Post Bac vs 2nd Bachelor vs No structure

[Alanna]

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I was wondering, as someone was suggesting here, in order to get financial aid, you need to be pursuing some degree or certificate (would post bac qualify?). Then someone else said, just sign up for a degree, even though you might not finish it. How would that look to AdCom of med or vet school?

 

[murfettie]

it's fine.

 

[murfettie]

but i don't have you get fin aid for 2nd bach. i mean, not grants at least.

 

[ArkansasRanger]

My doings are so unstructured that I don't even have an advisor. I go up to the registrat and say "hey, can you enroll me in this class?" It's done, and I go to class.

I still qualify for finaid if I choose to accept it. I like being able to take whatever I want.

 

[Alanna]

I see the limit (total) for undergrad loans is $57,500, right? And $23,000 out of that can be subsidized? So far, I have about 13.5K undergrad and about 6.5K grad. I know they include undergrad loans in total for graduate, what about the other way around (ex. do I still have 44K left or only 37.5K?)?

 

[allover]

My doings are so unstructured that I don't even have an advisor. I go up to the registrat and say "hey, can you enroll me in this class?" It's done, and I go to class.

I still qualify for finaid if I choose to accept it. I like being able to take whatever I want.

you seriously WALK UP to the registrar to enroll?

 

[TFS]

i did it informally and it was a lot cheaper than if i had gotten into the formal program. schools care as long as you complete the classes. a formal program with linkage to a medical school has advantages though.

 

[mzblue]

Exactly what i did this january. i walked up to the registrar and registered for biochem. i don't have an advisor but i declared a major. I don't even think it woulda made a difference if i hadn't declared one.

you seriously WALK UP to the registrar to enroll?

 

[Lefty Doodle]

I'm enrolled in a second degree program (and am actually considering finishing--it's only 2 yrs total since I have a degree!!). For me it's actually the ONLY route since I'm in Canada, but I don't think it's always possible to get financial aid for school even in the States if you're not in a degree-granting program, I guess it depends on the school. I also think there are more things you can take advantage of if you're in a degree-granting program like the premed advising and student research/TA jobs (I just got here and I'm already eligible to be a TA in the fall...we'll see if I get it!!). Also letters of recommendation are so tricky to get, I feel like immersing myself back in a school will help me make more connections that can be cultivated for that.

I don't think graduate loans are included in the undergraduate limit, I thought they were both separate.

Anyway I applied to post-bacs and got in to most I applied for, but when I was at the interviews I just wasn't convinced it was the best environment for me. I was freaked out about being with 18 year olds in my own program, but it turned out to be the best thing. They sort of look up to me in a way and also respect the fact that, even though C's are ok with them, they're not for me. It's been really nice so far (I'm in my third course).

 

[apumic]

Here, you DO have to be enrolled as a degree-seeking student to be eligible for fin aid in our state university system. To get around that, I am enrolled as a double-degree student (bio & chem as it gives me add'l opportunities such as being allowed to TA in the depts, receive dept'al honors and perks as well as advising, and the ability to do research in those areas -- all things reserved for specifically for majors in the two depts). In reality, I will simply change my status at the end to non-degree-seeking and "drop out" prior to finishing the degrees. The school fin aid office is aware of that... they really couldn't care less. There are always ways to skirt inconveniences like this.

 

[MexicanDr]

I am starting a second major this fall, but I am still considered "undergrad" since I havent graduated yet [Need one more G.E. class to get my Public Health Degree] so I decided to add another major...

Are you done with a B.A./B.S.? I am sure adding a second major would be ideal, its a bit more structured especially if you want to do it in a science as this will let allow you to take upper division science classes.

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

This subject I have a fair bit of experience with... Here are the rules:
1, in order to get financial aid, you need to be degree seeking
2, if you have a degree, you can only take 60 credits without being granted a second bachelors before they cut off your financial aid (please be aware of this, you cannot take endless courses on financial aid) and there is a max for your first degree as well...
3, your grad and undergrad loans are different, you are thinking of lifetime maximums, where they all count together.
4, you can only be either taking classes as a Grad or undergrad student, never both
5, it COMPLETELY depends on the school or school system. In MN (where I live) the University of MN system (UMN, UMN Duluth, etc) does NOT grant any financial aid for seeking a second bachelors degree, not in any circumstances, best they'll do is give you one year to complete prereqs... However, the Minnesota University and College system (St. Cloud State, Winona State, Etc) will give you financial aid until you get a second degree or reach the max post-bacc credits. You could get 10 degrees and they'd keep giving you another 60 credits after each degree...
6, you need to be at least PT or 6 credits to qualify for federal financial aid

Hope this helps, and good luck!

 

[sassilysweet]

This subject I have a fair bit of experience with... Here are the rules:
1, in order to get financial aid, you need to be degree seeking
2, if you have a degree, you can only take 60 credits without being granted a second bachelors before they cut off your financial aid (please be aware of this, you cannot take endless courses on financial aid) and there is a max for your first degree as well...
3, your grad and undergrad loans are different, you are thinking of lifetime maximums, where they all count together.
4, you can only be either taking classes as a Grad or undergrad student, never both
5, it COMPLETELY depends on the school or school system. In MN (where I live) the University of MN system (UMN, UMN Duluth, etc) does NOT grant any financial aid for seeking a second bachelors degree, not in any circumstances, best they'll do is give you one year to complete prereqs... However, the Minnesota University and College system (St. Cloud State, Winona State, Etc) will give you financial aid until you get a second degree or reach the max post-bacc credits. You could get 10 degrees and they'd keep giving you another 60 credits after each degree...
6, you need to be at least PT or 6 credits to qualify for federal financial aid

Hope this helps, and good luck!

...but you do still get federal loans

Some schools won't let you register for classes until EVERYONE else is done if you are a non-degree-seeker. So even if you have 120+ credits and only need that one biochem class, your registration window doesn't open until like a month after the freshman finish registering. It can be a pain in the butt.

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

Yep, you can still get loans in some circumstances... the UMN won't give me aid, so I take classes at SCSU to get enough credits to get fin aid through them, and then use the extra to pay for classes at the UMN as well... 😀 I am figuring if I need to, after SCSU would possibly cut me off, I have the option of doing the prereq thing through the UMN if I need it... Hopefully....

 

[7starmantis]

To the OP:

As you can see, fin aid is determined by state and by school. Seek out the laws in your state and contact your finaid office at your school. Much better than getting anecdotal opinions online.