Post-Bacc Programs Needed (Relative to my Situation)

[Emilsinclair9]

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Hey guys,

Lately I've been overwhelmed with the volume of information out there on this topic. Yes, I've used the search function on this site, as well as other websites, but I still cannot figure out what I should do or where I should apply.

In a nutshell, I failed out of high school when I was 16, did California Community College, transferred to UC Berkeley, but never took the SAT or ACT. That said, do I need to take the GRE (or another standardized test) to be competitive for post-bacc programs in California or elsewhere? If so, I guess I'll start studying ASAP for the GRE.

Also, my parents are not helping me finance my post-bacc in any way whatsoever. All of my living expenses, transportation, tuition, and any other expenses fall on me. I'm 23 years old, and graduated from Berkeley in 2012. I don't have much money. Obviously, I will have to take on loans, and I am okay with that reality. However, I am looking for the ideal combination of an inexpensive post-bacc program that would/could provide me with a committee letter at the end of the program. I graduated with a 3.0 from Berkeley as a Psychology major, so I know that is not stellar either. Combining that with my CCC GPA, I am probably closer to a 3.1 or 3.2 GPA. I live in Berkeley currently, so anywhere near Berkeley would be great. However, I am open to out-of-state post-baccs as well or southern California post-baccs, too. I have never taken any pre-med requirements or Calculus.

Should I sign up for a Calculus class ASAP at a CCC?

Basically, I'm looking for programs that aren't too expensive, will provide me with a committee letter, will give me a solid shot at acceptance with a 3.1ish overall GPA, and ideally do not -require- standardized test scores, as I currently do not have any.


Thank you (anyone and everyone) so much for any advice you can provide for me. I really do appreciate it. I've been feeling somewhat hopeless about my future lately, and in no way am I looking for sympathy or pity; I only mean to suggest that your advice and guidance means a lot to me. Thank you.
- See more at: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...to-my-situation.1103842/#sthash.wi2lVLND.dpuf

 

[DrMidlife]

1. If you're overwhelmed by all the info, sure, take a break, but then get back in there and do the work. If you're looking to spend an hour and have it all figured out, that's just dumb. Spend 10 hours in this forum for starters, and at least another 5 in the reapplicant forum (to learn what mistakes to avoid). Nobody is going to figure this out for you.
2. The word "postbac" is useless for you. Too broad. I believe what you need is:
a) additional undergrad (not an SMP)
b) med school prereqs
c) GPA redemption
3. With a 3.0 in psych you don't get to list any demands on the kind of program you want. You need to beg and scramble.
4. You need to be looking for a way to get 2-3 more years of undergrad done. In your shoes I'd be looking for a job at a university that offers free tuition. And then keep your head down, live cheap, get piles and piles of A's.

In GPA redemption you have to be the mature and capable grownup in charge. You might need to take a few more years out of school before you're ready for this. Really.

Best of luck to you.