Odds to Post Bac Pre Med Program

[jcapua2]

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Hello!

I was just wondering if anyone could give me any advice when applying to the top postbac pre-med programs.

Here's a lil bit of my academic stats:

University of Illinois at Chicago
BA in Anthropology, minor in Human Nutrition, 2009-2013 (GPA: 3.8)
MPH in Epidemiology, concentration in Global Health 2013-2015
Participated in research and presented at a forum, did lab work, held leadership roles in student orgs, and worked a couple of part-time jobs.
Currently working as a research assistant and as student manager while in grad school.
Didn't complete most of my pre-medical courses because I thought I was going to be something else, so now I want to take the pre-reqs and see how it goes.

I know it's a bit too early, but I've been researching a lot about post bac programs. I wanted to go straight after finishing my MPH (entering for 2015). For now, I intend to apply to Bryn Mawr, Goucher, Bennington, and Temple.

What do you think my chances are of getting accepted? I know some programs require standardized test (like GRE), while some don't. I didn't do too hot with my GRE.

Any advice on strengthening my application? What are other good postbac pre med programs out there? I know there a lot to consider (like finances, location, structure of the program, etc). But I just want to know from people (or if they know anyone) who are currently in a postbac program or successfully finished one.

Thanks! 🙂

 

[Etyan]

Hello!

I was just wondering if anyone could give me any advice when applying to the top postbac pre-med programs.

Here's a lil bit of my academic stats:

University of Illinois at Chicago
BA in Anthropology, minor in Human Nutrition, 2009-2013 (GPA: 3.8)
MPH in Epidemiology, concentration in Global Health 2013-2015

The AAMC site has a number of programs you can look into as a career changer. Your undergrad GPA looks solid, which is great. What will your MPH GPA be?

I can't really speak to postbacc programs since I did not attend one, but I'd like to throw out the option of doing an informal postbacc if location and finances are an issue. You can take your pre-reqs just about anywhere (except entirely at CC's). The important thing is getting all A's.

Also, your GRE scores do not matter to med schools. Allocate adequate time for MCAT studying and take it when you feel most prepared. Good luck!

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

Why do you want a formal program? The added expense isn't going to be worth the added structure a formal program will offer. Some programs have linkages that will give you guaranteed admission into a medical school if you get a certain GPA and MCAT, but your GPA is already high enough that you'll be competitive almost anywhere, just as long as you get good grades in the prereqs. The name or reputation of a formal program doesn't count for much. Just go to whatever 4-year college is easiest and cheapest for you to attend and sign up for the prereq classes there.

 

[salmo99]

Why do you want a formal program? The added expense isn't going to be worth the added structure a formal program will offer. Some programs have linkages that will give you guaranteed admission into a medical school if you get a certain GPA and MCAT, but your GPA is already high enough that you'll be competitive almost anywhere, just as long as you get good grades in the prereqs. The name or reputation of a formal program doesn't count for much. Just go to whatever 4-year college is easiest and cheapest for you to attend and sign up for the prereq classes there.

You seem very knowledgable regarding admissions. Do schools even care about graduate degrees in the admission process? Are marks obtained in graduate school even taken into account when looking at applicant suitability?

Would a 3.40 GPA be low-balling an application? Someone told me that the first two years of your BA/BSC program are not counted at some schools...if that were the case my GPA would be closer to 3.8.

I'm interested in DO.

Thanks.

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

You seem very knowledgable regarding admissions. Do schools even care about graduate degrees in the admission process? Are marks obtained in graduate school even taken into account when looking at applicant suitability?

Would a 3.40 GPA be low-balling an application? Someone told me that the first two years of your BA/BSC program are not counted at some schools...if that were the case my GPA would be closer to 3.8.

I'm interested in DO.

Thanks.

This sounds like a topic for a separate thread, but I'll go ahead and answer. Graduate degrees do matter, but not all that much. They're sort of regarded as a very nice EC. Grades don't matter all that much since many graduate degree programs are known for grade inflation. This topic has been discussed extensively, so a search should yield some good information.

What do you mean by low-balling an application? If you currently have a 3.4, you're all right for DO schools. The first two years of a BA degree most certainly do count. All college classes you've ever taken at an undergrad level count, including community college classes and dual credit high school/college classes. Still, a 3.4 isn't so bad, especially if you still haven't taken the prerequisite classes. Do well in those, study hard for the MCAT, and you'll probably get in somewhere.

 

[jcapua2]

Thank Etyan for your response! I don't know for my MPH GPA since I just started this Fall and won't be graduating until 2015.

I've actually thought about doing an informal post-bac, but I really wanted to take all the pre-reqs done in one year. And also I've heard that a lot (not all) of the postbac programs have a really strong support system for nontrads like me, and some even offer MCAT reviews. And faculty members from these programs could be really good resources for LORs (as long as I do well).

 

[jcapua2]

Thanks, Chip N Sawbones! One of the reasons why I want to do a formal postbac is to hopefully apply for their linkage program so I could avoid a glide year. I know this restricts me from applying to other schools, but I really do want to go straight. What really worries me is the the required GPA and MCAT score.