Post-bacc Pre-med options in the Midwest

[blueperson]

I am currently taking a course through the University of Maryland Science in the Evening. However, I really need to get to Minnesota. I looked on the aamc site and while there are a ton of programs in NY, etc., there are NONE in MN, WI, IA, ND, etc. Does anyone know if anywhere in MN is considering starting a Post-bacc Pre-med program?

Alternatively, does anyone know if it really makes any difference if one is part of a "Post-bacc Pre-med program" rather than just taking the same courses on one's own at a random school? Say, taking chem and bio at St. Cloud State University (in MN) instead of the Science in the Evening at University of Maryland?

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[Quentin Quinn]

I am currently taking a course through the University of Maryland Science in the Evening. However, I really need to get to Minnesota. I looked on the aamc site and while there are a ton of programs in NY, etc., there are NONE in MN, WI, IA, ND, etc. Does anyone know if anywhere in MN is considering starting a Post-bacc Pre-med program?

Alternatively, does anyone know if it really makes any difference if one is part of a "Post-bacc Pre-med program" rather than just taking the same courses on one's own at a random school? Say, taking chem and bio at St. Cloud State University (in MN) instead of the Science in the Evening at University of Maryland?

Unfortunately, you are pretty much SOL when it comes to formal programs in the upper midwest. I am back in my home state of MN now, after several years in NoVa and TX, and have been looking at programs myself. Closest ones you will find are in Chicago, such as Loyola and Northwestern. Neither is cheap, as you can imagine. The U of MN and Metro State offer evening bio & chem courses... though neither is a formal program, it looks like you can complete all necessary prereqs on a part-time basis, if that is your desire. More options open up if you can consider day courses.

Not that I am any sort of expert, since I am just beginning the postbacc process myself, but from what I have gathered on this forum, doing an "a la carte" informal program on a part-time basis does not seem to be much of a detriment in the admissions process, particularly if you already have a decent (or better) undergrad GPA but just lack prereqs. Formal programs may give a little extra boost to those of us in need of GPA assistance, the catch-22 being that admission isn't guaranteed to such programs.

As an aside, how has your experience been in the Science in the Evening program thus far? Ironically, I may be flip-flopping locations with you next fall in an attempt to land some steadier contract work while knocking out my prereqs. Maryland is one of, if not my top choice, along with Penn CGS and Harvard Extension.

 

[blueperson]

I live in the DC area and work full-time. I am finishing my semester at UMD (Maryland) and it is okay. I do travel for work so it is challenging to get to lecture and lab, and with the traffic not getting home until 11 p.m. (and functioning at a very demanding job the next day). Most of the students are older 20s, 30s and I think a few 40s. There are about six in my class who have just graduated from college, live with mom and dad, and don't work (and take the part-time classes). Wish I had life easy like that...

I recommend UMD. However, I don't know about Goucher. An acquaintance in my class has a friend at the Hopkins program. He hates it... finds the other students cut-throat to the point that people won't share notes or anything. UMD, I find is better in terms of people helping one another. Especially since a few of us travel for work... others understand and are willing to help. I think there are a couple of others in VA, but haven't looked into them as much since I own a place in the DC area.

I'd like to go to MN to apply to Minnesota and Minnesota - Duluth, but at this rate, at UMD it will take me over two years to get the prereqs done (and that is at two classes a semester (4 nights a week) which is hard with the work schedule and travel). Was hoping to go to MN, take them all in a year (if I get the inorganic chem out of the way so can start organic chem).

Sounds like MN or MN - Duluth (from what you said) don't look down on piece-meal school to "get it done" if no formal program is available.

 

[mshheaddoc]

I wouldn't look down on doing the do-it-yourself method. I chose that over formal postbacc for many reasons. At least the first go transitionally. After I see how I do I might do an SMP after ... but not everyone does the formal program and quite a few of the non-trads are getting interviews from what I know of 🙂 Best of luck.

 

[Febrifuge]

I will actually be leaving Minnesota next year, to ride the 14-month roller coaster at Bennington College. I decided against staying here, but it wasn't for a lack of good Minnesota schools. I have my undergrad from UM-Twin Cities, and it's unquestionably a good school with good facilities. I don't learn well in auditorium classes of 250+ students, but to each his own. 😀 In Duluth, this is less of a problem.

UM-Morris, for one, is located in the boonies and has a wonderful atmosphere (I also decided I can't be a great student with the distractions of a big city around me). But like any 4-year school without a structured, formal Post-Bacc, you'd have some obstacles.

The idea behind the ad-hoc method at a regular 4-year undergrad school is to be a non-matriculated, part-time student... but that would mean no federal financial aid. Or, you can enroll for a "second Bachelor's degree" and just happen to leave school when you just happen to complete the pre-requisite courses for your AMCAS application.

Also, be aware that your residency is important. If you're not a Minnesota resident, it's not impossible to get in, but it's definitely tougher, by at least a little bit.

 

[M.D. Wannabe]

I was born and raised in Mn and recieved an awesome education here but there is nothing in terms of post bacc. I will probably end up at Harvard next year cause I dont have any friends here anyway 🙁