Nonmatriculated or matriculated student

[girlspowerss]

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I graduated from college with a BS in Bio but my science GPA is pretty low... it is about a 3.2/3.3
I want to go back to a state school for a semester and take some upper division bio courses in order to boost my science gpa
I have already taken Biochem, Microbio, Evolution, Anatomy, etc.
I guess I need to take genetics, cell bio, and something else
However, my real question is if I should attend this school as a matriculated student or non matriculated?
Should I apply to the school for a degree or just take classes?
I only intend on going to school there for a semester so I can take a few upper division bio classes.
Thanks

 

[Stratego]

If you can get into the needed classes as a non-degree seeking student, there's no downside. The classes will be included in your undergrad GPA calculation anyway. If you are accepted as a 2nd undergrad degree-seeking student, which often gives you preference in the class registration process, med schools will not expect you to complete the degree as they would for a grad student.

 

[girlspowerss]

so which one is better to do overall?
thanks
it doesnt make a difference to me... i just want to do what is better and will help me more in the long run
thanks

 

[futureboy]

so which one is better to do overall?
thanks
it doesnt make a difference to me... i just want to do what is better and will help me more in the long run
thanks

You may be eligible for financial aid if you are a degree seeking student.

 

[Stratego]

The options are equal if the above-mentioned advantages are not a concern.

 

[girlspowerss]

I was told that since I have already earned my Bachelors I will not be able to receive financial aid.
So aren't I better off applying to matriculate so I am better able to enroll in classes earlier?
But it won't be a problem for me in the future if I don't finish the degree that I apply for? I only intend on taking a few classes for one semester only.
I will apply as a Bio degree, but I will not finish it obviously.

 

[sassilysweet]

I had a BA and went back to complete a BS. You lose eligibility for almost everything except Stafford loans financial-aid wise.

If you are only taking one or two semesters worth of classes, you may have a much better time enrolling as a non-degree-seeking student. Many schools have course-load requirements, insurance forms, etc. if you are a matriculated student and to opt-out of everything is time-consuming and sometimes quite a headache.

I really doubt you would have a hard time enrolling in upper-level bio courses. This would really be the only advantage of becoming a degree-seeker, but you could check on a school's registration system and see how many classes are filled.

 

[girlspowerss]

I had a BA and went back to complete a BS. You lose eligibility for almost everything except Stafford loans financial-aid wise.

If you are only taking one or two semesters worth of classes, you may have a much better time enrolling as a non-degree-seeking student. Many schools have course-load requirements, insurance forms, etc. if you are a matriculated student and to opt-out of everything is time-consuming and sometimes quite a headache.

I really doubt you would have a hard time enrolling in upper-level bio courses. This would really be the only advantage of becoming a degree-seeker, but you could check on a school's registration system and see how many classes are filled.

So based on your overall experience its better to apply nonmatriculated?
How can I find out the school's registration ssytem and see how many clsses are filled?... I don't see anything for that
Thanks

 

[kami333]

Many schools have course-load requirements, insurance forms, etc. if you are a matriculated student and to opt-out of everything is time-consuming and sometimes quite a headache.

My gf (who enrolled as non-matriculated, I was matriculated) had to fill out all the exact same forms I had to and do everything I was supposed to (or not do since neither of us went to orientation or saw an advisor as we were apparently supposed to). The only differences in our applications was a check box for non-matriculated. Funny thing is that you only need a 2.3 GPA to be a 2nd bachelors student, but a 2.7 GPA to be a non-matriculated student.😕

I had super senior status so I could register for classes 2months before she could, there were a couple where she had to get on the waiting list or check multiple times a day for an opening. Plus she had to reapply if she didn't take classes every semester.

I would call your school and ask what the differences are in the application process.

 

[sassilysweet]

I agree, call to see what the real differences are. If the school has a College of Continuing Education (or something similar) give them a call. They will be able to explain your options better.

I am at the U of MN, so on the website there is something called "OneStop" and they have online registration. You can usually do a search without being logged in. I don't know if every school does this, though. At my school they also reserve seats for non-degree seekers. Not all classes and not that many spots, though.

 

[girlspowerss]

The differences are pretty much what you explained.
Matriculated students choose classes sooner.
But I will be taking upper division bio classes... i dont think those will get filled
this isnt a huge premed school
so i dont know..

 

[txprodigal]

also if you have loans especially private, you can only defer them if you're in a degree seeking program (matriculated student). you'll have to start paying them off after you lose your grace period as a non matriculated student

 

[girlspowerss]

also if you have loans especially private, you can only defer them if you're in a degree seeking program (matriculated student). you'll have to start paying them off after you lose your grace period as a non matriculated student

i dont understand this
please elaborate
also, if i am a matriculated student, i will not be finishing the degree that i matriculate with... i am attending school for one semester only, which is not enough time to finish a degree