Loyola University Post Bac Pre-Health Program

[SEK1208]

Hi All,

I was accepted into Chicago's Loyola University's Post Bac Pre-Health program last year, but deferred til lst summer, and emergency surgery prevented me from beginning. I reapplied recently and was accepted again and will be starting this summer.

I am wondering if anyone else is currently in this program, completed this program, or will soon be starting? Any advice or feedback?

Not sure of the success rate of med school acceptance from this program, or if you are looked upon favorably by Loyola Med School in terms of acceptance?

Thanks in advance!

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[jslo85]

I just took a look at their web page and some additional information.

http://www.luc.edu/prehealth/postbachelors.shtml

It seems like a formal post bacc in providing an organized program for you to complete pre-reqs for medical school primarily but it offers some medical school level courses as electives should you choose to take advantage of them.

This is a thread from the past about Loyola's program with a few people posting who were in the program.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=327911

OVerall, I would say if you haven't completed pre-reqs, then this should be a strong consideration, if you already have completed most if not all the pre-reqs, then maybe look at the SMP that is offered at Loyola? Apparently someone says they have a 75% acceptance rating.

 

[jslo85]

oh damn, i just realized you were the last poster of that thread from a while ago haha.

my bad.

The 75% acceptance rate came from I think an advisor? X_X

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=378876

try this thread, I think 2 ppl posted about the program, but it's not the one you're applying for but the SMP apparently

 

[SEK1208]

LOL, I have been surprised more people haven't posted about this program, and really hoping to gain some insight from those that have "been there, done that." I completed a BA in psychology and minor in business back in 2002, and as a result, have virtually non of the med school pre-reqs in terms of the sciences. I like the structure that this program will offer in terms of the pre health committee, rather than going the informal route on my own which I did seriously consider.

I believe Midwestern - Downers Grove has an SMP that looks like does not require any science courses, but maybe I am mistaken. That is very close to where I live and work, which would be nice, but I am not too sure of the differences in terms of the two programs and how they relate to the end goal of med school.

Just hoping someone out there has been in my position with the same schools and choice of programs.

oh damn, i just realized you were the last poster of that thread from a while ago haha.

my bad.

The 75% acceptance rate came from I think an advisor? X_X

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=378876

try this thread, I think 2 ppl posted about the program, but it's not the one you're applying for but the SMP apparently

 

[jslo85]

Nah CCOM doesn't have an SMP like that. It does have a MBS SMP that is very comparable to all the otehr MBS programs that are offered and has been touted quite highly in these forums but to even consider acceptance into that would require you to have a complete medical school application as in completed pre-reqs, LOR, an extensive CV, MCAT scores, etc.

I think in your scenario, there are a lot of schools offering formal programs to complete pre-reqs with an option to take "higher level" classes. Columbia would be one that comes to mind in their nutrition program and another would be Drexel (not the IMS).

An SMP is often mistakenly used on these forums imo, it's a special masters program that is only special in that it's only real purpose is to get people into medical/dental school by allowing students to take medical school classes with medical students. Maybe what you are thinking of as a traditional masters program? X_X Not really sure if MWU offers one of those but that'd be great I would think in your case if they did.

 

[Natasha1989]

I'm applying to Loyola's MAMS program. SEK, do you mind asking what your stats were when you applied?

Thanks!

 

[SEK1208]

Hi Natasha, I am actually doing Loyola's Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program http://www.luc.edu/prehealth/postbachelors.shtml

Since I do not have any science courses from my college years (other than meteorology, ha!!), I am doing this formal program beginning in the summer in which I only take the necessary courser required for Med School.

I believe the MAMS program, in contrast, is a Master's Program in which science courses and MCAT scores are required to gain acceptance.

Looks like I am the only one attending the post bacc program, LOL!

 

[liyaz]

hey SEK1208 - i actually was just accepted into Loyola's post bac pre health program as well! i'm pretty surprised at how silent these forums are on this particular program... but i was told by Pam Deters that their med school matriculation rate is about 75%. also, i have heard that if you maintain a certain gpa, they will automatically offer you an interview at Stritch. but i have no idea where i read that or if its true.

anyways, see you in the fall! 🙂

 

[SEK1208]

Hi Liyaz! Congrats!! So, sounds like you are starting in the fall, correct? I was planning on starting in the summer. I am trying to decide between Loyola and Northwestern...there are pros and cons to both but either will be terrific I believe. My advisor at Loyola didn't tell me an exact matriculation rate, but told me it was higher than the overall average. 75% is pretty great. I wonder if that is true regarding the interview at Stritch. I have never heard that before.

