Post-bac programs friendly to pre-PhD (not "pre-health") students?

[starstuff23]

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A post-bac program would be the perfect opportunity for me to fulfill the rest of my science/math "pre-reqs" and have a second chance to redeem my undergrad GPA... but I intend to apply to PhD programs 😱 (in Neuroscience), not med/dental/etc school. Most of the post-bac applications seem catered solely to pre-health students, requiring essays on one's path to medicine, plans for career as a health-care provider, etc, but I know that that isn't the right fit for me.

There are a few research-oriented post-bac programs out there (PREP), but unfortunately all I have found so far seem to be exclusively for under-represented minorities and those from very impoverished backgrounds. Since those labels and strict definitions of poverty do not apply to me, the "pre-health" post-bacs are my best option by far. I want to ensure that I will be able to get into classes when I need them and complete the rest of my "pre-reqs" in a timely manner.

Now, I do have years of clinical research experience, volunteer experience, etc., and could pass myself off as a pre-med applicant, but I want to be honest in my applications.

Are any post-bac programs friendly to students who are preparing for a PhD instead of a health degree?? Are any of you in post-bac programs with pre-PhD students? Any suggestions on how to answer essays about my desire to practice medicine, when my real interest is in biomedical research?

Thank you for your help!

 

[dreamer01]

hi,, I have the same problem and really not sure if my postbac can help me to get an acceptance for PhD ?? If you ever find answers for your question I will be grateful if inform me about them. Good luck​

 

[Tech2MD]

I have several friends that were in your position.

1. What you can do is enroll in a master program in biomedical science or neuroscience and then apply to a phd program.

2. Another option is get a job as a research assistant. I am currently a research assistant and one of my co worker just got accepted into a top tier school for a phd program. Her undergrad gpa wasn't that great so she work in the lab for a few years and took a couple of grad courses as a non-degree student at the local graduate school. Most major instituition will allow you to enroll in graduate courses and they will pay for it.

This option is great because you could have the option to attend national conferences and hopefully get your name on a paper or two.

3. Study for the GRE and GRE biology subject test.

This is just what I have seen from friends.

 

[wakawaka1]

Look for PREP programs! they are post-baccs that may or may not include courses, but that consist of research training and support in application process for graduate school. Some include GRE preparation, paid conferences, and almost all have a stipend. 🙂

examples:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/graduateprograms/prep.cfm
http://www.med.umich.edu/prep/
https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/postbac_irta

 

[dreamer01]

Thank you all of your replays​