Philadelphia area post-baccalaureate programs information thread

[Lokhtar]

I thought it might be a good idea to enter in all the information about all the post-bac programs available in the Philadelphia area in one thread (I count nine). Philly has so many schools and so many options, that its almost overwhelming. If you live around here, there is no reason to go anywhere. And if you're looking to move, you'll find plenty of options. Before picking the program I want, I've been researching for close to a year, so I am fairly knowledgeable about some of these (as well as lots of others not in Philly). If you have any other programs, have more information about these, or have any additions or corrections, please let me know! I hope this is helpful.

Here are the eight that I know (if you know any others, let me know):

1. Bryn Mawr
2. University of Pennsylvania
3. Drexel University
4. Temple University
5. Penn State Brandywine
6. Villanova University
7. La Salle University
8. West Chester University
9. Arcadia University

Bryn Mawr (Link to program)
​

Part of the 'big three' of post-bac programs, along with Goucher and Scripps. Pretty much a 100% acceptance rate into medical school, but extremely hard to get into. They have linkage agreements with a whole bunch of schools:

1. Brown
2. Dartmouth
3. Drexel
4. George Washington
5. Jefferson
6. SUNY Downstate
7. Suny Stony Brook
8. Temple
9. University of Chicago
10. UMDMJ - Robert Wood Johnson
11. University of Pennsylvania
12. University of Pittsburgh
13. University of Rochester

The classes are on a curve, and are quite challenging. I've heard very good things about the graduates, and this is a one year program.

University of Pennsylvania (Link to program)
​

This program is on a curve, and is pretty hard to complete. It is broken down into two separate programs:

Pre-Health: For those who have not completed their pre-reqs. It has linkages to:

1. Drexel University
2. George Washington
3. Jefferson University
4. Temple University
5. UMDNJ - Robert Wood
6. University of Pennsylvania
7. University of Pittsburgh

As I said, this program is very hard, with a curve set to C+ or B- in some of your classes (but not all), so you will work hard. This program as a 85%-90% success rate. However, many people do not finish the program.

Special Science: This program is for people who've completed their pre-reqs but still need classes to make them more competitive for medical schools. You take upper level sciences. The program has something like 80-85% acceptance rate into medical schools.

There is a linkage with UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson.

Both of these programs can be done in one or two years, depending on how many credits you need and whether you go full or part time.

Drexel University (Link to program)
​

This program is two years part time. All the classes meet at night, and you take courses as part of the group three nights pr week. This has a linkage agreement with Drexel University and UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson medical school. There is also a built-in period for MCAT preparation.

Temple University (Link to program)
​

The program is designed for one year starting in the summer but you can take longer. Though I think financial aid is only available for the first year. They do have a linkage with their own medical school. This also gives you the option of taking more courses and customizing the ones you already are taking.

Penn State Brandywine (Link to program)

This is a new program that started this year, and this is the one I will be attending. It's a one year program only on saturdays (you listen to lectures online, but come to school for Tests and labs). So you can work or even live a little far from campus, since you will be coming to school only about twice a month (on saturdays, all day). You have to take all 36 credits, and you cannot drop any of the courses since you are working as a group. It's for post-bac students only and designed for everyone to move through it at the same time. This program does not have any linkages.
​

Villanova University (Link to program)
​

This program doesn't seem to have any linkages, and you are required to take all of the courses (you may transfer up to two courses that you have take in the past five years. I believe this can be completed in either one or two years.

La Salle University (Link to program)
​

This program can also be one or two years, and you have to take a certain amount of credits to be eligible for their certificate. They have a linkage agreement with UMDNJ - Robert Wood Johnson, and they do seem to place students into lots of different allopathic and osteopathic schools (as well as dental and vet schools), as evidenced by this.

West Chester University (Link to program)
​

You need a 3.2 undergrad to be considered (its usually 3.0 everywhere else), and the placement rate seems to be over 95%. They have a linkage with Temple School of Medicine, and Drexel, and this can be started in the summer, fall, or winter and you just take courses as you need them. I got a PM from a student there (who wants to remain anon), who said that there is an 'unofficial' linkage to PCOM as well, but you have to do a lot of 'leg work' yourself. However, he mentions that the staff is very good, but their committee will only recommend you if they know you will get in. He thinks its a decent post-bac program, which is pretty low key.

Arcadia University (Link to program)
​

This takes 2 years part time to do, and they are looking for a 3.0. They do have a linkage to their own physician assistant program, but to do that, you need a minimum of 3.3 GPA. They also have a certificate in the sciences, though its requirements are variable from student to student and depends on the background. This program does not have any linkages to medical schools.

