Post Bac Load

[busupshot83]

If you are returning (already have your Bachelor's) to finish the science requirements, do you have to take a full load? Or can you take 2 classes a semester?

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[samenewme]

I'm still working just about full time, so I only take one or two courses per semester. It's my own personal informal post-bacc.

 

[busupshot83]

Thanks. Just wondering, because taking more than two science classes per semester, althought do-able, is not something many wish to do.

 

[dankev]

You can take whatever load you want. Just remember, adcoms look at your courseloads. They want to see that you can handle a lot on your plate because medical school will be like taking more than 2 science classes per semester. If you are only taking 2 classes at a time, you should probably find something else to occupy a lot of your time.

 

[r_salis]

If you're going full-time, 3 science classes a semester is quite do-able. Right out of the gate you might want to keep it down to two to make the transition back into school (if it's been awhile) a little easier, but 3 isn't bad once you get into it, and it shows the ad-coms that you can handle an aggressive courseload as dankev suggested.

 

[scota]

I'm doing 2 pre-reqs per semester, plus volunteer work and research. That should be good enough, no?

 

[Malo Doc]

I'm currently applying for the entering class of 2005 med school cycle. I'm about to to finish undergrad in a week and I feel that I may need to bump up my numbers to improve my chances. I'm a CA resident and would prefer to stay in CA for med school (we all know how hard that can be).

I was thinking about doing a masters program (ie G'town SMP) but the idea of having an extra $50,000 in loans doesnt excite me.

Whats the general consesus on doing a "do-it-yourself" post-bacc. If I do it well will it help as much as a formal masters. And if so will it count towards my undergrad gpa eventhough I will technically have a bachelors already.

Are there any other CA "do-it-yourselfers" out there? Are you taking classes at a CSU or UC? Which is better? Will doing it this way really help for med school admissions in CA?

Malo Doc

 

[Malo Doc]

one more question!

What about financial aid?

Does the government and fafsa still help out or do I have to take out private loans?

 

[busupshot83]

bump

 

[busupshot83]

If you are only taking 2 classes at a time, you should probably find something else to occupy a lot of your time.

"something" being volunteering, working, etc.?

 

[blankguy]

Courseloadwise do what you feel is comfortable but temper that with what adcoms tell you. Generally take 2 or 3 courses depending on work schedule. You can also buildup to it so say you start with one course then next semester make it 2 and if possible 3. Don't let people on this board who take 3 courses get you. One size doesn't fit all.

 

[busupshot83]

Courseloadwise do what you feel is comfortable but temper that with what adcoms tell you. Generally take 2 or 3 courses depending on work schedule. You can also buildup to it so say you start with one course then next semester make it 2 and if possible 3. Don't let people on this board who take 3 courses get you. One size doesn't fit all.

thanks B.G.izzle , that helped lots.