I am strongly considering applying to a post-bach program to enter next fall, and I would like to ask you all if you could help me out. First off, I was wondering, besides Columbias program, what are some other good programs out there in the NYC or Long Island area. I already have about $40k in student loans, so if I could find a program that isnt going to set me back another $50K, I would really enjoy that. I work full time, and I would be attending the program part time. (I work nights, so day classes wouldnt necessarily be a problem). I have read the other posts about Hunters program, but I dont know anyone who has done it, and I dont know how medical schools view it. I looked briefly on thier website to get an idea of the program, but I couldnt find it. Just to give you a background on myself, I have a bachelors of science in nursing, graduated summa cum laude with a 3.9 GPA. Thanks in advance for your help.
NYC or LI postbach programs
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SUNY Stony Brook has a program out on Long Island that seems less structured and more geared for someone who has completed some but not all his or her reqs (what I assume your situation to be with a BS in nursing??). Of course there are a number of other programs around the general area -- UConn is a great one if you're from New England. Then there's Jersey, Philly, etc. Goucher is supposed to be a well-known program as well down in Baltimore.
Try this http://services.aamc.org/postbac/
or this http://hpap.syr.edu/LISTPB.HTM
Try this http://services.aamc.org/postbac/
or this http://hpap.syr.edu/LISTPB.HTM
hey y'all
i am going through the same choice
i got into columbia premed postbacc (lots of structure) and
admitted to suny stony brook as a 2nd degree ugrad (bio) where i can go under premed advisement (less structure)
columbia is 30k and suny sb is 5k a year in tuition - i think housing is comparable.
Boy, what a choice! They are both good schools. I think columbia is more rigorous (50% attrition?)
my stats
ugrad state school 3.45 accounting
Masters state school 3.85 environmental science
nys teachers license - 4 years experience
33 yo male
comments?...
i am going through the same choice
i got into columbia premed postbacc (lots of structure) and
admitted to suny stony brook as a 2nd degree ugrad (bio) where i can go under premed advisement (less structure)
columbia is 30k and suny sb is 5k a year in tuition - i think housing is comparable.
Boy, what a choice! They are both good schools. I think columbia is more rigorous (50% attrition?)
my stats
ugrad state school 3.45 accounting
Masters state school 3.85 environmental science
nys teachers license - 4 years experience
33 yo male
comments?...
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I live on Long Island and was also searching for some post bacc programs. I am attending Hofsta's Post Bacc program. It is a relatively new program and it is not found under the aams listing, but if you are looking for something close to home and you live on Long Island, then you should look into it. It's more money than Stonybrook, but Stonybrook does not have a formal post bacc program and you need to watch out for that because if you are going to be applying for financial aid, such as FAFSA, then they will not assist you if it is not an accredited post bacc program, which hofstra is. While Stonybrook is probably more inclined towards sciences, their lecture classes are huge and you may get lost in the shuffle, Hofstra has smaller classes and you also get a pre-med advisor which you will need later on for letter of recommendations and such. This a big one, it's important and not a lot of us think about this when we look for schools with informal post bacc programs.
Some things to keep in mind:
1- If you need financial aid assistance, make sure you find an accredited post bacc program which will give you a certificate when you finish.
2- Look into getting a second a degree, i.e. nursing, biology, etc.
3- If you learn better in a small class setting, check out the school, go there and make sure their lecture classes are not huge.
4- This is important ***Be aware that in the end of your course work, you will need LOR's (letters of recommendation). All medical schools and osteopathic schools require 3 or 4 letters of recommendations from professors as well as one from a pre-medical advisor and/or committee. Make sure you will be able to find this when you are looking for programs.
5- Cost! In the end, while I know you are worried about $ you are going to be in debt regardless, so strive to go somewhere that is convenient for you and somewhere you will be feel comfortable.
If you are an extremely competitive person, then you should go to places like Columbia in NY, or Bryn Mawr in PA.
6- Something else to take into consideration, talk to people who have already gone through these post bacc programs and see what they say, dont just take our word for it, besides, we are all in the same vote you are in. So experience counts the most. Take our advice with a grain of pre-med salt.
Good Luck!
Some things to keep in mind:
1- If you need financial aid assistance, make sure you find an accredited post bacc program which will give you a certificate when you finish.
2- Look into getting a second a degree, i.e. nursing, biology, etc.
3- If you learn better in a small class setting, check out the school, go there and make sure their lecture classes are not huge.