So, are you local or transplating to Chicago?

I have had trouble finding any info on this program, so it is great to hear from someone!

hey SEK1208 - i actually was just accepted into Loyola's post bac pre health program as well! i'm pretty surprised at how silent these forums are on this particular program... but i was told by Pam Deters that their med school matriculation rate is about 75%. also, i have heard that if you maintain a certain gpa, they will automatically offer you an interview at Stritch. but i have no idea where i read that or if its true.

anyways, see you in the fall! 🙂

 

[vicx11]

ohh, so this is where everyone is gathering for the loyola discussions. i must've overlooked this thread! 🙂

SEK, and to the rest of those planning to head to this school, are you from illinois? i haven't heard the best things regarding chicago, especially the area around university of chicago (don't know how far loyola is from this school). also, how long did it take for you guys to hear back regarding your acceptance status? because i'm gonna work on my app this weekend. do you think i'd get in at this point? it's a bit late...

do you guys know if loyola offers on-campus housing for postbacc students? i won't have a car, so it's gonna be sorta tough for me. :-/

how many students have actually had successful acceptances into med schools after completing the pre-health postbacc here? are there stats listed somewhere?

ahh, dilemmas! i just don't know if it's worth going all the way into the midwest and shelling out so much for a postbacc program. i'm from ny, so i was planning to stay nearby for postbaccs and go all out for med schools (if i get in, heh).

i don't think i will be considering northwestern, because i'm sure it's a lot more competitive, so just to stay safe, i would prefer loyola. also, i'm not too fond of night classes (which i think is what northwestern's PB has). i love early classes, unlike the general student population, haha.

 

[liyaz]

hey vicx11! im a chicago native so ill fill you in on some of the deetz...

the area around hyde park can be shady if you go off of U of C's campus... thankfully loyola is WAY north of there - itd take you over 30 mins of driving to get from loyola to hyde park! so you'll be nowhere near the shady bits. chicago itself is alright, plus loyola's campus is a bit north of downtown chicago so its got a nice campus-y feel. im pretty sure that loyola does offer on campus housing for all students, including the part time post bacs but you should call to check. as for the application, i submitted mine Feb 17th and was accepted March 3rd... so not too long! and, as i mentioned, one of the advisors said that 75% of their post bac students get into medical school, but im not sure if that includes like dental school, etc etc.

SEK1208 - yea, i was definitely considering NU's program too! its got GREAT reviews... the only thing i was scared of was their notorious grade deflation! my gpa is not too hot, so i cant take any chances!!! as you can prob tell, i am a local - what about you?

 

[SEK1208]

Liyaz, yep I am a local, too. Out in the burbs, though (Naperville). Are you in the city?

I hear you about Northwestern, and I am clearly on the fence about which program to do. Northwestern was most appealing due to night classes. I (like vicx11) prefer early classes, too, but being a non-trad and one who works full-time (standard 9-5 with ability to work from home few days a week), evening classes are preferable.

Liyaz, can you explain anything more you know about Northwestern and the grade deflation?! Is it just going to be that much more difficult than Loyola you think? I am right at 3.52 undergad GPA, so I need to go only up from here!

Glad to finally be able to chat with some others in my position!!

 

[liyaz]

well my dad teaches/works at NU and my sister attends the school as an undergrad and both of them advised me that if i was looking to improve my GPA, northwestern wouldn't be the place for that. the teachers that they have for their post bac evening courses are the same ones for the day classes, and theyre known to grade harshly. ive also heard that the students are pretty competitive. however, they do teach the material really well and its great preparation for the MCATS. its just that for my situation, gpa improvement is a priority, so loyola it is...

 

[SEK1208]

Sounds like you definitely have insight into NU then for sure! Go figure that the evening program that is preferred, is going to be the more difficult program, LOL! Can't anything just fall into place!

Would you mind me asking your stats? With my GPA, though not bad it isn't great and could be much better, so if I am not able to get great grads through this post bacc...well then it is a lot of money for nothing!

Not sure where your undergrad is from, but have you given thought to going the informal post bacc route?

That is something I also mull over in my head...

