MobyShandy
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2019
- Messages
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Hi all,
I understand that post-bacc is one of the most discussed topics in this subforum, and I have been and will be reading through others' posts, but I'd like to describe my own particular situation too to see if I can get any personalized advice.
I graduated a year ago with a BS in Psychology, a Biology minor, and a great deal of Neuroscience coursework. I wasn't entirely sure of my goals at that point, but in school and since school I have determined that I am primarily interested in "applied neuroscience," which is to say clinical practice or applied research in something neuro-oriented, as opposed to basic research or pure psychotherapy or behavioral health work. My main thought for some time has been to seek schooling and accreditation as a Neuropsychologist, and my present background is fairly strong for pursuing that, but the idea of becoming a Neurologist of some sort has taken root, which would require some catching up on premed requirements.
My cumulative GPA was only 3.2 or 3.3 or so, but my subject GPA was around 3.6, as was my GPA in my last 2 years of college, in which I took the majority of my more difficult Biology and Neuroscience coursework. I was irresponsible in my freshman and sophomore years, and my hope is that if I can show further improvement in GPA above the 3.6 area in premed coursework (chemistry is my biggest lack currently) I may have some running chance of admission, especially if I have the opportunity to retake introductory bio courses which I did worse in than later, more difficult courses due to my immaturity at that point.
But I am struggling to find consistent and reliable information in regards to post-bacc programs etc.; I cannot seem to find a program in my area, and further, I frequently have to sift through post-bacc's for pre-health/pre-med that are essentially master's programs geared towards students improving their extant undergraduate premed background rather than diving into premed for the first time. I am also not entirely sure of what makes for a good post-bacc program, although med school admission rates when provided seem to be a good indicator.
Outside of post-bacc, would it look bad to independently take courses at a community college, or even online? It seems to be the most accessible option, but I worry about it being viewed as unrigorous, not to mention that I would be missing out on mentorship opportunities.
Also, aside from accumulating premed coursework one way or another, what else can I do to improve my chances? I've already accumulated about a year of work with patient populations, and am now working at a clinical research group where I have exposure to neuropsychologists and neurologists and patients with neurological impairments. I know that I also need to try to shadow neurologists of different subspecialties, both to iron out my specific goals and to show medical schools that I have some idea of what I'm trying to accomplish.
I understand that post-bacc is one of the most discussed topics in this subforum, and I have been and will be reading through others' posts, but I'd like to describe my own particular situation too to see if I can get any personalized advice.
I graduated a year ago with a BS in Psychology, a Biology minor, and a great deal of Neuroscience coursework. I wasn't entirely sure of my goals at that point, but in school and since school I have determined that I am primarily interested in "applied neuroscience," which is to say clinical practice or applied research in something neuro-oriented, as opposed to basic research or pure psychotherapy or behavioral health work. My main thought for some time has been to seek schooling and accreditation as a Neuropsychologist, and my present background is fairly strong for pursuing that, but the idea of becoming a Neurologist of some sort has taken root, which would require some catching up on premed requirements.
My cumulative GPA was only 3.2 or 3.3 or so, but my subject GPA was around 3.6, as was my GPA in my last 2 years of college, in which I took the majority of my more difficult Biology and Neuroscience coursework. I was irresponsible in my freshman and sophomore years, and my hope is that if I can show further improvement in GPA above the 3.6 area in premed coursework (chemistry is my biggest lack currently) I may have some running chance of admission, especially if I have the opportunity to retake introductory bio courses which I did worse in than later, more difficult courses due to my immaturity at that point.
But I am struggling to find consistent and reliable information in regards to post-bacc programs etc.; I cannot seem to find a program in my area, and further, I frequently have to sift through post-bacc's for pre-health/pre-med that are essentially master's programs geared towards students improving their extant undergraduate premed background rather than diving into premed for the first time. I am also not entirely sure of what makes for a good post-bacc program, although med school admission rates when provided seem to be a good indicator.
Outside of post-bacc, would it look bad to independently take courses at a community college, or even online? It seems to be the most accessible option, but I worry about it being viewed as unrigorous, not to mention that I would be missing out on mentorship opportunities.
Also, aside from accumulating premed coursework one way or another, what else can I do to improve my chances? I've already accumulated about a year of work with patient populations, and am now working at a clinical research group where I have exposure to neuropsychologists and neurologists and patients with neurological impairments. I know that I also need to try to shadow neurologists of different subspecialties, both to iron out my specific goals and to show medical schools that I have some idea of what I'm trying to accomplish.