Formal vs Informal Post Bacc Programs?

[budhak0n]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I was just wondering on your opinions on formal vs informal post bacc programs.

I'm a non traditonal applicant whose background did not include many of the basic science courses needed for application, so I've simply enrolled in a university near me and begun taking the classes I will need to submit an application....

I personally will be taking my science courses at Stockton in South Jersey. I am a graduate of Penn State years ago where I completed about half of my science requirements... I'll be taking Organic chem and the like at stockton.

I've read about Pre Bacc programs that are specifically noted for this or that.. but I'd really like to hear people's opinions on whether it's necessary to seek out a specific program.

I would think the more important thing to do would be to get the classes registered and DO WELL ...

 

[Remiller]

The #1 thing is to do well. If you have solid grades from your undergrad and get solid grades in your science prereqs, along with scoring well on the MCAT, you have a good chance.

Many medical schools also have SMPs, which have historically been successful at getting students from SMP-->Med. Most of these programs seem to give you a better chance at getting in as compared to just taking classes somewhere. You may also have the advantage of not having to apply broadly, giving you an idea of where you will end up, reducing cost from fewer applications, flights and hotels, saving time and avoiding headaches. However, there is usually more at stake here financially with 1 yr costs reaching $35k at some institutions.

I'm starting an SMP in August but wish I had more deeply considered taking upper division classes locally when I began applying for SMPs 9 months ago. Good luck to you!

 

[mshheaddoc]

Greetings fellow SJ-ite. I know a few people who did the stockton thing. I started out at Rutgers-Camden doing informal, but then ended up moving out of the area.

If your gpa is solid (3.5+), then an informal post-bacc is the way to go. If you have some minor GPA issues, then I'd suggest maybe enrolling in UMDNJ-Stratfords SMP or Drexel's post-bacc for further boosting of the gpa. 🙂

This is only my opinion from talking to UMDNJ-RWJ dean as well as the admissions office at UMDNJ-SOM.