 

[vicx11]

hey vicx11! im a chicago native so ill fill you in on some of the deetz...

the area around hyde park can be shady if you go off of U of C's campus... thankfully loyola is WAY north of there - itd take you over 30 mins of driving to get from loyola to hyde park! so you'll be nowhere near the shady bits. chicago itself is alright, plus loyola's campus is a bit north of downtown chicago so its got a nice campus-y feel. im pretty sure that loyola does offer on campus housing for all students, including the part time post bacs but you should call to check. as for the application, i submitted mine Feb 17th and was accepted March 3rd... so not too long! and, as i mentioned, one of the advisors said that 75% of their post bac students get into medical school, but im not sure if that includes like dental school, etc etc.

thanks for the info, liyaz! apparently, i can only get an apt at the water tower campus (wherever that really is, haha) since they have 2 campuses. seems like both you and SEK are from chicago...i feel kinda ridiculous heading all the way to the midwest for just a postbacc. generally, people seem to attend schools within their vicinity to do it cheap, and i might spend a fortune. however, i've done a thorough search on the sdn forum, and from what i've read around (though it's not much), this program seems promising and not too competitive in terms of getting good grades. i've read about NU, and it seems so rough -- scares me pretty bad! lol.

are you guys starting in the fall? i called loyola yesterday, and the lady told me that i won't hear back regarding my app status (which i'm planning to submit within this week) till july, because they wanna wait till i actually graduate college in may and make sure that my transcript actually indicates that i've received a degree (strange 😕). i wish they wouldn't do this because i need to know asap so i can make living arrangements, decide on other schools if this one doesn't work out, etc. ugh.

i'm surprised there aren't more people posting in this thread. surely we can't be the only ones considering this program, haha.

 

[SEK1208]

Do you have any formal post bacc programs in your area? I am sure you have already checked into this, but just wondering.

I was starting in ths summer. I, too, am wondering where all the other Loyola post baccers are...wondering where even just the chicago area ones are?! I think a lot of people do Rosalind Franklin since I see a long thread on that one!

 

[vicx11]

hmm. i also figured loyola's MAMS program is popular, too, even though i see no threads on it...
how many students actually enroll in loyola's postbacc program anyway? is it a small group? since you take classes with undergrads, how are you supposed to meet your postbacc classmates? :/

there are formal programs in my area, such as columbia and nyu. i've heard the worst things about nyu. i don't hear the greatest things about columbia, either, but it's a bit better. i haven't calculated the costs yet, but i feel as though with housing + travel + tuition at loyola, it might be equal (or cheaper?!) than both those schools. i believe for columbia, per credit is $1270. it's probably similar for nyu.

plus, i hear being an in-state resident at all (or majority?) states (except ny) is beneficial since med schools prefer students from the same state. ny med schools prefer out of state residents. so hopefully, by going to loyola (i'm even considering texas), it'll work out for me 🙂

i've heard some good stuff about chicago from friends. hope it's great as they say. i want a scenery change, as well!

 

[ChiMed2010]

I am currently finishing Loyola's postbac program and maybe I can answer a few questions. For starters, the postbac program is for those with little to no science background whereas MAMS is for those who have taken most of the science prereqs and may need to improve their academic profile for med schools. Only MAMS has a formal relationshiop with the Loyola med school in terms of gaining interviews.

Also, the postbac program classes are the same classes as undergraduates. As for meeting your other classmates, there's an orientation before the fall semester and you can usually figure out who else in not an undergraduate during the classes. With Illinois residency, U of I requires that you live and work in the state for one year prior to beginning med school, however this does not count if you are a full time student. Rush also selects for IL residents, but there is no tuition difference.

 

[liyaz]

hey chimed2010! wow, finally someone who has actually done this program at loyola! let the brainpicking commence... so, what were your overall impressions of the program? any teachers to be wary of? how was the advising? and what are your plans now that you're finishing?

ah, sorry to bombard! just excited 🙂

 

[liyaz]

Sounds like you definitely have insight into NU then for sure! Go figure that the evening program that is preferred, is going to be the more difficult program, LOL! Can't anything just fall into place!

Would you mind me asking your stats? With my GPA, though not bad it isn't great and could be much better, so if I am not able to get great grads through this post bacc...well then it is a lot of money for nothing!

Not sure where your undergrad is from, but have you given thought to going the informal post bacc route?