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[Lokhtar]

Added Arcadia university! That's nine!

 

[riceman04]

Bryn Mawr has such a high acceptance rate into med schools b/c if you have below a specific cutoff a letter of rec is not written for the applicant...and they are thus not counted when stats are generated.

Hmmm...how to lie with statistics

 

[NewmansOwn]

Bryn Mawr has such a high acceptance rate into med schools b/c if you have below a specific cutoff a letter of rec is not written for the applicant...and they are thus not counted when stats are generated.

Hmmm...how to lie with statistics

I think you might be getting mixed up with Columbia -- I've heard that about them. But Bryn Mawr does not have such a policy; the director, Jodi, writes a letter of recommendation for every one of us.

 

[spazzz]

Bryn Mawr has such a high acceptance rate into med schools b/c if you have below a specific cutoff a letter of rec is not written for the applicant...and they are thus not counted when stats are generated.

Hmmm...how to lie with statistics

i feel like that's the way with every single post bacc program.

 

[Lokhtar]

i feel like that's the way with every single post bacc program.

I don't think so. I've talked to many post-bac programs, and most will write you a letter if you get a 3.0 in their program with nothing below a B. Very few have a more stringent requirement (though some do).

 

[spazzz]

I don't think so. I've talked to many post-bac programs, and most will write you a letter if you get a 3.0 in their program with nothing below a B. Very few have a more stringent requirement (though some do).

I don't think it's the 3.0 in future class work that bothers me (as a post bacc program is designed for people that excel in pre-medical courseloads), but it's the entire picture that bothers me. I had a barely under 3.0 GPA in undergrad (above 3.0 cum after post bacc), and a post bacc of a 3.7 and it was tough to have them write me a letter, only after pursing it myself (getting my own letter of recs, applying very broadly and speaking to a teacher on the committee about my frustrations with the committee), did they agree to help me out. I guess if you're a sureshot (3.5 cum GPA, good post bacc GPA, above average MCAT, it's less of a struggle, but people with a bit lower stats, it's like running uphill the entire time. just my .02 cents

 

[Lokhtar]

I don't think it's the 3.0 in future class work that bothers me (as a post bacc program is designed for people that excel in pre-medical courseloads), but it's the entire picture that bothers me. I had a barely under 3.0 GPA in undergrad (above 3.0 cum after post bacc), and a post bacc of a 3.7 and it was tough to have them write me a letter, only after pursing it myself (getting my own letter of recs, applying very broadly and speaking to a teacher on the committee about my frustrations with the committee), did they agree to help me out. I guess if you're a sureshot (3.5 cum GPA, good post bacc GPA, above average MCAT, it's less of a struggle, but people with a bit lower stats, it's like running uphill the entire time. just my .02 cents

Hmm, that might be an exception though. Most post-bacs spell out their requirements and will write one if you meet those.

 

[fireflygirl]

I wonder if it would be helpful to get some contact information about SDNers that have been through these programs so that people interested in attending them can PM others who know lots of specifics about the program. I also wrote a review of Penn's program in the Post-Bac Sticky so it might be useful to have those listed here as well. Just a thought!

 

[NewmansOwn]

I wonder if it would be helpful to get some contact information about SDNers that have been through these programs so that people interested in attending them can PM others who know lots of specifics about the program. I also wrote a review of Penn's program in the Post-Bac Sticky so it might be useful to have those listed here as well. Just a thought!

I'll answer what I can about Bryn Mawr.

Julietcf14 did the Scripps program last year; she wouldn't mind me posting that, I don't think...

 

[Lokhtar]

I can answer what I can about the Penn State program when it starts (this is their first year), will start in late March.

 

[spazzz]

Hmm, that might be an exception though. Most post-bacs spell out their requirements and will write one if you meet those.

True, but also keep in mind sometimes the committees rank their letters:

Very Highly Recommended
Highly Recommended
Recommended

so even at that point, they'll be able to write you a letter, but it might not be the best letter....I'm just throwing it out there. I don't want to be the guy that shoots down these post bacc programs as it might seem, i'm just pointing out some difficulties I experienced as a post-bacc student and med school applicant

 

[Lokhtar]

True, but also keep in mind sometimes the committees rank their letters:

Very Highly Recommended
Highly Recommended
Recommended

so even at that point, they'll be able to write you a letter, but it might not be the best letter....I'm just throwing it out there. I don't want to be the guy that shoots down these post bacc programs as it might seem, i'm just pointing out some difficulties I experienced as a post-bacc student and med school applicant

This is a good point, and many undergrads do it - but the four post-bacs programs I have personally talked to do not. Of course, a lot of others might, so it might be something to ask before you agree to a post-bac.

