Post-baccs for science majors?

[evade]

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Hi, all.

Sorry if this is a repeat thread; I don't usually peruse this forum. I have a friend who recently decided she'd like to go to medical school, though her GPA is around a 2.8 (you all know the reasons. . .lack of motivation, bad stuff happening, yadda yadda). Suffice is to say, she's pulling this up, but she's only got another year to do it, and she's pretty sure it won't be high enough by the time she graduates. She is of the opinion that her only choice will be the Carribean, because she thinks that post-bacc programs are only for people who were not science majors and thus did not complete their prereqs during undergrad.

So. My question is, are there any post-bacc programs for people who were science majors and need another shot at some of the classes they didn't do well in? If so, where are they? Any experience with them? Thanks much!

 

[rob14599]

Yes, Drexel's IMS and MSP programs. I believe Tulane also has a one-year Anatomy certificate program for science grads.

 

[KrnFord920]

Hi, all.

Sorry if this is a repeat thread; I don't usually peruse this forum. I have a friend who recently decided she'd like to go to medical school, though her GPA is around a 2.8 (you all know the reasons. . .lack of motivation, bad stuff happening, yadda yadda). Suffice is to say, she's pulling this up, but she's only got another year to do it, and she's pretty sure it won't be high enough by the time she graduates. She is of the opinion that her only choice will be the Carribean, because she thinks that post-bacc programs are only for people who were not science majors and thus did not complete their prereqs during undergrad.

So. My question is, are there any post-bacc programs for people who were science majors and need another shot at some of the classes they didn't do well in? If so, where are they? Any experience with them? Thanks much!

there are plenty that are set up for science majors to boost up their credentials before applying to med school. Georgetown SMP, Drexel IMS, Boston U MAMS, EVMS program, Loyola (and some others i cant recall off the top of my head)- these all offer a master's degree in something and vary from 1-2 years.

There are other programs that don't give you a degree but are open to previous science students - VCU certification program, UPenn, etc.

You should check out the AAMC website on post-bacc programs (services.aamc.org/postbac/)... lots of good info there.

 

[Instatewaiter]

There are 2 type of post-bacs: those for people who have not finished the requirements and those for people who have done them but need to improve their credentials. The first is usually college level while the second is usually graduate level.
I did the grad level VCU post bac after posting an impressive 2.8 GPA. I got into VCU medical school for the following year. They are definately worth it if he/she is able to do the work.

I would recommend convincing your friend not to go to the carribean. It is really quite hard to get a good residency from an non-US school. It is do-able, but if you do the extra year of the SMP or certificate programs you will have a good shot of getting into a US school. Plus you have a step up in med school since you have taken most of the classes at the grad level.