postbac advice needed from a science newbie

[midori]

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Hi everyone. I'm a senior English major at one of my state's public universities. I've finally decided that I want to go to med school and thus will have to complete a postbac program. the problem is, I can't decide which ones to apply to.

Here's some info:

-3.57 GPA (around 3.75 science GPA- I only took basic Bio and psychical science}
-I should be graduating Cum Laude in May.
-I've studied abroad...I know that doesn't relate to science, but I figure it will help distinguish me from other applicants (I hope).
-I'd like to find a program located in an area with good public transportation, as I cannot drive.
-In all honesty, a moderately priced program would make my wallet happy. However, I am perfectly willing to pay more (alot more, if required) for a better education, so I'll say that money is not the most important factor in my decision making.
-I've applied for the 2008 Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. I won't know if I am accepted into it until April. if I am accepted I know I'll choose to do that for a year before going back for my postbac program.

Some questions:


-I'm interested in applying to the Mt. Holyoke Frances Perkins/Postbac Program. I applied to MHC twice and was accepted both times, but for personal reasons could not attend. If I apply to the postbac program would there be a possibility this would play a decision in my acceptance decision? I.E., they'd look at my admissions record and pass on me because they figure I'd refuse them again?

-Theoretically, if I am accepted, would my experience in the JET program help my acceptance into a postbac program? Or would it be best to apply for the postbac programs this year and see what happens? I know I'm going to do a postbac program, I just don't know firmly if it will be in the fall of '08 or the fall of '09. I know teaching English in Japan for a year has nothing to do with medicine, but I figure it too will help me be a more well-rounded applicant.

-I'm also looking into taking classes at Vanderbilt University through their extension/evening classes program, mostly because it's as close as I can get to going to the school right now, and I already live in the Nashville area. Their classes are only available if they are not filled by VU students, but the tuition is by a credit-by-credit basis. I can't decide if this would better than completing a formal postbac program.


Other than the programs I've listed above, my dream program would be at Scripps. However, I've read that it's really hard to get into the program there. I kinda doubt I'd have a chance this year, but if I took classes somewhere locally and shadowed a doctor or volunteered in a healthcare setting, would this possibly help me out enough to get in to Scripps?


So, in conclusion, if anyone could maybe give me some advice about say my safety and/or reach programs, I would be forever grateful. I don't want to rush into this and choose a program willynilly.
Thanks to anyone who manages to make it through this longwinded post and is nice enough to give me some honest advice 😉

 

[NewmansOwn]

I wouldn't count yourself out for Scripps. I didn't apply there myself, since I want to stay near my girlfriend on the East Coast, but I got into Bryn Mawr's formal postbac (assumedly as good as Scripps) for '08-'09 with stats no more remarkable than yours, in most respects. (I should mention that I totally did not expect to get in).

A few thoughts:

-Your GPA is great; I got into Bryn Mawr with a 3.48. It seems to me the quality of your undergrad school matters, though. I went to William & Mary, which has a reputation for being intense academically, so Bryn Mawr figured my 3.48 was pretty stellar. It's really very unfair, but you might run into some trouble if you don't go to an elite or semi-elite school.

-Experience abroad is great, too! I studied in China (and by studied, I mean skipped class and traveled around like a bum) and Bryn Mawr loved that. I did some very light English teaching, too, which may have made me sound good on paper.

-Private programs are more expensive than just taking classes at a public institution, but the perks are near-impossible to beat -- and it's hard to argue with success: Scripps, Bryn Mawr and Goucher (the three best, probably) all have near-100% acceptance rates to med school. You get into one of those three? You're basically into med school -- takes a load off your shoulders. Also, they all have a dozen or so linkage programs with various med schools, so you can apply at the beginning of the program, get accepted (most do) and as long as you maintain a minimum GPA and nab a minimum MCAT score (not all that high), you skip the so-called "glide year" and start medical school right after the 1-year program.

-A word of caution: I will be tarred and feathered by some "do-it-yourselfers" for saying this, but after 2 years of research and talking to dozens of postbacs, med students and doctors, it seems taking classes part-time or on a credit-by-credit basis is not wise -- med schools are left with a big question mark regarding your ability to handle a rigorous science curriculum. You may say, "Well, I'll just take classes on my own fulltime at a public or extension school." If that actually works, great -- but after talking to the pre-med advisor at UMBC, most review committees at undergrad schools will not recommend you highly to medical schools UNLESS you follow their prescripted path which, according to her, ALWAYS takes more than one year. Factor in an extra year of living expenses and the private, formal one-year programs are actually cheaper.