 

[Julietcf14]

I'll answer what I can about Bryn Mawr.

Julietcf14 did the Scripps program last year; she wouldn't mind me posting that, I don't think...

Good thing I stalked you on message boards or I never would have seen this

Always happy to answer Scripps questions (BEST PROGRAM EVER). Just PM me!

 

[Cabbage]

hey, do you have any information on the UPenn linkage? I'm not sure what happens this application cycle and would like to stay in the philadelphia area. did you do a post-bacc or smp in this area? im a science major, so a pre-med post bocc wont help. thanks.

 

[Lokhtar]

You can do the UPENN special science program, which has a linkage with RWJ. You'd have to call them for the exact requirements.

 

[riceman04]

hey, do you have any information on the UPenn linkage? I'm not sure what happens this application cycle and would like to stay in the philadelphia area. did you do a post-bacc or smp in this area? im a science major, so a pre-med post bocc wont help. thanks.

For the UPenn-RWJ linkage you have a at least a 3.6 gpa after having taken at least six science courses.

 

[Lokhtar]

For the UPenn-RWJ linkage you have a at least a 3.6 gpa after having taken at least six science courses.

3.6 in the program, or overall?

 

[Stixman28]

I think what you said about the penn program in the initial post was a bit incorrect.

Not all of the classes in the program are curved. Physics for example is not. Those that are curved are not all curved dont to a c- b+.

In addition, they have a very high acceptance rate. Something like 95 or 98%.

But just as it is elsewhere, those kids that dont finish don't go in the stats. And there are a lot that dont finish. Its tough, but plenty of people do very well.

 

[Lokhtar]

I think what you said about the penn program in the initial post was a bit incorrect.

Not all of the classes in the program are curved. Physics for example is not. Those that are curved are not all curved dont to a c- b+.

In addition, they have a very high acceptance rate. Something like 95 or 98%.

But just as it is elsewhere, those kids that dont finish don't go in the stats. And there are a lot that dont finish. Its tough, but plenty of people do very well.

I will edit my post, thanks.

 

[travoltage]

im confused about your list....which programs are geared for students who have taken the pre-reqs, and mcat and were denied...looking to improve their applications? every program expect drexel shows that its all premedical post bacc....i need something that allows students that have taken premed classes already and mcat

 

[Lokhtar]

im confused about your list....which programs are geared for students who have taken the pre-reqs, and mcat and were denied...looking to improve their applications? every program expect drexel shows that its all premedical post bacc....i need something that allows students that have taken premed classes already and mcat

Penn Special Science and Harvard HES are the big ones.. Otherwise you want to look for SMPs.

 

[NRGStar]

Nice list. Since I'm a little older than the average student, the linkages at Bryn Mawr are very attractive to me. But it sure would be a shame to go there because of the great linkages and then not actually get into one. Does anyone have any idea of the likelihood of successfully linking? Does the school help advise you on which linkage to go for based on your statistics?

 

[fireflygirl]

Nice list. Since I'm a little older than the average student, the linkages at Bryn Mawr are very attractive to me. But it sure would be a shame to go there because of the great linkages and then not actually get into one. Does anyone have any idea of the likelihood of successfully linking? Does the school help advise you on which linkage to go for based on your statistics?

From my experience, the hardest part is maintaining your conditional acceptance due to the MCAT. Two years ago, we had 8 students at Penn that were conditionally accepted to various linkage programs - at the end of the spring MCAT, all but one had lost their acceptance. With a lot of these programs you have to get at least 9s in every section - so a 27 that is compiled of 8s and 9s means that you lose your linkage spot and get pooled in with the regular applicants for the following cycle.

Also, getting into a linkage can be challenging. You usuallly have to have a 3.6 post-bac GPA and strong recs. So it's not like different linkages have widely different critiera. Most are pretty strict and they don't deviate from them. And you have to go to your advisor and express interest and if you fit the criteria, then your advisor has to nominate you. So it's completely doable and such a great way to save money and time, but I see a lot of students go into the MCAT freaking out of their mind even more just because their acceptance could be at stake because of it. And the MCAT is hard enough as it is, so it can prove to be an added stress. But if you have the criteria and have a particular school in mind, I think it's a great way to avoid finding something to do during your glide year

 

[NewmansOwn]

Nice list. Since I'm a little older than the average student, the linkages at Bryn Mawr are very attractive to me. But it sure would be a shame to go there because of the great linkages and then not actually get into one. Does anyone have any idea of the likelihood of successfully linking? Does the school help advise you on which linkage to go for based on your statistics?