4- This is important ***Be aware that in the end of your course work, you will need LOR's (letters of recommendation). All medical schools and osteopathic schools require 3 or 4 letters of recommendations from professors as well as one from a pre-medical advisor and/or committee. Make sure you will be able to find this when you are looking for programs.
5- Cost! In the end, while I know you are worried about $ you are going to be in debt regardless, so strive to go somewhere that is convenient for you and somewhere you will be feel comfortable.
If you are an extremely competitive person, then you should go to places like Columbia in NY, or Bryn Mawr in PA.
6- Something else to take into consideration, talk to people who have already gone through these post bacc programs and see what they say, dont just take our word for it, besides, we are all in the same vote you are in. So experience counts the most. Take our advice with a grain of pre-med salt.
Good Luck!
Here is an update...I decided on Stony Brook and have been happy thus far. Of course, less structure, but are you focused and independent? Are you willing to read after class and on weekends and ferret out help when you need it? I think this is what makes a good med school candidate, and thus going to a state makes fine cents. Focus and discipline are the keys here.
Plus, I love being 2.4miles from the shore; It makes for good breaks.
Good luck!
d
Plus, I love being 2.4miles from the shore; It makes for good breaks.
Good luck!
d
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imagin916 said:
I had to deal with the same decision making process. This might be a little to late but hope it helps the next person a little. I apply to NYU, Columbia and Stony Brook ... was accepted to all but decided on Stony Brook here are my reasons:
Faraway from the city, so u dont have any distractions 😀
Cheaper, best education for the dollar anywhere in the Northeast
Better research opportunity
Super close to the health center/hospital
Laidback campus
Less structured program, about 80 or so postbacs
U get to have a car
Close to the shore/Port Jeff to take those breaks
Good luck to all!!!
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Hello all~
This website allows you to search Post-Baccs across the nation by location and any special considerations. Good luck !
http://services.aamc.org/postbac/
This website allows you to search Post-Baccs across the nation by location and any special considerations. Good luck !
http://services.aamc.org/postbac/
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postbackmd said:
I am going through this now and i feel very lost about what to do/where to go. I have the choice of going to Hofstra or Stony Brook now, this september (which is good bc i dont want to put off med school anymore) or waiting and applying for spring semester at some more competitive programs like columbia. what is the right decision to make? how do med schools view these programs? what are some of the medical schools that graduates of the hofstra program go to?? is columbia worth it?? i want to be able to eventually go to a good med school in the NY area. Please help!!!
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KATS82md said:
search columbia and i think you'll find it's not worth it...don't freak out! I think SB, if the commute is alright with you, would be great. As great as the Columbia name is I've really never heard anything positive about it...and more importantly, no one has ever written out to defend it....not being opinionated just an observation....
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KATS82md said:
First and foremost; dont feel overwhelmed we are all here to help you! I agree dont put off the postbac work, you should start as soon as possible unless you have a really really good reason. If you wait to apply to a more competitive program you might be better off. The program will increase the likely hood of you getting into Medical School. The key are the linkages, Columbia has a lot and so does NYU. Its difficult to recommend a course of action without knowing more about your specific circumstances. Medical school generally looks favorably on these programs as it provides a valuable level of screening for incoming applicants. I contacted Hofstra also, they do not have any linkages and are a new program with limited history. You might want to take a look at Bryn Mawr College (http://www.brynmawr.edu/postbac) they have one of the best postbac programs. I did all this research about 3 months ago, I would be more than happy to share all the information over a phone call or lunch . Let me know if you need the help. I hope you decide on Stony Brook, because Stony Brook rocks!!!! Good luck on your journey.
Oh ya, I know a friend of a friend that did the Columbia postbac and is now going to med school in boston. Here are the questions i asked him.
>> Do you/did you like the program?
The program was good, but I don't think I made the most of it. I mainly treated it as a place to take my pre-med courses but did not really interact with the rest of the postbacc community nor took full advantage of the advising resources. I know they have a good track record at placing students into medical school though, and depending on which advisor is assigned to you, they can be very helpful.
>> Full-time or part-time?
I was a full-time student for one year and then part-time during the fall semester. I had already taken some of the required courses as an undergrad so I didn't have to take as many classes to finish.
>> How effective are the linkages?
The linkages are available to all students in the 2nd year in the program, however are very competitive (only a handful of students are chosen for each of the programs). I was ineligible to apply to them since I was only in the program for 1 full year before I started applying to medical school.
>> Did you live in the city to complete the program?
I lived in the dorms at Columbia my first year and have lived in the Columbus Circle area during the past year (lag year).
>> Any comments on the college or program?
It is a reputable program and like anything else can be great if you make the most of your opportunity.
