Post-Bac 2021-2022 Admissions

[Autistic Activist]

Hey guys, so glad to hear about your acceptance to Goucher @boxalarm and your interviews @microfisher91 and to everyone else! I wrapped up my applications last week to University of Florida, Scripps, Goucher, Temple, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Meredith, and Columbia with an acceptance at Northeastern! UF is my top choice, but I would be happy to attend any of those programs, and it would be really cool if some of us cross each other (post Covid) on campus haha Looking forward to hearing back from you guys (and the programs!!!) Hope all is well

 

[confusedibkid]

Hi everyone,

I was fortunate enough to be accepted at both Bryn Mawr and Goucher for the upcoming year, and am having some difficulty deciding between the two programs. I'm very interested in linking, and am looking to pursue an MD/MBA, so I would be interested in linking to a school with a top business program as well (Penn, NYU, Michigan, and Chicago). Does anyone who is a current student at/ alumni of either of these programs have any insight into:

1. How difficult it is to link? What percentage of students successfully link to top med schools from these programs? What is the average GPA of students who link to these schools? Do these schools require the MCAT?
2. What does the linkage application process consist of your school? E.g. Is it essentially just forwarding your Postbaccas application to med schools or do you have to fill out AMCAS, go through the entire process as if you are applying to medical school regularly?

Just for some context, I've graduated from an ivy with a degree in history, ~3.7GPA, 34/36 ACT, working in investment banking for the past 2 years. Thanks in advance!

 

[SpeakMed]

Hey guys, so glad to hear about your acceptance to Goucher @boxalarm and your interviews @microfisher91 and to everyone else! I wrapped up my applications last week to University of Florida, Scripps, Goucher, Temple, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Meredith, and Columbia with an acceptance at Northeastern! UF is my top choice, but I would be happy to attend any of those programs, and it would be really cool if some of us cross each other (post Covid) on campus haha Looking forward to hearing back from you guys (and the programs!!!) Hope all is well

Hi!! Congrats on your acceptance! I hope you hear good news back from UF soon If you'd care to share I'm curious to hear if/how you talked about your neurodivergence (assuming autism based on your username?) in your app and interview and how you think it will impact or enhance your practice as a future physician!

 

[SpeakMed]

Hi everyone,

I was fortunate enough to be accepted at both Bryn Mawr and Goucher for the upcoming year, and am having some difficulty deciding between the two programs. I'm very interested in linking, and am looking to pursue an MD/MBA, so I would be interested in linking to a school with a top business program as well (Penn, NYU, Michigan, and Chicago). Does anyone who is a current student at/ alumni of either of these programs have any insight into:

1. How difficult it is to link? What percentage of students successfully link to top med schools from these programs? What is the average GPA of students who link to these schools? Do these schools require the MCAT?
2. What does the linkage application process consist of your school? E.g. Is it essentially just forwarding your Postbaccas application to med schools or do you have to fill out AMCAS, go through the entire process as if you are applying to medical school regularly?

Just for some context, I've graduated from an ivy with a degree in history, ~3.7GPA, 34/36 ACT, working in investment banking for the past 2 years. Thanks in advance!

Hi! Congrats on the acceptances, that's awesome. There's not a ton of alumni in this thread unfortunately, but you might have some luck reaching out to current students by text or email on the contact list sent you by Goucher (and BM if applicable). This page which is shared further up in this thread details Columbia's linkages (several of which overlap with Goucher & BM). It is the only hard and fast info that I know of related to your question about stats for linking. It's highly variable by school and admission to the PBPM program is not a guarantee to link. I believe you have to go through most of the normal application process and interview as if you were part of the regular cycle, since you kind of are, except a year earlier than you would be otherwise. You can then gain a conditional acceptance to the school and a full acceptance once you complete the program with the minimum GPA and (if applicable) MCAT score. Anyone else please feel free to jump in and correct me or add to what I've said if you have more knowledge.

 

[vext840]

I'm very interested in linking, and am looking to pursue an MD/MBA, so I would be interested in linking to a school with a top business program as well (Penn, NYU, Michigan, and Chicago).

Congratulations on the acceptances--it's a good feeling to have, even if it forces you to make a decision between the two. Echoing @SpeakMed, I would suggest taking advantage of the contact list (or the teaching fellow; since she's on her second glide year, I'm sure she'd be familiar with the outcomes of her cohort).

