UCLA ext. UCLA ext is not that bad honestly. However, since you said you were a biochem major you probably have a lot of the classes done that they offer. I didn't have all my prereqs completed so they do offer more of the "common" classes like immuno, physio, molecular bio, etc.

Also, when you register for classes through UCLA ext. you go through this site It's not the same site UCLA undergrad use, so you can register the day the schedule comes out, it's more of a first come first serve basis.

Anyway, I don't know much about CSULA though, but I've heard good things about the program. You probably have access to more advising/support services with them than UCLA since it's a formal program but someone who has gone through the program could give you a better idea.

Oh and I know for UCLA ext. some people are eligible for grants so that's also something you can look into.

 

[ehsu]

I took the UCLA ext classes for a bit so I'll throw in my 2 cents...

Pros: UCLA name I guess. Not really taught by UCLA professors except for 2 classes (human physio and human anatomy) They're all night classes so they could work full time. They will let you finish your ugrad requirements but it might take a bit and it's a sure shot to get in.

Cons: (Sorry if I sound bitter but this program really didn't work out for me so take it with a bucket of salt since it could do wonders for you) No UCLA professors except for the two classes mentioned above. They're all night classes and I had a really hard time with the 4 hr night lectures even once a week. Almost all the classes I took were straight scale and came down to penny pinching points. It's very expensive compared to SMC. However, if you can get employed with the UCLA health system you get a 25% discount on classes...

 

[DbDan]

Cons: (Sorry if I sound bitter but this program really didn't work out for me so take it with a bucket of salt since it could do wonders for you) No UCLA professors except for the two classes mentioned above. They're all night classes and I had a really hard time with the 4 hr night lectures even once a week. Almost all the classes I took were straight scale and came down to penny pinching points. It's very expensive compared to SMC. However, if you can get employed with the UCLA health system you get a 25% discount on classes...

The professors will vary quarter to quarter. The Physics professor is also a UCLA professor and a highly regarded one and well liked one at that. My Life Science 1 professor was a retired UCLA professor. Life Science 2 was taught by a masters student my age when I took it but the previous quarter was taught by my professor from my time at UCLA. Like I said, it really varies, do a little bit of research into the professors, a simple google search will likely do it.

As for the pinching points, its the same experience I had. It is brutal. The reason? 99% of your classmates are going to be studying their ass off for their A. They are almost all post-bac trying to go into professional programs. Many that look like they will get a B or below will drop and completely destroy your chances of a curve. Also, if you join the UCLA alumni association 50 for a year, you get 10% off of courses as well. It will pay for itself with 1 class.

Night classes for me worked out great. It was a very long commute in the afternoons in traffic from orange county but it was also the best option for me being familiar with the courses and campus.

 

[yessirMD]

I am interested in taking summer classes at UCLA but its costing around 4grand for the entire summer for 2 classes. I'm independent and made 16k in 2011, will be eligible for any grants?

Thanks!

 

[LaughingGas]

what classes are you trying to take?

 

[tonberry]

https://www.uclaextension.edu/Pages/Course.aspx?reg=Y9468

hey, do any of you guys know if the human anat and physio course satisfies med school pre reqs???

I know a lot of schools take them individually, but this class is put together. I just saw it today, so i can't call any schools about it. It looks a little shady though. 4 units for 2 courses w/o lab.

The good thing is that it's perfect timing since i have to work full time, but i don't wanna waste money on something that doesn't count.

thx in advance.

 

[LaughingGas]

That's only for general education purpose. Doesn't satisfy med school prereq requirement. They offer different class for anatomy and physiology. They both get filled even before the 1st day of enrollment date.

 

[tonberry]

thx for the fast response.

Does anyone know/have experience getting classes while working full time? I don't need a full post bac. I just want physio/anat and maybe an upper div lab. The prob is that it's impossible for me to find one that's good after work.

 

[LaughingGas]

UCLA Ext Physio

How about that one? It fulfills physiology+lab.

 

[tonberry]

1-4-3 mr. laughing gas. 1-4-3.
I tried searching for those classes, but all I couldn't find was the filled ones. i feel like a nub.