-A second word of caution: If you go the formal postbac route, you MUST get some medical (clinical) experience -- hopefully hands-on. I'm an EMT, so that's an easy way to do it, but if you're applying so soon, you don't have time to complete training as an EMT. Instead, I'd recommend volunteering in an underserved area of your local hospital, like pediatric oncology. Plus, if you can keep your emotional head, so to speak, above water after talking to a 7-year old about his/her last 6 months of life, then you'll probably make a pretty solid doctor.

Bottom line, I think you've got a fair shot at the top programs, if you don't go to a no-name school (forgive me for being glib; I do not judge anyone for their choice of educational institution -- but the top programs will).

You can obviously fathom my bias, but I've attempted to be as forthright and honest as possible. Best of luck to you and don't hesitate to post again with any other questions you've got.

 

[midori]

Thanks for all the info. I think the major thing that's going to trip me up in this is the fact that I went to a school with absolutely no name recognition. (Admittedly, it is known for its recording industry program and a few others.) By no means, however, is it a hard/elite school.

Does this mean I should just not bother with Bryn Mawr, Goucher, or Scripps? I know the competition for those schools must be fierce and I doubt I'll make it with my credentials from my crappy school, unfair as that is.

 

[Lokhtar]

Doesn't hurt to apply. But you wouldn't really be hurt too much (if you don't get into the elite programs) by just doing what you want yourself in the state program.

 

[NewmansOwn]

I agree -- the lack of name recognition may hurt you, if I'm being honest, but I feel like Bryn Mawr is reasonably open-minded. If you stand out (in a positive way), they'll probably bite. I do know a few people who went to non-namebrand schools and got into Bryn Mawr (i.e. - Rutgers, UNC-Greensboro). Definitely apply, because formal postbacs are the way to go -- I've heard too many nightmare stories from do-it-yourselfers, though I'm sure it's possible to have a stress-free do-it-yourself postbac experience.

 

[Julietcf14]

Other than the programs I've listed above, my dream program would be at Scripps. However, I've read that it's really hard to get into the program there. I kinda doubt I'd have a chance this year, but if I took classes somewhere locally and shadowed a doctor or volunteered in a healthcare setting, would this possibly help me out enough to get in to Scripps?

I graduated from Scripps post bac in May and I have a little insight into what they want. I think you are an EXCELLENT Scripps candidate. Your GPA is certainly fine. They also look at SAT (and GRE if you have taken them) to determine your ability to take standardized tests. The average is about 1250 I think but mine was higher so the average may be higher. The most important thing at Scripps though is 1) Apply early!!! Apply now if you can. I was already accepted by November. 2) If you get an interview, they are looking for gregarious, fun , caring well-rounded people. My class on 15 people at Scripps was awesome. I have at least 6 really good friends I made there because they were all so easy to get along with. The class there currently is that same way!

If you have any questions about Scripps or want any advice just PM me. I would be more than happy to share what I know. And that goes for anyone who is reading this!

 

[Julietcf14]

Thanks for all the info. I think the major thing that's going to trip me up in this is the fact that I went to a school with absolutely no name recognition. (Admittedly, it is known for its recording industry program and a few others.) By no means, however, is it a hard/elite school.

Does this mean I should just not bother with Bryn Mawr, Goucher, or Scripps? I know the competition for those schools must be fierce and I doubt I'll make it with my credentials from my crappy school, unfair as that is.

Oh and the name of the school doesn't matter. We had a lot people from known schools, but there were also people from less known schools. That is not what matters to Jodi and Steve. They are looking for people who they would want treating them and their families. Its truly an amazing program! I loved my time there!

 

[NewmansOwn]

Oh and the name of the school doesn't matter. We had a lot people from known schools, but there were also people from less known schools. That is not what matters to Jodi and Steve. They are looking for people who they would want treating them and their families. Its truly an amazing program! I loved my time there!

Heeey! Fancy seeing you here -- love the new avatar. That's the best pic of him -- looks fit 'n' trim.

 

[Julietcf14]

Heeey! Fancy seeing you here -- love the new avatar. That's the best pic of him -- looks fit 'n' trim.

Yeah, If he hadn't posted those youtube videos, I would have thought he just another sexy dude in scrubs.