Have you gotten in touch with either program directly? Though it seems like the programs keep linkage information close to the vest, I think that wanting to link as well as pursue an MBA would be a specific question that they should be able to answer, especially since you're in the nice position of being able to choose which school works better for your future. When I was accepted to Goucher, they notified me so quickly that their enrollment deadline was sooner than I would hear back from Bryn Mawr. I felt weird about asking for an extension from Goucher, but once I explained the situation, Betsy was so kind and understanding.

If it helps at all, I did scrawl the following on my printout of the Bryn Mawr linkage information: "Are there #s on linkage acceptances? --> 70-80%"
Take this with a huge grain of salt, however, because this note was taken in the fall of 2019 (I reapplied this year), I don't know if this percentage applies to all schools equally, and I'm sure that it refers to an MD only program, not MD/MBA. I hope that you are able to find helpful information to make your decision! I've been watching some near and dear to me go through b school applications this year, and the M7 were brutal, so I totally understand wanting to link.

 

[Autistic Activist]

Hi!! Congrats on your acceptance! I hope you hear good news back from UF soon If you'd care to share I'm curious to hear if/how you talked about your neurodivergence (assuming autism based on your username?) in your app and interview and how you think it will impact or enhance your practice as a future physician!

Autism is large part of my life, and it's a big driver in why I want to pursue medicine. The autistic community is incredibly underrepresented in medicine, and so I want to learn how I can help from within the system. I do a lot of advocacy work, with many projects behind me. I spoke a lot about how I got involved with service. For me, I struggle with situations where peoples' roles are not welcome defined, such as social situations. When I serve on projects or with organizations, these roles are well defined. When I am helping someone, they don't act like they see my autism, they act like I'm someone who is working with them to achieve a common goal, and it's incredibly empowering and humanizing for me. I have no clinical experience whatsoever, but when it comes to my desire to serve I think (but am not sure) that that is what caught their eye at Northeastern. I hope that I will help those paving the way for the autistic community in medicine (I know of a few, but not many) as we have doctors of different sexes, genders, and orientations, doctors of different races, religions, and ethnicities, and we need doctors of different brains. Thanks @SpeakMed for asking. And if there are any other neurodivergent students, please feel free to start a conversation!

 

[SpeakMed]

Autism is large part of my life, and it's a big driver in why I want to pursue medicine. The autistic community is incredibly underrepresented in medicine, and so I want to learn how I can help from within the system. I do a lot of advocacy work, with many projects behind me. I spoke a lot about how I got involved with service. For me, I struggle with situations where peoples' roles are not welcome defined, such as social situations. When I serve on projects or with organizations, these roles are well defined. When I am helping someone, they don't act like they see my autism, they act like I'm someone who is working with them to achieve a common goal, and it's incredibly empowering and humanizing for me. I have no clinical experience whatsoever, but when it comes to my desire to serve I think (but am not sure) that that is what caught their eye at Northeastern. I hope that I will help those paving the way for the autistic community in medicine (I know of a few, but not many) as we have doctors of different sexes, genders, and orientations, doctors of different races, religions, and ethnicities, and we need doctors of different brains. Thanks @SpeakMed for asking. And if there are any other neurodivergent students, please feel free to start a conversation!

Thanks for sharing! I love your point about neurodivergent representation in medicine and I think it's awesome that you've been able to reframe something that's often cast as a disability as a pro. I'd never considered your point about the clearly defined roles in work vs. everyday life or the humanizing effect of being a care provider either. I'm sure you'll have the opportunity to bulk up your clinical experience during your post-bacc, and it sounds like you have already laid a convincing foundation of reasoning for why you want to become a doctor. I currently work with a lot of individuals across the spectrum, from nonverbal kids who need an avenue to communicate basic needs to young professionals trying to brush up on social skills and conversation. I think this has given me some unique insight into the differences and assets that autistic folks bring to the table, but I could never advocate in the same way as someone who has lived experience, so I think what you're doing is really cool!

