Post-Bacc (non-formal program) Questions??

[Mike44]

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Hello all, I am brand new to the forum, and have found it very helpful so far. My question is regarding Post Bacc pre-medical work.

First, a little background about myself, I am currently practicing law in private firm in Michigan. I have approximately a 3.81 from undergrad in business and a 3.74 from law school. I have determined, for many reasons, that I would like to give up my career and pursue a new career in medicine.

Now my question is in regards to where to take my pre-medical sciences. I originally was thinking of doing a structured post-bacc at columbia, BM, John Hopkins, etc.; however, after talking to some doctors, they have me convinced that I would be better off picking up the pre-medical science classes locally at a state univerisity. I am thinking about University of Michigan (it is the most prestigious university nearby); however, Wayne State, Michigan State University, or Oakland University would also be available options.

Does anyone have any experience with these schools. Would you recomend one over another. Does the "prestige" factor really matter as a post-bacc student. Does anyone know how likely I am to get into classes as a non-degree student at these universities (i.e. are the classes filled to the max by undergrads with priority registration).

Any other insights or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Regards,

Mike

 

[gman33]

The school doesn't really matter from an admissions standpoint. Go to any 4 year school with a decent science program and you will be fine. As a non-matriculated student, try to find out if you will have trouble scheduling the classes that you need. You will usually have to wait until later in the enrollment period and many, if not all, of the sections may be filled by then. Also, find out if they have classes that fit your schedule. Some schools do not have all classes and/or labs offered in the evening.

BTW - I started out at a formal program at an IVY school and finished up at an informal program at a state school. It worked out fine for me.

 

[kami333]

This isn't at any of the schools you mentioned but my gf is a non-matriculated student and she has to wait until a month after I get to register (I'm enrolled as a 2nd bachelors student, she didn't have time to get her transcripts sent so she's non-matriculated).

She's gotten into all the classes but she has had to go talk to the professors, etc. For one of her labs I ended up registering for it to "save" her a spot, then dropped it when she could register.

It might be worth it to look into what it takes to enroll as a degree seeking/2nd bachelors student, all I had to do was have my college transcript sent in.

 

[Mike44]

Thank you everyone for your kind and informative replies. I believe I have narrowed down my choices to either Oakland University (Oakland) or University of Michigan (UofM) (with Wayne State University (Wayne State) being a distant third). All three of these schools either have a Medical School or, in the case of Oakland, will have one in the near future. I believe I will enroll as a second degree student for enrollment priority purposes, and I am fairly confident of being accepted into all three programs. In no event will I attend a community college, it will be one of the three previously mentioned state universities.

While I know UofM has a very high level of "National Prestige", how is Oakland's prestige in comparison. I know Oakland is a great school and has a very good local reputation, and I have had many friends attend/graduate from the university. I am just not sure how it is viewed on a national level. Is there any distinct reasons to choose UofM over Oakland?

I should note that in-state tuition is within $1,000 per semester between the two universities, with UofM being the higher; Further, UofM will require a longer commute of approximately 50 minutes, while Oakland University is approximately 15 minutes away. (while if I do attend UofM I will likely relocate once my appartment lease expires)

Also, does anyone see why Wayne State might be a better option than Oakland or UofM?

If anyone can weigh in on which school might be the best choice and why (or indicate that between these options it does not really matter), I'd greatly appreciate it.

Regards,

Mike

 

[MissD]

I actually went to University of Michigan for undergrad and am taking post-bacc classes at Oakland. U of M is a very good school, but for your purposes it really doesn't matter as long as you do extremely well. If the drive is that much longer to go to U of M rather that Oakland University, I would go to Oakland. That is why I choose oakland U, b/c it is closer to my residence.