DIY Post-Bacc VS. Non-Degree VS. 2nd Major

[lincoln87]

I was hoping for some clarification on this. I know non-degree courses are generally not the best way to go, as post-bacc are calculated into some form of GPA. Does a 2nd major in a previously completed undergrad get considered as a post-bacc?

I'm basically looking to find the best option for showing medical schools I can handle a heavy course load. Trying to compensate for a 3.0 gpa.

Thanks for your help.

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[kraskadva]

I was hoping for some clarification on this. I know non-degree courses are generally not the best way to go, as post-bacc are calculated into some form of GPA. Does a 2nd major in a previously completed undergrad get considered as a post-bacc?

I'm basically looking to find the best option for showing medical schools I can handle a heavy course load. Trying to compensate for a 3.0 gpa.

Thanks for your help.

Not sure what you mean by "non-degree courses" but this is what the AMCAS GPA chart looks like on an app... (see attached pic)

Any undergrad level courses taken for credit (whether or not you earn an additional degree), will be lumped together in the PBgpa and then averaged into the cumulative UG gpa.

Does it matter what major I choose for my DIY post-bacc? For example, if I enrolled in a B.ScH in geography without intent on completing the degree, and took primarily science courses, would this be okay?

I'm planning on taking two semesters (ten courses) during the fall and winter semesters.

And I'll answer this here too, since it really didn't need it's own thread.
No. Yes. Fine, but you may need 2+ years to really raise your GPA substantially.

 

[lincoln87]

Kraskadva,

Thanks for the response. I have the option of taking courses while not enrolled in any degree, or taking them under a second undergraduate degree. Is there any significance in taking a second degree if medical schools look at the non-degree courses the same as they would a 2nd degree course?

 

[TexasPostBaccPreMed]

Medical schools don't care whether or not you are signing up for classes with the intention of getting a second degree. I don't even think they'll know if you're classified as a "second degree seeking student" or as a "non-degree seeking student" at your school. They go on your transcript the same way, just as normal undergrad classes. It doesn't matter. Just a note though, at least at my school you're only eligible for financial aid if you're classified as "degree seeking" and you also get better registration times for classes. Non degree seeking students register for classes like very last at my school so you may have issues getting into classes that fill up quickly if you aren't a degree seeking student.


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[Goro]

ANY coursework taken prior to your graduation counts towards your UG cGPA. Post-bac = "after you graduate".

I was hoping for some clarification on this. I know non-degree courses are generally not the best way to go, as post-bacc are calculated into some form of GPA. Does a 2nd major in a previously completed undergrad get considered as a post-bacc?

I'm basically looking to find the best option for showing medical schools I can handle a heavy course load. Trying to compensate for a 3.0 gpa.

Thanks for your help.

 

[kraskadva]

Kraskadva,

Thanks for the response. I have the option of taking courses while not enrolled in any degree, or taking them under a second undergraduate degree. Is there any significance in taking a second degree if medical schools look at the non-degree courses the same as they would a 2nd degree course?

Any significance, as far as AMCAS/med schools are concerned? Nope, since there will not be anything to distinguish between those on a transcript. You just need to show strong, steady, sustained work.

Any significance as far as cost per class and registration priority at your current school? Probably, but you'd have to check with them.
At the school I'm at currently, non-degree (aka continuing ed) students have the lowest registration priority, so getting into upper-level science classes would be difficult. And more expensive when paying per credit vs full-time tuition. So if you're planning on going full time anyway (w/ 5 courses/semester), then it makes more sense practically to enroll for a 2nd degree, take the classes you need, then drop it.

 

[Neuro25_]

Any significance as far as cost per class and registration priority at your current school? Probably, but you'd have to check with them.
At the school I'm at currently, non-degree (aka continuing ed) students have the lowest registration priority, so getting into upper-level science classes would be difficult. And more expensive when paying per credit vs full-time tuition. So if you're planning on going full time anyway (w/ 5 courses/semester), then it makes more sense practically to enroll for a 2nd degree, take the classes you need, then drop it.

This is probably the most valuable information you can receive about this. I had not learned about this until after I signed up to take classes at my undergrad as a 'continuing education student'. Sign up for a second degree and if inquired about 'why' then state that you need the degree to further your career. I made the mistake of saying 'pre med' and they insisted I continue as a continuing ed student with high cost per credit and lower priority registration. Ultimately worked out but the bolded statement above is the best way to go.