Help, quick post-bac question

[Gigi333]

A friend is in a bind and I was hoping someone could help answer her question (she is not a fellow SDNer). Ok so the deal is she graduates this April, is currently enrolled for Biochem which she would rather take this summer because of MCAT preparation. The question is can she take biochem after she graduates, in a post bac program and still have it count towards medical school requirement? Are most post bac programs one year long or can she just take the one class, how does that work?
Any help would be greatly appreciated because she has to decide by midnight, one way or another.

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[Dawktah Rawkah]

It depends a ton on her current school and state ... some schools allow students to "graduate" and then take a specific class (biochem over summer) after walking in the grad ceremony.

med schools that do require biochem need it done before matriculation so she could take it in fall or even next spring (assuming she's applying this coming summer). lots of med schools recommend biochem but do not actually require it. many students begin the application process before actually taking biochem.

there are many state schools (in Cali, at least) that allow non-students to take one class as a "post-bacc" or "extension student" outside of a program and without going through the formal admission process to the school. the cost tends to be higher than normal state per/unit costs - but for one class it shouldn't be a biggie (say, $500). so to answer your question simply, yes, she can take just that one class at another school w/ out joining a formal post-bac program. caveat: she'll be taking biochem at a less-than-prestigious school most likely. shouldn't matter much if it's just one class. hope this helps ...

 

[sunny1]

In terms of the specifics for her school and how to enroll for that one class (what her standing will be....part-time, non-degree seeking, etc.), she should ask her advisor to ensure she enrolls in it properly.

But it is fine to simply take one class after getting her degree. Post-baccalaureate literally means after bachelor degree. This still counts towards her med school prerequisites regardless. She'll be fine.

There are also formal post-bacc programs for people who haven't completed any of the premed prereqs in college, but there's clearly no reason for her to enroll in one of those.

 

[Gigi333]

Thank you, we both really appreciate the help.