Post Baccalaureate vs. Just taking prerequisites

[bihari]

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Any opinions regarding taking prerequisite courses versus a post baccalaureate program? The former meaning taking the courses (bio, chem, physics, math) either at a community college or a 4yr college/university.

I am not exactly a non-traditional, but not exactly pre-med either. I am an engineering major who is just now (jr yr) considering medicine, and thinking of either Radiation Oncology or Radiology (my engineering background will be Electrical, and possibly Nuclear, right now I am 50/50 split between them, but the interest is in the Physics side of things). So I was thinking of squeezing in the biology and chemistry courses (already took chem 1 and physics) over the summers to complete the pre-reqs, and then study for the MCAT.

Post-bacc's seem very expensive, and all of the courses are available at the local community college (we even have organic 1+2 in an entire summer section...and I mean ENTIRE) so it seemed to be a good idea

Thanks!

 

[NTF]

Any opinions regarding taking prerequisite courses versus a post baccalaureate program? The former meaning taking the courses (bio, chem, physics, math) either at a community college or a 4yr college/university.

I am not exactly a non-traditional, but not exactly pre-med either. I am an engineering major who is just now (jr yr) considering medicine, and thinking of either Radiation Oncology or Radiology (my engineering background will be Electrical, and possibly Nuclear, right now I am 50/50 split between them, but the interest is in the Physics side of things). So I was thinking of squeezing in the biology and chemistry courses (already took chem 1 and physics) over the summers to complete the pre-reqs, and then study for the MCAT.

Post-bacc's seem very expensive, and all of the courses are available at the local community college (we even have organic 1+2 in an entire summer section...and I mean ENTIRE) so it seemed to be a good idea

Thanks!

I would call the admissions offices of some schools you'd consider applying to. Alot of medical schools frown or outright won't take prereqs from community colleges, but considering that you already have a science heavy major they may say it's fine.

 

[HumidBeing]

OP, we have a forum just for questions about post-bacc programs. I'm going to move your question over there where you are likely to find more people who can help you find appropriate answers to your questions.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Any opinions regarding taking prerequisite courses versus a post baccalaureate program? The former meaning taking the courses (bio, chem, physics, math) either at a community college or a 4yr college/university.

I am not exactly a non-traditional, but not exactly pre-med either. I am an engineering major who is just now (jr yr) considering medicine, and thinking of either Radiation Oncology or Radiology (my engineering background will be Electrical, and possibly Nuclear, right now I am 50/50 split between them, but the interest is in the Physics side of things). So I was thinking of squeezing in the biology and chemistry courses (already took chem 1 and physics) over the summers to complete the pre-reqs, and then study for the MCAT.

Post-bacc's seem very expensive, and all of the courses are available at the local community college (we even have organic 1+2 in an entire summer section...and I mean ENTIRE) so it seemed to be a good idea

Thanks!

If you can squeeze them in before you graduate from your 4-year, that'd be ideal. Saves you money and time, but somehow I doubt you'll have the time for that, even with summer courses.

There have been many successful applicants who completed some of their prereqs at a community college; there is nothing inherently wrong with it. However, some admissions webpages do request that you avoid taking the courses at a community college, if at all possible. If you have the option, financially and personally, of taking the classes at a 4-year, that would be my recommendation.

Formal postbacs are great, but they can be a little expensive and in your case it might make more sense just to stay on a 5th year at your current university.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Oh also, at my formal program we also offer Orgo 1 and 2 crammed into a summer session, for those who take Gen Chem during the academic year. I personally took Gen Chem during the summer, and found that challenging but doable. I have to be honest with you though -- Orgo is significantly more labor-intensive and intellectually challenging that Gen Chem and cramming it into a summer session is probably not the best idea in the world.

 

[BORNagainSTDENT]

do labs pertain to the lessons as they occur. Is it not ideal if they end up in another semester. ?

 

[NewmansOwn]

do labs pertain to the lessons as they occur. Is it not ideal if they end up in another semester. ?

Well yeah, you have to take the lab when you're taking the class. I'm sure exceptions can be made, but it would be highly unusual.