Non-traditional Pre-Med Advice Needed

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mj4566

mj4566

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Hi, so I recently graduated with my BA in Psychology. In Decemeber, I will start my full-time job as a patient sitter in a local hospital. Now, to fulfill the pre-reqs needed for med school I was contemplating whether to go for the post-bacc program in William Paterson or in Rutgers-Newark. I was offered a spot specifically to William Paterson's Pre-Health program to start in January. Rutgers does not offer their program until the fall. I was accepted into Rutgers as a non-matriculated student but still need to submit supplemental material to be considered for the pre-health program. I am contemplating this decision to such a high regard because of Rutgers linkage program (the chance to receive an interview to their 2 affiliated medical schools)

Should I wait till fall for the Rutger's program and build up experience. There is another hospital (affiliated with Rutgers) offering a per diem PCT position that I can do in addition to the patient sitter. (I can't do the PCT over the patient sitter because I need patient experience to be considered for the job).

OR

Complete the post-bacc in Willy P balancing school and work (perhaps will show my ability to juggle huge loads at the same time). I've heard linkage programs should not be a make or break decision maker. Also, I was thinking of applying to the PCT position over the summer so I would still be getting that experience.
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What is the cost of these programs?
 
Ask at each school, what proportion of students who enroll in the program complete the program (some are easy to get into but tough to complete) and ask what proportion of students who complete the program go on to medical school within 24 months of completion. Those are both very important numbers.... it is all well and good to throw you the bone of an interview but if they are only going to admit 10% of the students in that program, it is quite likely you'll be looking elsewhere for a med school offer.

Consider the cost. Consider the commute or the cost of living nearby one or the other (I'm not familiar with the location of either one. ) Consider the class size and whether you'll be able to easily access office hours and meet with a study group to quiz one another and go over the material.
 
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What’s your current GPA and how many pre med pre requisites do you need (can estimate by looking at a few schools you’re interested in?) You might be better off financially “taking your chances” and doing a do it yourself post bac if you’re already a decently strong student.

Also FYI there’s a non trad specific board where you might be able to connect with people with more similar backgrounds. I’m also a non trad btw. Entered medical school at age 28. Mainly spent my extra years working to pay for undergrad.
 
LizzyM said:
Ask at each school, what proportion of students who enroll in the program complete the program (some are easy to get into but tough to complete) and ask what proportion of students who complete the program go on to medical school within 24 months of completion. Those are both very important numbers.... it is all well and good to throw you the bone of an interview but if they are only going to admit 10% of the students in that program, it is quite likely you'll be looking elsewhere for a med school offer.

Consider the cost. Consider the commute or the cost of living nearby one or the other (I'm not familiar with the location of either one. ) Consider the class size and whether you'll be able to easily access office hours and meet with a study group to quiz one another and go over the material.
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Thank you for your response. I have sent emails asking the questions you’ve stated!
 
LizzyM said:
Ask at each school, what proportion of students who enroll in the program complete the program (some are easy to get into but tough to complete) and ask what proportion of students who complete the program go on to medical school within 24 months of completion. Those are both very important numbers.... it is all well and good to throw you the bone of an interview but if they are only going to admit 10% of the students in that program, it is quite likely you'll be looking elsewhere for a med school offer.

Consider the cost. Consider the commute or the cost of living nearby one or the other (I'm not familiar with the location of either one. ) Consider the class size and whether you'll be able to easily access office hours and meet with a study group to quiz one another and go over the material.
Click to expand...
Yes Rutgers has 10% acceptance rate into Medical school
 
mj4566 said:
Hi, so I recently graduated with my BA in Psychology. In Decemeber, I will start my full-time job as a patient sitter in a local hospital. Now, to fulfill the pre-reqs needed for med school I was contemplating whether to go for the post-bacc program in William Paterson or in Rutgers-Newark. I was offered a spot specifically to William Paterson's Pre-Health program to start in January. Rutgers does not offer their program until the fall. I was accepted into Rutgers as a non-matriculated student but still need to submit supplemental material to be considered for the pre-health program. I am contemplating this decision to such a high regard because of Rutgers linkage program (the chance to receive an interview to their 2 affiliated medical schools)

Should I wait till fall for the Rutger's program and build up experience. There is another hospital (affiliated with Rutgers) offering a per diem PCT position that I can do in addition to the patient sitter. (I can't do the PCT over the patient sitter because I need patient experience to be considered for the job).

OR

Complete the post-bacc in Willy P balancing school and work (perhaps will show my ability to juggle huge loads at the same time). I've heard linkage programs should not be a make or break decision maker. Also, I was thinking of applying to the PCT position over the summer so I would still be getting that experience.
Click to expand...
Did you get any reply? I also have asked certain questions. And this is my first choice as for now. What are your thoughts or comments u received.
 
mj4566 said:
Hi, so I recently graduated with my BA in Psychology. In Decemeber, I will start my full-time job as a patient sitter in a local hospital. Now, to fulfill the pre-reqs needed for med school I was contemplating whether to go for the post-bacc program in William Paterson or in Rutgers-Newark. I was offered a spot specifically to William Paterson's Pre-Health program to start in January. Rutgers does not offer their program until the fall. I was accepted into Rutgers as a non-matriculated student but still need to submit supplemental material to be considered for the pre-health program. I am contemplating this decision to such a high regard because of Rutgers linkage program (the chance to receive an interview to their 2 affiliated medical schools)

Should I wait till fall for the Rutger's program and build up experience. There is another hospital (affiliated with Rutgers) offering a per diem PCT position that I can do in addition to the patient sitter. (I can't do the PCT over the patient sitter because I need patient experience to be considered for the job).

OR

Complete the post-bacc in Willy P balancing school and work (perhaps will show my ability to juggle huge loads at the same time). I've heard linkage programs should not be a make or break decision maker. Also, I was thinking of applying to the PCT position over the summer so I would still be getting that experience.
Click to expand...
Lizzy M gave excellent advice, but I would also like to know what kind of experience you have to date in terms of clinical exposure, community service, etc.
 
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