How beneficial are Post-Bac programs?

[FutureDrB]

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Do you think it's more beneficial to attend an actual Post-Bac program vs. simply taking all of your prerequisites post-bac? You're basically taking the same classes either way.

What do you think the benefits/downfalls are of each route?

 

[Goro]

Given the choice of two applicants, one who simply repeated his/her bad courses, and one who took a post-bac [and did well], I'd pick the latter candidate.

These programs show us that someone really can or can't handle the difficult load of medical school.

Benefits of the former are they're faster to get through, and show that your poor performance was due to poor choices, bad luck, outside-life problems, and that the poor course performance were just a fluke.


Downside to post-bac: 1-2 more years of classwork; more $ than merely repeating courses. One of the harsher benefits is that they show you that you're not cut out for med school.

Do you think it's more beneficial to attend

an actual Post-Bac program vs. simply taking all of your prerequisites post-bac? You're basically taking the same classes either way.

What do you think the benefits/downfalls are of each route?

 

[tomba27]

Given the choice of two applicants, one who simply repeated his/her bad courses, and one who took a post-bac [and did well], I'd pick the latter candidate.

These programs show us that someone really can or can't handle the difficult load of medical school.

Benefits of the former are they're faster to get through, and show that your poor performance was due to poor choices, bad luck, outside-life problems, and that the poor course performance were just a fluke.


Downside to post-bac: 1-2 more years of classwork; more $ than merely repeating courses. One of the harsher benefits is that they show you that you're not cut out for med school.

I just finished up montana state's post bac program this may. I am very grateful I took this route for several reasons.

A. I had buddies that were not accepted to the post-bac program, but completed the same classes alongside of us. Nothing wrong with that, but I am thankful that I can say I earned the certificate, as it makes things a tad bit more "formal".
B. You will bust your butt in the program. However, I worked in the real world as a CPA for 2.5 years before returning to school. Once you have been out there and worked for a living, you will have a whole new perspective on the word "busy". Quite laughable sometimes actually.
C. The post-bac committee works very close with you ensuring you are taking all the necessary steps to give yourself the best chance for medical school. Not sure you will get this great of attention outside of a post-bac program.

Edit: meant for futuredrb

 

[chocchipcookie]

sorry for jumping in, but i really want to know as well.

is it really necessary to do a formal program? my mom foots the bill for everything i do in the education realm and i couldn't justify asking her to spend more money for a piece of paper that says that i took the same classes i was going to take anyway. my plan was to take classes (not basics, i mean upper-level bios and such to boost my bcpm) and TA, tutor, do research, and volunteer on the side.

 

[JJulius]

A post-bac program means doing all classes over again, right? I only had Orgo to finish when I graduated, and I just took them at a local CC. Would a post-bac have been feasible, if I had my other prerequisites done, and I didn't want to repeat?

 

[Postal]

I did an informal post back. I retook a class or two. And on top of that, I took new upper level sciences at a fraction of the price it would have cost me to do in an official program. I feel as though taking those classes(and doing well in them) really helped my application. If you have money to burn, go with a formal postbac program. Official programs have more built in support for you and will also provide a committee letter for you. If you are motivated and can do without the support, informal postbacs are not a bad way to go. You can save all that money for applications!