That is something I also mull over in my head...

hey, well my stats are definitely on the low side... i got my undergrad at McGill University, which can be tough on the grading (or so i tell myself) and my cumulative gpa is 3.3. absolutely no science classes, so no BCPM gpa yet. im really hoping i can bump my overall to a 3.5ish, which is average for DO schools. its gonna be tough though, since im planning on working AND volunteering while taking these post bac classes! which leads me to... one of the reasons why i chose loyola rather than an informal post bac: the pre med advisory committee will help me out with recommendation letters etc since i may not get the chance to cozy up with my professors.

also, there really arent too many options i know of in chicago for informal post bacs. uic stopped offering second bachelors degrees, so registering for classes as a nondegree seeking student would be... more hassle than its worth, i think. other than that, theres depaul and roosevelt... both of which are viable, but i think loyola offers better quality science classes. i dont know of any others, so let me know if there are any other options out there!

i totally feel you about wanting things to fall into place, i was such a frazzled mess before getting into loyola. ill probably continue to be one for the next 2 years...

 

[ChiMed2010]

hey chimed2010! wow, finally someone who has actually done this program at loyola! let the brainpicking commence... so, what were your overall impressions of the program? any teachers to be wary of? how was the advising? and what are your plans now that you're finishing?

ah, sorry to bombard! just excited 🙂

No worries, I'm definitely happy to share my thoughts about Loyola. I can remember having a ton of questions going into it. Here's a breakdown:

Positives

• Good teachers. Most of your classes will have teaching-professors who have a lot of experience with these classes. With one exception (see below), you will cover all the material that you could see on the MCAT.
• Pre-health office. They will guide you through everything you need to know to apply to med school. They organize the "Committee Process" to write your overall recommendation letter and they hold a bunch of workshops to orient you throughout the whole process. Get to know them early and often.

Downsides

• Biology. The regular biology prereq class spends a good part of first semester on plants which is information that does not really show up on the MCAT. However, general biochem and cell biology topics are on the MCAT and I found myself having to do some extra studying in these subjects. If you have the time, it'd be a good idea to take an extra biochem or cell bio class.
• Undergrads. Having been out of school for a few years, it did feel a little strange at first to be back in an undergraduate environment. Your post bac are the same classes undergrads take, so even though it's a "post bac program,", you are back in the same classes as all the other Loyola students. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is certainly not an exculsive program for postbac students.

Overall I had a good experience at Loyola. I crammed most of my classes into one year starting in fall 2008 and took the MCAT last August to apply for this year. This left me getting my apps in a little later than most people since I needed extra time to study for the MCAT, but I still ended up with a handful of acceptances to MD schools, so I am definitely happy with how it all turned out.

I had to take 12 credits during the fall semester to get all the classes I needed which meant I had to pay full tuition. If you're taking part time classes, this shouldn't be a problem. Also, the Loyola classes are catered to undergrads, so there is usually only one night section of each prereq class.

Anyway, hope this helps. Definitely let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[likeyou]

hey, im pretty happy to see people like you who have gone through the loyola post-bacc, i'll be starting this fall, (fall '10), im a little nervous, been out of school for about 2.5 years, did my undergrad in psyc with a minor in phil, currently im in the process of making my living arragements near the university, IM just happy to see people like me 🙂)))))

 

[brdmadgrl82]

Hi there. I am currently attending the Loyola University Post-Bac Pre-Health/Med program. I started my classes last Spring semester, and I dropped one of my summer science classes because it was a little intense for me. I would not recommend the summer sciences to majority of post-bacs unless you have a good background from high school (e.g. I never took chem in hs and I was struggling in a 6 week class). I will be taking physics this fall and attempt chem again in the spring.

My experience so far: I like the campus, I like how helpful and wonderful the pre-health office is. I also was informed that the stats if you get high scores around 3.6 and good mcat are high for loyolas med school 70%+

What I don't like: some of the professors I had were not very approachable, some don't know how to teach (e.g. the material you study in class wasnt even on the exams and exams were hard and worth alot of points). Maybe I just had bad luck, or maybe I am still trying to figure out how to best study for the sciences.

I also felt a little strange being surrounded by undergrads who ask me about being married, why med school now, and other questions I find myself repeating in every class I take, LOL...I wish there were more post-bacs in my classes!!!! I wish they would make it so we can go together as a group...or at least make it easier to connect with others in very large science classes. Hope to meet some of you at Loyola 🙂 good luck to everyone!

