Post Bac Student Woes

[SoCal DDS]

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Hi all,

I'm new to the forum but have been following the threads closely for some time now - many thank you's already for the great resource this site has given so many of us already!

So - here's my dilemma. I'm a post-bac student ( = already obtained my bachelors degree ) who still has the standard pre-req science courses required for d-school admissions. However, I'm finding that because of my post-bac status, most universities I'm considering for these science courses are requiring me to "crash" the courses through some type of "open university" program and as a result I'm worried I may not be able to get all the classes I need when I need them (many universities these days are impacted, etc.)

Anyone out there had any luck with this type of situation? I know I'm probably part of a minority, given I'm also in my late 20s and have had a change in direction professionally (ready to go into dentistry after working on the sidelines in the industry for quite some time).

Anyway, anyone in this situation that may have some input and/or experience in these areas, please shoot me a reply!

Best of luck to all of you!

-So Cal

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[Cymbidium]

I did the exact same thing you're trying to do. The trick is to apply as a tranfer student... transfer all of your credits from your 4 year school to the school of your choice for the pre-reqs. That will give you a billion credit hours and, most importantly, priority in registering for classes over all of the freshman/sophomores. PM me if you want more details - and good luck! I'm 28 and just got accepted.

 

[Cymbidium]

I did the exact same thing you're trying to do. The trick is to apply as a tranfer student... transfer all of your credits from your 4 year school to the school of your choice for the pre-reqs. That will give you a billion credit hours and, most importantly, priority in registering for classes over all of the freshman/sophomores. PM me if you want more details - and good luck! I'm 28 and just got accepted.

 

[Ex_EE]

I am not sure what the problem is. I was in the same boat. I got my BS in 2000. I took classes at a community college in 2005 and from a major universitry in 2006. The major university had no problem with me enrolling as a post-bac. They are happy to take your money. You just have to apply to the university.

 

[Mackchops]

It depends on the school. I went the second bachelor's route and it worked for me, but I had a nasty 2 hour commute because my local school wasn't taking any extra students... period! Worst case scenario though, you can enroll as a non-degree student and, if the class fills up (which shouldn't happen with the entry-level classes like chem 1 etc) you can beg the professor to let you in by explaining your situation. Most professors are very understanding and even prefer a dedicated older student who might actually have a vested interest in what he/she will lecture about in class. There are always options.

BTW, I'm 25 and will be starting in the fall!

 

[SoCal DDS]

I am not sure what the problem is. I was in the same boat. I got my BS in 2000. I took classes at a community college in 2005 and from a major universitry in 2006. The major university had no problem with me enrolling as a post-bac. They are happy to take your money. You just have to apply to the university.

Thanks for your responses. To elaborate, each of the three local universities nearest me are impacted and thus flat out do not accept post-bac students -unless it's for a masters program, etc.

Also, with regard to applying as a transfer student using my credits from the previous 4 year university - wouldn't the new university see that I was granted my undergrad degree (in 2001) and not admit me on the basis of the above? (trying to go back for a 2nd bachelors at an impacted university, again is not honored at this time).

Just trying to get some ideas on how to do this - I've spoken with the admissions offices at two of the schools and both have suggested going through what they call their "open university" programs - again, crashing courses as they are available and not applying formally to the school at all. Ofcourse, it sounds administratively simple, but the reality is I may not get the classes I need when I need them.

Also, JC is not an option since I've already maxed out the units at a JC prior to joining the 4 year school to get my degree. Again, thanks for all your repsonses - I'm certainly open to add'l feedback...

-SoCal

 

[Cymbidium]

Hmmm.... well I found out about the apply as a transfer student trick from the school's pre-health advisor. So maybe contact the advisor at UCLA (or whatever school your interested in) and see what their thoughts are. I never contacted the admissions people when I was looking to do a post-bac I went straight to the pre-health office, they'll give you better advice than admissions.

 

[Ex_EE]

I wouldn't count out JC. You maxed out transfer hours, but if you are not planning on transfering them then you might still be able to use them.