Penn post-bacc

[Jonathan13180]

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I am currently in the PENN post-bac program, and am considering applying for 2005, however, i will not be done the program, as i will have only completed half of the required courses needed for the letter of recommendation. I know the letter can only help, but HOW important is it? Im debating waiting for 2006 and receiving the letter, then applying. Any thoughts?

 

[docquaker]

i'm assuming you're talking about the HPAB letter from Penn? if so, i would definitely NOT apply until you receive this letter. i went to penn for undergrad...they do a really good job with this committee letter and do their best to package you in the best way possible to medical schools. they even choose which recommendations to send...

if you apply without the HPAB letter, you will have to explain to the schools why you don't have one. save yourself the hassle and just wait...

 

[chasmo]

I have heard mixed reviews of the Penn post-back and the
Special Science prgm. Any information you could provide
would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
chasmo

 

[Jonathan13180]

Whats the HPAB? Im not familiar with it. Thanks

 

[BerkeleyPremed]

I've heard very good things about the Penn post-bacc. I'm just wondering what their placement rate is into US allopathic schools. I'd imagine it would be pretty high and probably comparable to SMP's placement...

 

[docquaker]

HPAB stands for the Health Professions Advisory Board. every premed at penn is encouraged to get a letter from the HPAB. basically, you fill out a questionnaire, interview with a premed counselor, interview with a member of the HPAB, and send at least three recs to the career services office. the premed counselor will then write a cover sheet about you, attach your best recs, and send the packet to med schools.

i thought that was what you were referring to when you mentioned "letter of rec." did you mean any letter of rec? also, i'm not sure if they do this for post-bacc students...you may want to look into it.

 

[youcandoit]

I believe the letter is quite important; if your school offers a committee letter and you choose not to or are unable to receive that committee letter, schools will wonder why and you have to formally explain. I am of the udnerstanding that you need that committee letter, because not only are they able to summarize and pick out the highlights of your LORs, but they can add lots of good information about you and your performance at Penn.

I have nothing but great things to say about the Penn program. It is flexible, has an outstanding reputation, is in an area where plenty of clinical/volunteer opportunities are available, and will not send you to the poorhouse. There is less hand-holding than other post-bac programs but that encourages intiative.

Jon - as for the HPAB - it works different for post-bacs than for undergrads. Ugrads go through the process that docquaker described; post-bacs and CGS'ers don't have an interview. There is a questionaire, and you get 4-5 LORs, rank them in your preferred order, then submit this rank list and questionaire to the advisors where they will write your letter upon completion of 6 courses. Its an important letter, believe it or not.

Any other questions, PM me. Hope this helps.

youcandoit.