BM students don't talk about linking much -- it's part of the honor code. But from what I've been told by Mary Beth, the "majority" of linkage applicants are accepted. After that, maintaining a 3.5 post bac and a 9-9-9 MCAT (for most med schools) shouldn't be too difficult for students of the caliber BM attracts.

 

[Lokhtar]

By the way, if anyone has any information to add, please share and I can modify my original post.

 

[Robames]

hey all,
I just joined this forum and im finding some great info on here. I am a recent graduate from rutgers in new brunswick and am now living in philly and considering enrolling in a postbac program for basic core premed. this is defiinately a great thread for this area, but im wondering if you guys can give me some more specific information on how hard these programs are to get into.
I did not do take a traditional four year college route and essentially slacked off my first 1.5 years. in my last 2 years of college i pulled my gpa at rutgers up to a 3.7 and graduated with a degree in sociology. One downside is that i took my SAT early in my juion year of HS (almost a decade ago!) and scored an 1130 - not the greatest. will this actually hurt me?
I dont have many extra-curriculars and volunteer work. my 3 year old son keeps us pretty busy. I am however currently working as a medical device rep in the OR setting, so i guess a job in healthcare helps..(?)
Im trying to gauge what programs ill be able to get in to and wheather I should try to apply to any of these programs or take courses on my own.
Any information from people like you who are local would help. Thanks so much.

Rob

 

[Lokhtar]

If your overall GPA is a 3.7, you're in a very good position. I'd recommend applying to a bunch of programs in the area.

If you want to finish in a year, with classes only on the weekends (designed for people who have other responsibilities), I'd recommend the program I'm enrolled in right now (Penn State Brandywine). If you are interested, PM me, and I can give you contact information.

 

[Empi]

I just noticed this thread.

I live in the Philly suburbs and go to school at WCU.

My GPA is just shy of 3.7 and I have taken all my prerequisite classes with the exception of Physics. MY BCPM is just shy of 3.5.

I really want to go to PCOM and I am intrigued by your passing comment that there is an unofficial linkage between WCU and PCOM.

Would you be willing to share more information (perhaps PM,) about this linkage and what type of, "legwork," is needed?

 

[Lokhtar]

If you only need physics, you could be doing yourself a disservice by going a formal route, and re-taking all your courses.

My recommendation would be to just take the two courses at one of the many universities around here, and maybe also pick up 2-3 another courses per semester to further improve your science GPA (upper level sciences).

Your GPA is fine overall, so just a little boost to your science and finishing your pre-requisites will mean you are golden.

 

[Empi]

Oh, I'm not retaking any courses, I need a BS or BA. The only prerequisite to get into med school, (and for the MCAT,) is the Physics.

Is it possible to extract any PCOM-WCU connection out of you? Looking for a puppy eye smilie This one will suffice.

Oh, yes, I'm taking Cell Phys this semester and I am planning on Human Genetics in the spring (I also want to take virology and/or immunology.) I would also like to take Biochem, but I'm not sure I'll be able to squeeze it into my schedule.)

 

[Lokhtar]

Oh, I'm not retaking any courses, I need a BS or BA. The only prerequisite to get into med school, (and for the MCAT,) is the Physics.

Is it possible to extract any PCOM-WCU connection out of you? Looking for a puppy eye smilie This one will suffice.

Oh, yes, I'm taking Cell Phys this semester and I am planning on Human Genetics in the spring (I also want to take virology and/or immunology.) I would also like to take Biochem, but I'm not sure I'll be able to squeeze it into my schedule.)

I don't have that much information. I just passed on the rumor from a student who wanted to remain anonymous. I'd inquire with them.

 

[Robames]

the more i think about it, the more i feel like i really want try and get into temple postbac. its about 10k less than upenn or bryn mawr and has a linkage that i might be able to achieve. i feel like those who have said higher grades are more important than prestige (i.e. penn or BM) are probably right...
anyway, just wondering if anyone out there has been through the program and succesfully linked? or if anyone has been through the program at all and could offer any insight as to how the program works, are the advisors helpful in the application process?
is there a limited number of spots for the linkages? - it says "if you maintain 3.3 and 30 mcat you are accepted to Temp med" is this really true?
how competetive was it to get into the basic core?
how hard is it to miantain a solid 3.5-3.8 gpa?

i know im asking alot of questions, but any insight into this specific program would be amazingly helpful..
thanks...

