My situation... Any thoughts?

[deleted389100]

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Hello! This is my first post, and I've read and re-read all the nontraditional threads... I just wanted to put my situation out there. Any/all advice, comments, and suggestions are welcome!!

I graduated from undergrad with a B.A. (humanities). I took a few bio courses (no labs), and one year of general chemistry with labs during that time. After graduating, I took a few courses through extension. I remember hearing that community college courses taken after graduating from a 4 year university would not be considered competitive (esp. if the grades go from a B-/C+ average to an A). I took a year of physics with labs... although I don't know if they really count because I took them without the calculus prereq.

I'm currently working and also doing research.

Considering I have yet to complete all my science prereqs, I'm guessing I should apply for a formal post-bacc program? Maybe go in for a second bio or chem baccalaureate at my previous undergrad? Although, I'm afraid it will just take up MORE time than necessary...

I'm turning 27 this year. I feel so stressed and pressured because my friends around me are either graduating or have graduated from their respective professional/grad programs, and are well on their way. I feel like I'm in limbo...

I guess what I'm missing is guidance. My undergrad premed advisor brushed me off the moment I mentioned I was not a traditional bio/chem student.

Any thoughts?

 

[Quik]

While you don't need a formal post-bacc, one with a linkage program to ensure acceptance would be ideal for you. Second, don't worry about age. Look around the non-trad forum a bit, and you'll find people of all different ages, some in their 40's with a family, some just out of undergrad starting all over, and many of use are older than you. Yes, the journey does take a long time, and your friends are all settling down and starting lives for themselves, but as someone on here so eloquently put it; you're getting older no matter what, might as well be getting older pursuing something you'll love than getting older being miserable in an unfit career.

Your CC physics course should be fine btw.

Your expectations are good, not ruling out D.O. or Carib, though I would caution the Carib route. Landing a residency will prove tougher and tougher as hosting states (NY especially) crack down on int'l applicants.

Per the guidance, I would like to think there is as much collective wisdom here than you'll find in the average pre-med counselor, but some is opinionated and not well researched, so exercise caution and do some fact checking before you jump on any single recommendation. Your best resource will be the admission's officers of the schools you would like to attend.

 

[deleted389100]

@ Quik: I will definitely be contacting the admission offfices of the schools I want to go to... including the post-bacc programs to see my chances of acceptances there since they have limited spots. I also agree that there is a surplus of info here, so I guess I have to just keep reading! 🙂 Thanks for your comments! I appreciate it!

 

[JSGoldenbones]

A few quick comments/fyi's:

- just wanted to make it clear to you that a post-bacc with linkages does not guarantee entrance into the linkage school. You still have to do very well in your post-bacc, interview, and score on the MCAT whatever the school has set forth as their minimum for linkage candidates.

- most formal programs only accept students with no science work. It's unclear what you've taken and what you haven't. That year of physics might exclude you from certain formal programs or it might not. You should definitely call or email to find out before applying. (I know you said you plan on doing that... I look at replies to these threads as opportunities to make something clear to people who might be reading about this stuff for the first time, and so I wanted to explicitly mention/say this outright.)

- if you're in L.A. there are a number of post-bacc options you can look into. Off the top of my head: Formal: USC, Scripps, CSUF, CSULA. Informal: UCLA Extension (look into the Introductory Certificate in the Sciences option), community colleges, or taking classes one at time as a non-degree student at whatever 4-year you're inclined to (provided that you can get in).

This site is valuable source of info. I learned a ton from it lurking about during my own post-bacc hunt. Good luck!

 

[TriagePreMed]

Please calculate both your cGPA and sGPA before we can really help you out. The advice for a 2.8 is way different than that of a 3.2.

If you've taken the majority (or all) of your pre-reqs, I suggest finishing them (if applicable) and going for an SMP. You can try either an MD or DO SMP depending on your goal. Be warned that a low grade in these will mean you will never be a doctor.

 

[artsydoc]

A formal post-bacc isn't necessary, although the support of one would probably be nice. If you're still in CA and being a Dr. is your ultimate goal, MOVE. Your best bet will be your state school but even if you get nothing but A's in gen chem straight up through biochem or even physical chem it still might not make you competitive in the CA school system. Establish residency in a less competitive state and apply to their school in a couple years when you've finished your prereqs. Also, before any more time passes, contact a humanities prof. from undergrad that you had good rapport with and get a medical school rec from them that you can stash away in interfolio until you're ready to apply. The non-science req. is a non negotiable for most schools and it will be a big weight off your mind in the future to know there's one waiting for you. It might also be worthwhile to look in masters programs in things like public health to make you a more competitive candidate.