Post Bacc: CCNY vs UCLA Extension

[nycagirl]

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Hi all!

I'm new to the postings and would like your opinion as to what to do with my choices of Post Bacc programs. I am a '03 graduate of UCLA who completed some of the medical school reqs as a undergrad but then decided to double major in Economics and Latin American Studies. Finally after much debate I've decided to go for medical school. I don't think I'm cut out for the business world. I'm looking to applying to medical school in Fall 2006 - so I would like to take the MCAT in April 2005.

Here's my question. I'm looking at several options as far as post bacc programs go. If I stay in Los Angeles, I have already looked at USC and UCLA Extension. USC said they would consider my application for Spring 2005. It came too late for Fall consideration. If I decide not to go with USC, I can take the other half of the science classes I need at UCLA Extension. Not sure at this point if I will get into USC.

My other option was picking up and moving back to NY (which is where I from originally) and attending the Post Bacc program at CCNY.

For either cases, I would work full time and take two classes a quarter/semester. I've been reading posting about both programs at CCNY and UCLA Extension. I'm still torn on what to do & would like to ask other people's opinions about what they would do. Should I go for the structured CCNY program & risk seeing if the classes I need are still open (registration for fall must be in person by August 15th) and I can enroll in them. I don't even know how many UCLA credits will transfer over and how. Or should I finish the rest of the classes at UCLA Extension - bascially as everyone has said a DIY post bacc. I've also been wondering about the reputation of both programs and whether these would eventually play a role in my application to medical school. I did undergrad at UCLA.

Or should I continue putting this off and wait for USC in the Spring?

Any input would be truly appreciated. Thanks!! 😱

 

[jules0328]

I see your dilemma. I live here in NY and have applied to Hofstra, they have a relatively new Post Bacc program. Actually, I contacted them three weeks ago and submitted my app. I dont think all the pre-med classes are closed, otherwise, they would not have told me to go ahead and apply for the fall semester. I too, plan on taking the MCAT's in April for Fall of 2006 medical school admission, hopefully!

Go on Hofstra's website, www.hofstra.edu and search under Post Bacc. Call Marion Flomenhaft, the director of their Post Bacc and see what she says, its definitely expensive and it is not top tier, however, it is a structured Post Bacc program unlike CCNY here in NY. You can choose to do Hunter, but they do not have an official Post Bacc program, which if you are looking for financial aid, you may run into some programs. Federal Aid is usually given for degreed programs/certificates, so I believe you have to receive a certificate or diploma in the end in order to qualify. Go to www.fafsa.org to make sure.

I am in the same boat, except I dont want to go to UCLA. But, if you plan on moving back to NY, you mentioned, you will have to work full time. And unless you pick up on sciences really quick. Taking two sciences during a regular semester while working full time, is no JOKE! I tried taking chemistry and physics this past spring and ended up dropping chemistry. I had to, I had no choice. Physics with lab took up so much of my time, we were taking quizzes weekly and I needed time between to study for them and catch up during the week.

I know you think, well I can study during the weekends, but it gets really really tough. Unless you are real bright and feel that you can breeze through the classes. I ended up with a B in physics and worked my butt off for that B. I would have gotten an A had I not been working a full time job.

Anyhow, please reconsider taking two classes and working full time during a regular semester. Hope I helped! 👍

 

[notdeadyet]

I know nothing about NY.

As for LA, if you're looking at the USC post-bac program (http://chem.usc.edu/undergraduate/premed.html), I'm fairly certain that their program is full-time and that most classes are offered during business hours. All classes need to be completed within 24 months. And they ain't cheap.

UCLA extension, only as compared to USC, is relatively cheap. I have heard problems from friends there in getting in to all of the classes that they want due to space constraints. Classes do have weekend and evening components, making it easier to take along with a full time job. You are not eligible for financial aid, however.

In terms of reputation, I know USC's is well regarded. I don't know how AdComs think of UCLA Extension or extension courses in general.

Good luck!