 

[NewmansOwn]

the more i think about it, the more i feel like i really want try and get into temple postbac. its about 10k less than upenn or bryn mawr and has a linkage that i might be able to achieve. i feel like those who have said higher grades are more important than prestige (i.e. penn or BM) are probably right...
anyway, just wondering if anyone out there has been through the program and succesfully linked? or if anyone has been through the program at all and could offer any insight as to how the program works, are the advisors helpful in the application process?
is there a limited number of spots for the linkages? - it says "if you maintain 3.3 and 30 mcat you are accepted to Temp med" is this really true?
how competetive was it to get into the basic core?
how hard is it to miantain a solid 3.5-3.8 gpa?

i know im asking alot of questions, but any insight into this specific program would be amazingly helpful..
thanks...

I'm a Bryn Mawr post bac, but my girlfriend is at Temple.

You won't find anyone who has successfully linked because this is the first year the Temple postbac program has been offered under the auspices of Temple Medicine and thus the first time the linkage has been possible -- you'll know next summer if anyone made it.

My girlfriend hasn't had too much trouble with summer Gen Chem. She got an A in Gen Chem I and has an A average in Gen Chem II so far. Gen Chem II is much, much, much harder than Gen Chem I no matter where you take it, and Temple is no exception.

I don't know too many folks in the program besides my girlfriend personally, but the ones I've met in passing seem like bright individuals. GPAs in at least the low 3s and most of them have some sort of clinical experience under their belt. A few have advance degrees or extensive research experience, but I don't think that's the norm.

Good luck.

 

[Robames]

I'm a Bryn Mawr post bac, but my girlfriend is at Temple.

You won't find anyone who has successfully linked because this is the first year the Temple postbac program has been offered under the auspices of Temple Medicine and thus the first time the linkage has been possible -- you'll know next summer if anyone made it.

My girlfriend hasn't had too much trouble with summer Gen Chem. She got an A in Gen Chem I and has an A average in Gen Chem II so far. Gen Chem II is much, much, much harder than Gen Chem I no matter where you take it, and Temple is no exception.

I don't know too many folks in the program besides my girlfriend personally, but the ones I've met in passing seem like bright individuals. GPAs in at least the low 3s and most of them have some sort of clinical experience under their belt. A few have advance degrees or extensive research experience, but I don't think that's the norm.

Good luck.

how are you finding the bryn mawr program?
why did you choose to go there and your gf to temple?
how competetive are each of them?
i am definately going to apply to both, just interested in finding out more about each of them...

 

[NewmansOwn]

how are you finding the bryn mawr program?
why did you choose to go there and your gf to temple?
how competetive are each of them?
i am definately going to apply to both, just interested in finding out more about each of them...

Bryn Mawr is wonderful -- excellent teaching and excellent support. Gen Chem I was pretty easy. Gen Chem II was a lot harder and much more intense (the final exam is tomorrow), but we've all made it through so far somehow.

Bryn Mawr is extremely competitive; it attracts some of the best.

I can't speak to Temple's competitiveness. The people I've met in the program seem intelligent and I know they require a 3.2 to get in -- that's about all I know. A few of them didn't get into Bryn Mawr, but a lot of them went to Temple because they were interested in the linkage program with Temple Med.

By all means, apply to both -- maybe the decision will be made for you. If you get into both, feel free to PM me and I'll try to give you the best advice I can.

Best of luck.

 

[Robames]

Just wondering if anyone had any advice for me. I am a career changer with no science background and will be applying to the following programs:

Temple, Bryn Mawr and Upenn

I live in Philadelphia and can only apply to local schools. I definitely want to try and enroll in a linkage as well. However, if it is a good program, I am willing to apply...which of the schools mentioned in this thread do you think I should apply to?

 

[NewmansOwn]

Just wondering if anyone had any advice for me. I am a career changer with no science background and will be applying to the following programs:

Temple, Bryn Mawr and Upenn

I live in Philadelphia and can only apply to local schools. I definitely want to try and enroll in a linkage as well. However, if it is a good program, I am willing to apply...which of the schools mentioned in this thread do you think I should apply to?

