Post-Bach recommended programs?

[acrobat]

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I need some suggestions. I have a 30P MCAT with about a 3.6 overall, 3.45 science (mostly because of a 5 C in 2nd sem calc). I'm applying my second time. I have done all I can to increase my odds via health care experience, recommendations, etc. (graduated from UW_MADISON with a BS in Biology)

If I don't get in this year I think a post-bach would help me a lot. But. I don't want to get into something so hard that I worsen an already semi-descent application. I need to find a program that doesn't overkill their students with crazy coursework. Any ideas \success stories \whatever

 

[jules0328]

This is what I dont understand, I dont (personally) think your stats are bad at all. They are pretty decent if you ask me. Especially your 30 MCAT score. I would kill for that score. Anyway, if you have already taken your pre reqs, a post bacc wont really help you. Instead, you should take upper level sciences, I am sure most people on SDN will agree with me on this one. Maybe get a masters degree in biomedical sciences or something that is withing the science area that you may find interesting.

Did you apply to only state schools, or schools by where you live? If so, then you may have reduced your chances as well. Did you apply late? If so, maybe that was the reason for rejections.

Honestly, people with worst stats get into med school. You mentioned you received five C's and didnt do well in Calc II, were the 5 C's all in sciences? With a 3.4 science gpa, it doesnt seem too bad, a little low, but people have worst.

Let us know a bit more. What about your ECs. Did you shadow a doctor? Volunteer work? Regular work experience? Research? Published papers?

 

[acrobat]

one 5 credit C (not 5 Cs). Anyways, I NOT competitive at my state school-UW-MADISON. I am Barely competitive at MCOW(Milwuakee). Each state is different. Some have it worse some better. I knnow people who slide in with lower mcats and gpas but they have easier state schools or they have some sort of in, or they have some really good personal story or achievment. I just know it will be my 3rd year applying next year.........

3rd, so maybe u think i deserve to get in but i didn't so I have to make some sort of plans

any ideas?

I need to find one that isn't so hard it screws me over

 

[neuronerd]

Hi acrobat,

I have almost the same exact stats as you except that this is my first year applying. I'm from California and my stats are well below the averages there so I'm screwed as well.

Here is a link that I hope will work http://www.sunysb.edu/healthed/enrichment.html

where I found a ton of info and read up on the post bac prgorams. SO far I've applied to Georgetown but I will apply to five or six more. I have heard that these programs are all pretty intense so I don't know if you are interested. They are pretty good at stating if it is a rigorous program or not right there on their websites. In any case, hope it helps.

Some other things that I have done to beef up my app is:
1) aside from years of undergrad research, I am doing more research at the NIH under a Postbac Intramural Research Training Award (they accept appl. year round so tell me if you need more info). This looks great on your app especially at east coast schools. This is a great job because you can get a paper published fast. I've only been here 3 months and a paper is in submission. I highly recommend.

2) I'm looking into groups such as Americorps (1year) and Peacecorps (2years) so that if I don't get in, I can add something fantastic to my app. and interviews next time around. Maybe you can do things like that too?

3) Do you think that you can pull off a better MCAT score? If you rock it by five more points, it can offset your GPA. I don't know if I want to risk it though. I think I can raise my PS but my verbal is high and that might go down . . .I'm still thinking about this one. . .

Anyway, hope this helps some. Keep the faith because I'm losing it.

 

[sassieefrass]

Hi,
It looks like I am not gonna get into med school this year, not a big suprise, but I wanted to know if a postbac or a masters would be better for me. Here's my info: right now i have a total 3.1 gpa, a BCPM of 3.0 a MCAT score of 30: PS8 V13 B9, have worked in a HIV lab for 3 years, and volunteered over 300 hours. I am applying to postbacs right now but I am not sure which ones are the best to apply to. I would prefer a smaller class size but can deal with everything else. Any ideas? Oh also, I am graduating this june with a BS in Microbio, Immuno, and Molec Genetics from UCLA. Help.

 

[X.O.]

I need some suggestions. I have a 30P MCAT with about a 3.6 overall, 3.45 science (mostly because of a 5 C in 2nd sem calc). I'm applying my second time. I have done all I can to increase my odds via health care experience, recommendations, etc. (graduated from UW_MADISON with a BS in Biology)

If I don't get in this year I think a post-bach would help me a lot. But. I don't want to get into something so hard that I worsen an already semi-descent application. I need to find a program that doesn't overkill their students with crazy coursework. Any ideas \success stories \whatever

I would recommend scheduling a meeting with the dean of admissions at your state schools and getting their take on what you need to do to improve your application. The application cycle for 05 is winding down for the rolling schools so they should be able to meet with you.

 

[jules0328]

one 5 credit C (not 5 Cs). Anyways, I NOT competitive at my state school-UW-MADISON. I am Barely competitive at MCOW(Milwuakee). Each state is different. Some have it worse some better. I knnow people who slide in with lower mcats and gpas but they have easier state schools or they have some sort of in, or they have some really good personal story or achievment. I just know it will be my 3rd year applying next year.........

3rd, so maybe u think i deserve to get in but i didn't so I have to make some sort of plans

any ideas?

I need to find one that isn't so hard it screws me over

So I guess (from your tone) you want to stay in your state? Have you thought about a second Masters?

 

[Singing Devil]

So I guess (from your tone) you want to stay in your state? Have you thought about a second Masters?

or even a first Masters...