Do any postbac programs fit my profile?

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rmgpharma

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Hey guys, I assume I have a unique situation here. My GPA and Sci GPA are both decent (3.6+). I graduated with an unrelated BA but completed bio 1&2, chem 1&2, and orgo 1 (and math) in undergrad. Since then (grad '13) I've been working in oncology research (RA -> project manager) for 2 years.

Bottom line is, I want to go to med school and I am willing to do whatever it takes to get in. I'd even be fine with an international school if they have a good US residency placement. Question is, how do I complete my pre-reqs and get competitive for admissions at this point?

I've looked at postbac programs, but none seem to fit somebody who has just over half the pre-reqs done.
I've looked into night classes at a local college but if I do that it would take me forever, and i'd end up without a committee letter (live in DC, went to undergrad in NY, they wont give letter since I didnt complete reqs there, no longer an option after graduating).

What are my real options? Do any programs fit my case? WWYD in this situation?
 
Don't even think about looking at offshore again. Total mistake. You have a solid GPA.

Look at what you can take during summer session, as in right now. You basically need 3 classes, so you could get the first half of physics and the second half of orgo done this summer, then finish physics and start MCAT prep, and in theory be ready to apply in June 2016. Start working on letters of recommendation from academic faculty immediately.

^^that's what I'd do.

Best of luck to you.
 
I've looked at summer night classes around me, and they are brutal (5 hrs/day 4x a week), not an option while working full time right now (which I need to do to pay rent). If I could get loans and get into a postbac that would give me an honest shot at getting into med school, I'd drop work, but not unless that happened. Also gotta consider that I've been working 2 years, most of my pre reqs are 4 years old, I'd have no problem prepping for an MCAT given enough time, but I know this will also hurt my acceptance chances. That plus no committee letter is why I am not ruling out offshore :/
 
You've completely boxed yourself into a corner with your requirements. You have to decide which things you actually require. You can pursue med school now or later or not at all. You can work full time or part time or not work or find another job that lets you get ready to apply to med school. You can take all the classes you still need at once or take a couple or just one at a time. You can take classes during the day or at night. You can finish your classes this next academic year or span it out over 2 years. You can take time off work to do MCAT prep or take more time to do MCAT prep.

Pick a direction and go.
 
I hear ya, and I definitely agree, but are you saying that there's no point in me doing a post-bac?
 
If you work at a university or at a biotech company see if you can get tuition reimbursement to take classes.
 
I hear ya, and I definitely agree, but are you saying that there's no point in me doing a post-bac?
Focus on taking the MCAT, it will make or break your application
 
I hear ya, and I definitely agree, but are you saying that there's no point in me doing a post-bac?
No, that's not at all what I'm saying, by listing out the variables and saying "pick a direction".

I'm saying pick a direction. Make your plan and do it. You started this thread with "I'm willing to do anything" to get into med school, so be willing to do the work to evaluate your options and be the grownup in charge.
 
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