 

[Autistic Activist]

Thanks for sharing! I love your point about neurodivergent representation in medicine and I think it's awesome that you've been able to reframe something that's often cast as a disability as a pro. I'd never considered your point about the clearly defined roles in work vs. everyday life or the humanizing effect of being a care provider either. I'm sure you'll have the opportunity to bulk up your clinical experience during your post-bacc, and it sounds like you have already laid a convincing foundation of reasoning for why you want to become a doctor. I currently work with a lot of individuals across the spectrum, from nonverbal kids who need an avenue to communicate basic needs to young professionals trying to brush up on social skills and conversation. I think this has given me some unique insight into the differences and assets that autistic folks bring to the table, but I could never advocate in the same way as someone who has lived experience, so I think what you're doing is really cool!

Thank you! If you're ever interested in a really cool movie that does an excellent job at painting a picture of the nonverbal autistic experience, check out "The Reason I Jump." I hope I get some opportunities for real clinical experience, but if due to COVID the opportunities just won't present themselves, I'll be happy advocating in the mean time in what ways I can. Thank you @SpeakMed for your time! And to everyone else, good luck this cycle!

 

[oncologyhopeful99]

Hi everyone! I am brand new to SDN and this is my first post, so apologies if I mess anything up. Wow -- I feel a bit nervous seeing how early everyone applied. Am I the only one applying by the actual deadlines? Haha. I hope this doesn't hurt my application

 

[pascale]

Hi all! I'm preparing the last touches on my applications for Bryn Mawr and Goucher, and realizing I may have missed an important detail: I took biology 100 (organismal biology) and biology 200 (genetics/evolution/ecology) in college, and one semester of chemistry. I'm registered for my second semester right now. Will this disqualify me from both of these application pools, if I have too many of the prerequisites completed? I have no physics, organic chemistry, or biochemistry background. Should I drop this semester of chemistry before the deadline in order to not have in on my transcript, so as to improve chances of getting into one of these programs?

 

[boxalarm]

Hi all! I'm preparing the last touches on my applications for Bryn Mawr and Goucher, and realizing I may have missed an important detail: I took biology 100 (organismal biology) and biology 200 (genetics/evolution/ecology) in college, and one semester of chemistry. I'm registered for my second semester right now. Will this disqualify me from both of these application pools, if I have too many of the prerequisites completed? I have no physics, organic chemistry, or biochemistry background. Should I drop this semester of chemistry before the deadline in order to not have in on my transcript, so as to improve chances of getting into one of these programs?

Call the programs and ask them directly is what I would do. Goucher might allow up to three classes or something, but you wanna double check with them. Edit: The Goucher website says "Occasionally, we admit students who have taken one or two of the science prerequisites."

 

[oncologyhopeful99]

hey there! one question for those applying using PostBacCAS: what differences are you guys making between the experiences section and the required CV/resume? I'm a little lost: everything I would include in the experiences is also included on my resume. are you guys using the experience section just to talk in more detail about the things on your resume? would so appreciate any insight on this

 

[vext840]

hey there! one question for those applying using PostBacCAS: what differences are you guys making between the experiences section and the required CV/resume? I'm a little lost: everything I would include in the experiences is also included on my resume. are you guys using the experience section just to talk in more detail about the things on your resume? would so appreciate any insight on this

Yes, I used that section to add more detail and to contextualize my experiences within the narrative that I presented in my essay(s). I also submitted a one-page resume, so I included more items in the experience section than on my resume though this doesn’t seem to be a consideration for you based on what you wrote. I found it to be a fun challenge to write the most informative, relevant, stylized description of my experiences as I could within the word count, and I thought of each blurb as almost a little extension of the essay section.

 

[oncologyhopeful99]

Yes, I used that section to add more detail and to contextualize my experiences within the narrative that I presented in my essay(s). I also submitted a one-page resume, so I included more items in the experience section than on my resume though this doesn’t seem to be a consideration for you based on what you wrote. I found it to be a fun challenge to write the most informative, relevant, stylized description of my experiences as I could within the word count, and I thought of each blurb as almost a little extension of the essay section.

This is SUPER helpful. Thank you so much. Now that you mention it – I could probably pare down my resume a bit, and put some more stuff in the experience section. Thank you again!

 

[oncologyhopeful99]

One other question I was wondering if any of you had insight on is clinical hours/shadowing/volunteering. I basically don't have any because I switched career paths recently, and COVID made doing these things very difficult. Will this seriously doom my application?

