Info on American University's Post Bac?

[Snugstar]

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Hi All,
All of the information here is great - I've been reading quietly for a few days and the advice is very helpful.

I am applying to post bac programs for fall 2005. I'm thinking about Goucher, JHU, and American University. I have plenty of info on the first two, but have not found much about American. Their website and information packet seem kind of vague as to what they offer other than the oportunity to take the needed classes (and I need them all!).

Anyone have any of experience with American's program? What's it like? What did you get out of it? Was it worth it? etc.... I'd appreciate any information. Any thoughts on Goucher, JHU or others in the Baltimore/DC area would be very welcome as well!

Thanks!

 

[junebuguf]

If you're considering American then I would consider Georgetown also. American is just as expensive at G'Town, but G'Town has a much better undergrad reputation, and is in an infinitely cooler part of the DC area than American. Also, if you're interested in attending G'Town, you should consider doing your post-bacc there as well.

If you have good undergrad numbers (gpa > 3.4) I would probably go the JHU out of the three you mentioned because they have formal linkage agreement with some med schools. Dont know if goucher has linkage, if they do, you should place both jhu and goucher ahead of American.

 

[Snugstar]

I do have strong undergrad GPA - but I was an art history major!! and took minimal science and math. So I'm not sure how that will go over. American would definately be the third choice at this point, but I would love some oppinions, in case the third choice turns out to be the only choice.

Thanks for the heads up about Georgetown - I'll look into it, but isn't it only for people who've already done most of the sciences?

 

[VeganSoprano]

I'm starting at American in the fall (well, in 2 weeks!). I looked at Georgetown but American just made more sense to me.

The big reason is that at American, you get the full package of advising, workshops, and everything else the undergrad premeds get. At Georgetown, you pretty much just take classes and get a certificate from Georgetown.

American will take anyone who had over a 3.2 undergrad GPA. The certificate has specifically required upper-division classes but you start wherever you need to, depending on what classes you've already had. Most people take 2 years to complete the program.

To be sure, American doesn't have the reputation of Georgetown - but they have a great track record in terms of getting people in med school (85% of qualified applicants to med school have been accepted). And they're definitely a known school. For me, I needed the full program including advising, committee LORs, etc, far more than I needed to take classes at the more well-known school.

I'm very comfortable with my decision.

 

[Snugstar]

VeganSoprano - can I keep in touch to see how things are goinig once you start the program? I also want a program with the "full package," like you said. I think to do this totally new thing in a short amount of time support and resources would be really important to me.

 

[VeganSoprano]

Sure. Feel free to PM or IM me at any time.

 

[IRV]

I'm starting the postbac program at AU this fall, and I'm very excited about it. Dr. Carson who runs the program is very up-to-date in his knowledge of what specific medical schools in the United States and Canada require or like to see. Meryl Paskow in the College of Arts and Sciences registers postbacs for classes and assists with various administrative matters. The effect is that I don't at all feel "on my own." Class size is small, and I expect to continue to get personal attention from experienced advisors.

I think the earlier poster's comments on Georgetown reflect my experience also when I was considering that school. Although Georgetown has a good reputation, American has a lot more (and it seems higher quality) information for postbac premeds.

Please feel free to ask me again as I get into the program, too. Good luck.

 

[VeganSoprano]

IRV - how did you go about registering? I'm scrambling between leaving my job and trying to register for classes by Friday!

 

[IRV]

IRV - how did you go about registering? I'm scrambling between leaving my job and trying to register for classes by Friday!

After being admitted to the program (Frederick Carson has applications), he and I worked out a curriculum and Meryl Paskow in CAS registered me. I hope this information isn't too late; you can always start next semester. Follow the contact information for the Postbaccalaureate Program on the AU website. You can also take classes on a non-degree basis. Dr. Carson can help you determine which path best fits your circumstances.

 

[VeganSoprano]

I got it all together and I'm taking 12 credits this semester - orgo, calc, and physics. So far, I've been very impressed. What about you?

 

[IRV]

I got it all together and I'm taking 12 credits this semester - orgo, calc, and physics. So far, I've been very impressed. What about you?

Yeah, I'm very happy with it so far, and I'm glad you made it in time for this semester!