Day vs Evening Classes (UPenn)

[Hans Brix]

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Hi, does anyone have experience with programs that have their classes during the evenings/weekends, vs daytime? I spoke to Dr. Hunter at UPenn, and she said their classes are held evenings/weekends.

Is this better or worse than studying in the daytime? Or not an issue? I would be studying full-time, doing the program in shortest period possible.

(Any other opinions on the UPenn program? Have not seen too many postings about it) Thanks

 

[postbaccer2006]

Did Dr. Hunter say the classes are ONLY held during the evenings/weekends? Does that mean the classes are filled with only post-bacc people and not regular undergrads?

 

[Hans Brix]

Yeah, she said you take evening/weekend classes with only other post-bacs, which is approx 25-50 students at a time.

 

[LynnKat]

Penn's CGS classes are at night. Almost all of the people in the basic sciences (physics, bio and chem) are post baccs and (I think) regular undergrads need special permission to enroll in these. There are some undergrads in some of the other night classes, but again, CGS students get preference You can take day classes if you want, but you have to pay the regular undergrad tuition for them.

As to full time night classes, people do it. There are always post baccs in the library, especially the ones taking three lab sciences in a semester. If you're disciplined and can reverse your normal habits (study during the day, do class at night) it can work.

 

[sidewalkman]

IMO at Penn you would be crazy to take classes during the day, if only for the cost alone. The cost of one day class is equal to, what, 3 night classes? Save your $$. All the classes a postbacc would need all offered at CGS at night, anyway.

I view classes at night as an advantage IF you are disciplined in when you study. Having classes at night frees up the day hours to do all sorts of resume-boosters that are only offered 9-5ish (i.e. research, far more flexibility in what you can volunteer in, etc.).

My opinion on Penn? I deem Penn to be the best post-bacc in the entire country. That's right. You won't hear that opinion very much on this board, but Penn's program just offers so many advantages. Cheap tuition? Check. Low cost of living? Check. Formal and informal options? Check. Linkages available? Check. Upper-level classes offered? Check. Top med school right on campus (i.e. good volunteer and research opps)? Check. Good national reputation? Check. Lots of things to do nearby? Check. Classes at night may be a deal-breaker for some, but the combination of things Penn has going for it is very tough to beat.

 

[Hans Brix]

thanks for the recommendation!

 

[mshheaddoc]

I agree with the sidewalkman's post. Why pay 5X's more for day classes when you can take them at night. They aren't deemed "less worthy" b/c they are night. They are there for convience. Use it to your advantage!

 

[the alchemist]

Yeah, she said you take evening/weekend classes with only other post-bacs, which is approx 25-50 students at a time.

the number of students depends on the class. i'm not in the post-bacc program but as an employee at upenn, i get to take 2 classes/semester for free and i took some classes with special science post-baccs, namely medical spanish and vertebrate physiology. in both of those classes, there were also upenn UGs who choose to take the class at night instead of the same class offered during a daytime slot. the higher level medical spanish classes had 4-5 ppl, 1st semester had maybe 20 but most of them were nursing students or pre-nursing UGs. the physiology class had about 30 ppl and the prof says the UGs tend to be more laid back and the post-baccs tend to be more the gunners but it didn't matter b/c this prof doesn't curve grades.

i think alot of the night classes offered through CGS are a mix of upenn UGs and post-baccs...though someone in the program might know better than i about the composition of the specific post-bacc classes for the traditional (not special science) program

 

[dna111]

I am a student who has taken some premed courses. I hear positive things about both these programs, but I must make a choice.

Based on what I've read in the forum, this is why Harvard stands out:
-Dr. Fixsen is an amazing letter writer and students who do well get excellent letters
-Top med schools are familiar with the program and recognize it
-Classes only cover material on the MCAT
-Tuition is the most competetive of all post-bacs
-Students live in Cambridge and are near Boston

Penn:
-For the reasons you've pointed out
-Has an accelerated acceptance program with RWJ for Special Science students
-All students have full university privelages

Am I missing anything? Further, is Penn more selective than Harvard's program? Does selectivity of post-bac admissions enter into the med school admissions equation? Which program would you go with in light of the above information?

 

[Sundarban1]

Again, everything that sidewalk posted (check!) Harvard has also, aside from official linkages. If you talk to Dr. Fixsen he can name a list of schools who are very receptive to extension students.

I am a student who has taken some premed courses. I hear positive things about both these programs, but I must make a choice.

Based on what I've read in the forum, this is why Harvard stands out:
-Dr. Fixsen is an amazing letter writer and students who do well get excellent letters
-Top med schools are familiar with the program and recognize it
-Classes only cover material on the MCAT
-Tuition is the most competetive of all post-bacs
-Students live in Cambridge and are near Boston

Penn:
-For the reasons you've pointed out
-Has an accelerated acceptance program with RWJ for Special Science students
-All students have full university privelages

Am I missing anything? Further, is Penn more selective than Harvard's program? Does selectivity of post-bac admissions enter into the med school admissions equation? Which program would you go with in light of the above information?