 

[liyaz]

What I don't like: some of the professors I had were not very approachable, some don't know how to teach (e.g. the material you study in class wasnt even on the exams and exams were hard and worth alot of points). Maybe I just had bad luck, or maybe I am still trying to figure out how to best study for the sciences.

Which professors were they? No worries if you don't feel like naming them on the netz... curiosity is getting the better of me. What I find really helpful is looking up prospective professors on ratemyprofessors.com - its a nifty little tool that makes me feel a bit better about choosing sections...

I was also thinking about summer classes, but you've scared me off! Plus I just don't see how you can stuff an entire years worth of info into 6 weeks.

Also, theres a post-bac orientation/meeting coming up this weds at Dumbach Hall. You should come - its a great way to meet up with all of us non-trads!

 

[brdmadgrl82]

Which professors were they? No worries if you don't feel like naming them on the netz... curiosity is getting the better of me. What I find really helpful is looking up prospective professors on ratemyprofessors.com - its a nifty little tool that makes me feel a bit better about choosing sections...

I was also thinking about summer classes, but you've scared me off! Plus I just don't see how you can stuff an entire years worth of info into 6 weeks.

Also, theres a post-bac orientation/meeting coming up this weds at Dumbach Hall. You should come - its a great way to meet up with all of us non-trads!

Hi there, I missed the meeting. What classes are you in this fall? I'm doing the physics and waiting to take chem next year or spring depending on my work schedule.

I will pay closer attention to ratemyprofessor reviews, thanks for the tip. 🙂

 

[peremt]

Hi all,

Ill be starting the Loyola Postbac Prehealth program this spring and just wanted to introduce myself to current/future students. Im living in Salt Lake City right now and will be moving just before school starts and then I need to find a place to live! Any advice? Or anyone looking for a roommate? Itd be nice to live with someone in the same boat I am.

 

[charmingsun]

Hi all,

Ill be starting the Loyola Postbac Prehealth program this spring and just wanted to introduce myself to current/future students. Im living in Salt Lake City right now and will be moving just before school starts and then I need to find a place to live! Any advice? Or anyone looking for a roommate? Itd be nice to live with someone in the same boat I am.

I attended Loyola University Chicago for undergrad. I was a comm major. You can call the school for listings to see if any students made any postings in the Student Union Center.

Also, check craigslist for the Rogers Park area. You'll probably find tons of students looking to share rooms due to last minute changes or their one roomie leaving to go study at the Rome or Beijing campus.

Rogers Park has a lot of lush condos and studios. I'd recommend looking at craigslist. Don't go to far off from campus - stay within a 6 block radius of the campus. You'll be able to take A-Ride or 8-Ride. Which is a shuttle service that picks up students at night and drop them off anywhere on campus.

studio - http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/apa/2082879897.html

 

[mmdp]

I'm glad I found this thread and wanted to post since I will be taking Physics I and Chem I this August. Is there anyone who is currently a student in the Post-Bac Pre-Health program? Any tips/advice? I'm nervous about starting this fall especially because I also read "rate my professor" and it said "save your gpa- avoid" about the teacher! To those who finished the program:

1) what were your stats?
2) did you apply md/do?
3) did anyone apply for combined phd?
4) overall experience/rate the program and teachers?

Thanks!!!!

 

[moralesmary157]

Hello, could you please which courses you took and the versions. I know that they have
Applied Calc and Calc one, which did you take? Did you decided to take Physics for majors or College Physics, I just wish to know how much medical schools distinguished between the two, since I am still deciding which to take.

Thanks

 

[atorres]

What were the stats of people accepted into the Pre Health program?

 

[NontradFinance]

I was accepted to Loyola's post bacc spring 14. I work in healthcare and had to defer to the fall. I'd be happy to connect with anyone else in the program or thinking of joining the program.

 

[atorres]

@NontradFinance. What were your stats?

 

[NontradFinance]

@NontradFinance. What were your stats?

Hey sorry for the late reply. I was a finance major with a 3.2 gpa. I've been working in healthcare consulting for the last 2 years and have visited dozens of hospitals all over the country working with hundreds of doctors and nurses. I made sure to highlight my passion for joining the clinical realm and it was pretty straightforward from there.

More recently, my gf moved to New York, so I may be looking to columbia or nyu both for geographical location as well as their linkage programs that Loyola does not have.

Thanks