post bachelor confusion???

[newdaddy]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi all!
I am wondering about post bac programs to finish my pre-med requirements. I already have chem, but I need to take a year of bio, year of ochem and year of physics. The physics I can take in the summer. That menas that next year I would take bio and ochem. My question is about getting accepted to a program. If I am still taking this 1 yr of bio and ochem, will I still have a chance of starting school in Fall 2003? (By the way I currently have a 3.79 GPA if that helps.) Will I basically have to wait a full year after completing my pre-reqs to apply? I appreciate any insight you might have. I just don't know how it works. Thanks! <img border="0" alt="[Wowie]" title="" src="graemlins/wowie.gif" />

 

[Wednesday]

Hi newdaddy,

I recently completed my postbacc studies and will be and MS1 this fall. The easy answer to your question is yes, you will have to wait an entire year before matriculating once you finish your prereqs. Since you will be completing organic and bio in the spring of 2003 and taking the MCAT April 2003. This will put you into the application cycle for the entering class of 2004.

HOWEVER There are postbacc programs with linkage agreements with medical schools that allow postbaccs to skip the lag year. These are usually formal programs. You'd have to research the programs in your area. I know that Mills College in Oakland has linkage with an osteopathic program in CA and will let you into the postbacc program even if you only have two more classes to complete (some won't). The problem with linkage is that you don't get as many choices as you might if you went through the regular application process.

A lag year isn't always bad. It gives you time to do some research or volunteering and to make money before the financial sink of med school. You can also take biochem, which is an awesome class and is rumored to be a good thing to be exposed to before med school. I understand wanting to start as soon as possible though. I am glad my waiting period is finally over!

One more caveat--I applied to allopathic schools. And as far as I know, this info is correct for osteopathic schools as well. If not someone here might be able to correct me.

Good luck! 😀

 

[Stillfocused]

What part of the country do you want to go to school in?

 

[newdaddy]

Thanks for the replies! I am interested in attending COMP in Pomona. I know some grads from there and the fact that it is here in So Cal and everything makes it even more appealing. (I'm married with kids and would like to stay put.) All advice is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Stillfocused]

This should help. AAMC's list of post-bac programs.

<a href="http://www.aamc.org/students/considering/postbac.htm" target="_blank">http://www.aamc.org/students/considering/postbac.htm</a>

Remember that what you really need it a place where you can complete your science requirements. Depending on quality of instruction a community college or state school can be adequate for these purposes. The advantage of an established program is the recommendation from a commitee and a composite letter from a premed adivisor.