Well, those are the only three with formal linkages and they're also the three best. So, I'd say you have your list. Good luck.

 

[Lokhtar]

Drexel has formal linkages to two schools, and La Salle has one too.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Drexel has formal linkages to two schools, and La Salle has one too.

Haha Lokhtar is the true researcher here -- thanks for the correction man.

 

[Gutierrez001]

Which programs take students with a GPA less than 3.0 ?and with most pre-med req?

 

[NewmansOwn]

Which programs take students with a GPA less than 3.0 ?and with most pre-med req?

You should look for SMPs, not postbacs. The term 'postbac' as it is used here usually refers to a career changer postbaccalaureate premedical program, for those who haven't taken many (if any) prereqs. None of the programs on this thread with will suit your needs.

 

[ANF1986]

Just wondering if anyone had any advice for me. I am a career changer with no science background and will be applying to the following programs:

Temple, Bryn Mawr and Upenn

I live in Philadelphia and can only apply to local schools. I definitely want to try and enroll in a linkage as well. However, if it is a good program, I am willing to apply...which of the schools mentioned in this thread do you think I should apply to?

I'm applying to those as well...Shoot me a PM, I'd like to compare stats...

 

[SpMonkey905]

Can I just say I am so happy that I found this site! I have been doing so much research and I found Bryn Mawr, Temple and Drexel to be my top 3! So I am happy to see my work has paid off!

I am a recent Grad of La Salle University a BA in Psychology, I just decided to go Med rather then the Grad program i'm in... But my undergrad GPA is only a 3.5 and my GRE's were pretty low. I have 1 science course. I was very involved in college (student athlete, sorority, and honor societies and such), what are my chances of getting into my 3 choices? Also, any thing more bout 'Nova?

Thanks sooooo much!!!!

 

[moneduloides]

Can I just say I am so happy that I found this site! I have been doing so much research and I found Bryn Mawr, Temple and Drexel to be my top 3! So I am happy to see my work has paid off!

I am a recent Grad of La Salle University a BA in Psychology, I just decided to go Med rather then the Grad program i'm in... But my undergrad GPA is only a 3.5 and my GRE's were pretty low. I have 1 science course. I was very involved in college (student athlete, sorority, and honor societies and such), what are my chances of getting into my 3 choices? Also, any thing more bout 'Nova?

Thanks sooooo much!!!!

What were your SAT/ACT scores like? Your GPA is right on the border for the very top programs, but with solid SAT/ACT/GRE scores you will definitely be competitive. If I were you, I would study for the GRE and retake it

 

[SpMonkey905]

My SAT's werent that high either, around 1100, I didn't think that hs would matter so much, I did notice that it isn't required to send GRE's to those 3 so would I be better off not sending them??

Thanks for your help!

 

[NewmansOwn]

My SAT's werent that high either, around 1100, I didn't think that hs would matter so much, I did notice that it isn't required to send GRE's to those 3 so would I be better off not sending them??

Thanks for your help!

Well you need to send one or the other. A 3.5 is fine for Bryn Mawr if you came from a school that doesn't engage in grade inflation, or a school that has a notoriously difficult academic reputation. If you came from a school where GPAs tend to skew high for the best students, 3.5 might be a bit low for admission. I don't know anything about La Salle's academic reputation, but I do know that 1100 SATs won't cut it. As such, you should definitely take the GREs.

 

[ryanjt]

Hi All,

New to this forum. I'm sure i'll be around a bit on my long journey towards becoming a doctor.

I graduated from UPenn in May of 08 with a degree in Economics. For the last year I have been working in a field completely unrelated to healthcare. I have now decided I would like to go to med school and so am applying to Post-bac programs to fill my requirement. I'm looking to stay in the Philly area, so I applied to Villanova, Drexel, LaSalle, and Rutgers. (I didn't apply to Penn because I don't have any relevant healthcare experience or volunteer work like they ask for.)

My question is: What's the deal with the Villanova post-bac pre-health certificate program? (http://www.villanova.edu/vpaa/partti.../prehealth.htm)

The application was not that involved at all, and it seems like its not really competitive..more like, submit your application and then you can come take classes here. Does anyone know anything about this program? Is it structured? Do you get an advisor or reccommendations? MCAT classes? Or is it more or less you're just on your own to take the classes and then apply...

Thanks for your help all.

-r

 

[ryanjt]

anyone know anything about the villanova program? maybe the rutgers NB program?

 

[deleted248403]

There is no Rutgers-NB program anymore - it was suspended