 

[Autistic Activist]

Hi everyone! I am brand new to SDN and this is my first post, so apologies if I mess anything up. Wow -- I feel a bit nervous seeing how early everyone applied. Am I the only one applying by the actual deadlines? Haha. I hope this doesn't hurt my application

Just stay (oncology) hopeful!

 

[patient2provider]

Hi everyone! Not a current applicant but a current career changer post-bacc student at Temple just popping in to say I know this process is quite the rollercoaster any year but especially now during the pandemic. Be kind to yourselves. I promise, regardless of past grades/experiences/mistakes/etc, that you are capable of finding a post-bacc program to meet your needs and succeeding. You don't have to be perfect! Just be honest, open, and ready to learn and grow.
Feel free to hit me up with any questions you may have.
Just remember, you've got this!!!

 

[lorainstorms]

Hey all! I have an interview with LMU on Friday, waiting to hear back from UCI, Mills and waiting to take the GRE for USC and Scripps.

Has anyone heard back from any of these programs?

 

[englishtomed]

One other question I was wondering if any of you had insight on is clinical hours/shadowing/volunteering. I basically don't have any because I switched career paths recently, and COVID made doing these things very difficult. Will this seriously doom my application?

I don't think it'll doom you, but it would be great to show your thought process and initiative given the challenges of this year. Have you sought out opportunities? Researched various ways to gain experience despite COVID restrictions? I think the AAMC has a list of suggestions, but just googling it should bring up a bunch of different ways you could seek out experience--I know the Crisis Text Line is accepting applicants soon, for instance. Persistence is also key. If I remember correctly, @SDBiotech shadowed this year by reaching out to a ton of physicians and seeing who was okay with it. Since you've recently switched career paths, it's important to show that you're pursuing this seriously; talking about the places your applying to volunteer could be one way to do that.

Put another way, you should be ready to answer a few questions on the subject: What are you doing to get experience/what avenues are you exploring to do so? Given your lack of clinical hours/shadowing/volunteering, what experiences have led you to believe this is the path for you?

 

[nycollegekid]

Hi everyone,

I know this question has been discussed a lot in recent years, but I was just wondering if there was anyone in this thread who chose BM over Goucher? Currently deciding between the two, and everyone seems to say “Goucher is better because smaller class size” but wondering if anyone had any different perspectives, especially those who chose BM? Thanks!!

 

[patient2provider]

One other question I was wondering if any of you had insight on is clinical hours/shadowing/volunteering. I basically don't have any because I switched career paths recently, and COVID made doing these things very difficult. Will this seriously doom my application?

Absolutely won't doom you! We discuss this a lot even as current students because we don't have many options available to us either. For research check out Zooniverse, for shadowing there are tons of virtual options and many have ways to verify the time by taking a quick quiz or something, you can find free courses to learn how to become a contact tracer to tie in something with helping during the pandemic, and I will message you a list of some other possible volunteer options!

 

[SpeakMed]

Hi everyone,

I know this question has been discussed a lot in recent years, but I was just wondering if there was anyone in this thread who chose BM over Goucher? Currently deciding between the two, and everyone seems to say “Goucher is better because smaller class size” but wondering if anyone had any different perspectives, especially those who chose BM? Thanks!!

Sounds like you've probably seen the other threads floating around SDN on this topic, so I don't have a lot to add other than mentioning the financial perspective which may be relevant depending on how you plan to pay for your post-bacc. I chose Goucher for a few different reasons (interview vibe, location preference, and of course class size), but not least among them was the fact that it is a certificate-granting program and therefore eligible for Graduate PLUS loans to make up the difference between regular FA and total COA. If I'd gone to BM I would have had to take out private loans which should be avoided when possible. I don't know the ins and outs of FA very well (my relatively high debt from undergrad + grad degrees might affect my borrowing eligibility) but if cost and funding are concerns for you then it might be worth reaching out to the programs to get details about this! Also I believe @vext840 chose BM >Goucher so maybe they can chime in about their decision

 

[vext840]

Hi yes! I did choose to go to Bryn Mawr when deciding between the two schools.

