Post Bacc Program....Yes or No?

[sjgiven]

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Hello Everyone,

This is my first time posting in SDN. I am currently a senior at Indiana University majoring in Human Biology with a minor in medical sciences. My cGPA is currently hovering right around a 3.7 and the sGPA is sitting right around a 3.5-3.6. I have yet to take the MCAT and have planned to do so during a gap year that I have decided to take.

I have recently come across a Post Bacc masters program in cellular and integrative physiology through the IU School of Medicine. My question is this: with my current stats, would it be beneficial (or risky) to enroll in this intensive program? Or should I utilize my gap year to study more for the MCAT and potentially volunteer or find clinical employment as an EMT, CNA, scribe, etc?

I know that this program would allow me to take several classes with first year med students, as well as allow me to make connections at IUSM and potentially receive some very good LOR's.

What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Doug Underhill]

Right now, you are at the average GPA for matriculants. You would be well-suited by having a similarly competitive MCAT score. You don't need an expensive program to get good LORs.

 

[FindMeOnTheLinks]

Don't do the postbac. High risk, low reward.

 

[kevinsword91]

Don't do postbac.

As someone with identical stats (3.7cGPA;3.6sGPA) you can get into medical school. I would advise studying for your MCAT while working part-time in a clinical position. That way you can do well on your MCAT and have a good clinical experience. Just get good LORs from your current professor who know you well. Letters alone are not worth the money and time you would spend on a post-bac.