Hey,
I used to live in the DC area and took about 20 credits through SIE. Initially, I was taking classes at GWU and Georgetown before discovering the UMD SIE and it was a financial lifesaver. It is more expensive than community college but the quality is much better. If you aren't a Maryland resident, you still get instate tuition for the SIE classes!! If you are a resident, then you can take any class for in state tuition.
There is a large variety in students taking the class but it seems like most are wanting to attend medical or vet school, predominantly med school. By large variety I mean age and prior careers, with some recent grads and some phd/lawyers wanting a career change. The classes are not community level, and do have some rigor. I would not expect to just role in and get a 4.0, but I would say that with hard work >3.6-3.7 should be guaranteed. I had lab partners with PhDs from Vandy, Cornell, and Princeton. There are some very intelligent people in the program but also some students that are pursuing medicine and not capable of keeping up at times.
*The program does specify that it is not recommended to work full-time and take 2 classes. I did this and it was an absolute grind- 5am-11pm most days cause I took the metro back into the city. Classes will usually run 6-9 or 9:30. Labs can be 10ish though by the time you get out. I am now taking classes at a "more prestigious" west coast undergrad but actually have a higher gpa because I am not working as much as I was in DC. Make sure to find your balance and at the end of the day adcoms want to see a high gpa more than a school name.
Usually, the SIE sections perform better than the undergrad sections so less of a curve in SIE. So if you are a Maryland resident it can be advantageous to take day class with students.
Only class that was horrible was organic chemistry 2- the SIE professor was the worst professor I have ever had and about 1/3 of the class just dropped the class to avoid getting below a b-. Every other class was solid.
After a certain # of credits (24?), double check that number, you are allowed to get a Committee Letter. I left for a new job and did not do the committee letter but it seems like you go in and interview so they can write a better letter for you.
I stuck to myself mostly but some people definitely created study groups/friends and worked together, so there is camaraderie if you seek it out.
I am applying to med schools this cycle but success rates in the program is very dependent on how well you do, obviously. UMD is a respected school and your transcripts basically shows you as a post-bacc UMD student., so >3.7 looks great. I keep saying 3.7 but I actually had >3.5. Just think you should try your best to beat me haha and get above the 3.7 mark. The application process is holistic but UMD SIE can provide you with a good education. Just make sure to know the other students well enough to avoid the few professors that are super tough cause 2 Bs instead of As can drop the post bacc gpa. Biochem female professor and Orgo Chem II professor come to mind for avoiding.
Best of luck ,
Bojack Doctorman