I have ties to the area as I live in Philadelphia currently and have personal connections to the town of Bryn Mawr, so that influenced my decision in a way that might not be relevant to others. What I find interesting about the programs’ locations and relationships to their nearest cities through volunteer work is similar in both cases—each is in an outlying area of an East Coast city that suffers from disparities while also being home to world renowned medical centers, so there are incredible opportunities to volunteer as well as, I think, a real obligation to do so.

In terms of positive distinguishing features for me at Bryn Mawr, I think that a cohort of ~80 people is not too large (my UG class was a similar size, and I liked that a lot), while also being big enough to provide some more variety and extra networking options. I like that there’s just one professor for each class (i.e. bio, physics, and chem) and that they stay with you for the whole year. The bio professor in particular is someone who I know has been with the program for a long time and really knows the ins and outs of the material, as such, and also as preparation for medical school. I like the committee organization for extracurricular activities—it’s a very Quaker set up, and it’s nice to have some fun leadership opportunities while connecting with classmates and indulging in much needed outside interests. To the extent that one might have free time to explore Baltimore or Philadelphia, which honestly might not be too often, I think that both are amazing. Philly is larger, though, and by dint of that fact has more options, ranging between a mix of esteemed institutions and emerging movements.

@SpeakMed is right about the loan situation as far as I can understand it. I’m still waiting to receive more information from the school after having submitted my FAFSA materials, but although I’m not eligible for Grad PLUS loans, I think (?) there’s still the possibility of taking out Federal Direct loans if one hasn’t already done so for a “fifth” year of UG education. I wish I could say more about this, and others should feel more than free to correct me (!), but that’s my understanding so far.

Congratulations on your acceptances and know that there’s no bad option between the two of them. Consider the vibes you got during your interview and what kinds of environment in which you feel most supported. If you have any questions, you can dm me. I’ve been able to sit in on classes a couple of times in person, which I know wasn’t really possible this cycle, and I’ve talked to quite a few people who went to the program with whom I connected either through being in Philadelphia or through the alumni network at my UG.

 

[turning_pnt]

Has anyone going to BM heard anything about housing/have any plans? I know they said they’d send us something but it’s getting kind of close and I’m getting apprehensive.

 

[fintomdcc]

Did anyone find any success in getting old ACT scores? ACT is telling me that it's not possible to get them prior to 2011, currently. Some of these programs require official reports. Any guidance?

 

[boxalarm]

Did anyone find any success in getting old ACT scores? ACT is telling me that it's not possible to get them prior to 2011, currently. Some of these programs require official reports. Any guidance?

i submitted a request for scores from 2007 in september and it was completed at some point in the past month. Covid really did a number on them I guess. I didn't know they had shut down older requests completely, though.

 

[fintomdcc]

i submitted a request for scores from 2007 in september and it was completed at some point in the past month. Covid really did a number on them I guess. I didn't know they had shut down older requests completely, though.

Yes, my test is also from 2007. I've been trying the past couple months, calling and emailing. Their response was that they accepted the additional score report forms last year but stopped taking them in November for processing. They have no estimated time as to when the scores pre-2011 will become available and to just keep checking the website. Not sure how the schools will handle this issue as it is out of our control? When applying to GWU, their website said you could send official high transcripts that included the scores in lieu of official score reports from the testing company, but I'm not sure if other programs will accept the same.

 

[boxalarm]

Yes, my test is also from 2007. I've been trying the past couple months, calling and emailing. Their response was that they accepted the additional score report forms last year but stopped taking them in November for processing. They have no estimated time as to when the scores pre-2011 will become available and to just keep checking the website. Not sure how the schools will handle this issue as it is out of our control? When applying to GWU, their website said you could send official high transcripts that included the scores in lieu of official score reports from the testing company, but I'm not sure if other programs will accept the same.

I submitted the request through snail mail. My account was so old that I couldn't access online.

 

[oncologyhopeful99]

did anyone else apply on the feb 15 deadline?

 

[Tigg58]

Hello all,

I just found out about this thread, and it seems that everyone have already submitted applications. Is it too late for me to start applying for the 2021 cycle if I am starting my application now?

 

[Hellomynameis92]

Hey everyone! I have my first interview for GWU but haven’t heard back from Scripps, Hopkins, or Colombia. Unfortunately didn’t make the cut for Goucher, I think I applied way too late, there was a lot of script delivery issues with PostBac CAS.

My GPA from under grad was 3.65 and for graduate school was 4.0 and did accounting for like 7 years.
I was wondering if anyone has any advice. And what are the chances of getting in after the interview? Like do most people get in as long as they don’t bomb the interview?

 

[boxalarm]

Hello all,

I just found out about this thread, and it seems that everyone have already submitted applications. Is it too late for me to start applying for the 2021 cycle if I am starting my application now?

I definitely can’t speak authoritatively on this, but it seems like the Goucher class (the only one I can speak to) is very close to full based on their published class sizes. I don’t know about the other programs, but I think in general the earlier you apply in the cycle, the better your chances.

 

[SpeakMed]

Hello all,

I just found out about this thread, and it seems that everyone have already submitted applications. Is it too late for me to start applying for the 2021 cycle if I am starting my application now?

It depends on what kind of postbac you are looking for! A lot of the programs with a summer start closed their cycle on the Feb 15 deadline, while some like GWU have a later deadline of March 15. However @boxalarm is right that applying earlier in the cycle is better for most programs since they use rolling admissions rather than a hard deadline, and at this point there are very few seats left to be filled, if any. There are some postbacs that have variable start dates (Loras College comes to mind- no linkages but affordable and connected to a reputable 4 year college) in other semesters. If you're a competitive candidate and have your heart set on a 'big name' program or one with linkages, then that ship has probably sailed for this year, but there are still some very good (imo) options available for programs that might not be as well known but are more flexible with admissions and still a great option in terms of value and getting the education you need.

 

[Tigg58]

Does anyone have any info regarding the post bacc program at UCR? Very little to go on from their website, and they haven't emailed me back yet. I've been trying to find out when's their application period and requirements since they haven't uploaded anything of the sort. I would assume they haven't started yet, but I wanted to be certain! Current and previous applicants are welcome to chime in!

 

[mchacha]

Is it acceptable to reach out to a school and ask why you were rejected?

 

[vext840]

Is it acceptable to reach out to a school and ask why you were rejected?

I asked after I wasn’t taken off waitlist after interview, and the school was really gracious and helpful about it. Ofc ymmv, but I feel like the worst they can do is say no as long as you ask respectfully and thank them for their consideration.

 

[Reveiller]

Hey all! I have an interview with LMU on Friday, waiting to hear back from UCI, Mills and waiting to take the GRE for USC and Scripps.

Has anyone heard back from any of these programs?

I’m trying to stay in California as well. I’ve heard back from LMU and just heard back from Mills today (although I think that’s too far for me), and am still waiting to hear back from UCI. Hope your interview went well!

 

[lorainstorms]

I’m trying to stay in California as well. I’ve heard back from LMU and just heard back from Mills today (although I think that’s too far for me), and am still waiting to hear back from UCI. Hope your interview went well!

That's awesome! Did you get accepted to both? Out of curiosity, what standardized test score did you submit to Mills and what did you get for it?

 

[Reveiller]

That's awesome! Did you get accepted to both? Out of curiosity, what standardized test score did you submit to Mills and what did you get for it?

Yeah. I submitted my SAT. My standardized test score was only high for reading comprehension lol. I think for math I had like a 640, which is somewhat low, I think. Pretty frustrating that you're being judged on a test you took a long time ago (for me at least lol.)

 

[SpeakMed]

Just an FYI to any applicants for the next cycle who might be browsing this thread that PostBacCAS is hosting a webinar on strengthening your application for PBPM programs on March 4! Another semi-related resource that might be helpful for future career-changer applicants is this podcast with Bryn Mawr's program director.

 

[lorainstorms]

Yeah. I submitted my SAT. My standardized test score was only high for reading comprehension lol. I think for math I had like a 640, which is somewhat low, I think. Pretty frustrating that you're being judged on a test you took a long time ago (for me at least lol.)

Haha oh absolutely not fair. I’ve been trying to take any standardized test (ACT/SAT/GRE) since November and this weeks is the first that hasn’t been cancelled! So I’m literally waiting to submit ASAP.
What was your GPA?

 

[vext840]

this podcast with Bryn Mawr's program director.

This episode is very helpful, and I remember it being particularly so for considering the application timeline though the conversation is wide-ranging enough to be informative about a number of topics.