PostBacc Program and Cost

[Nontrad85]

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I recently contacted a couple of medical schools I wish to matriculate. While they advised me to continue taking extension classes while working full time, it seemed like they really want me to do a post-bacc program arguing that it would be a lot faster to boost my GPA (which is definitely a fair argument). I take their advise in full consideration, but the cost of attending a post-bacc program is way beyond what my pocket can afford.

I would like to know if there are high caliber program that would allow students to work part-time while possibly taking courses.

Also, for any HES alumni or current matriculant, I would like to know if it is a bad idea to juggle between courses and part-time job.


Thanks in advance!

 

[aSagacious]

I know UPenn has a pretty good setup for part timers (and they're on the cheap side too). If the deadline hasn't already passed I'd check 'em out.

http://www.sas.upenn.edu/lps/postbac/pre-health

 

[deleted248403]

I know UPenn has a pretty good setup for part timers (and they're on the cheap side too). If the deadline hasn't already passed I'd check 'em out.

You are joking right?
UPenn Post-bac is one of the most expensive (if not the most expensive) in the country....

It is good for part-timers, but there are definitely cheaper programs

 

[aSagacious]

Hmm, I thought they ran about 24,500 for the year (assuming two semesters). That's not terrible in comparison to some of the other programs out there.

http://www.sas.upenn.edu/lps/postbac/pre-health/tuition

 

[deleted248403]

Intro Bio at Penn - $2,500

Intro Bio at HES - $1,125

 

[aSagacious]

Haha, point well taken

 

[QrtrLifeCrisis]

.

 

[Nontrad85]

Thank you for all the response.

@Robflanker: Would it be safe to assume that you're an HES alumni? If so, I would like to know if you know anyone who took courses at HES while working part-time (ie. as a Research Assistant)? Also, would you recommend working part time while completing 24 credits (based on the website for sponsorship) in ONE year? Thanks!

 

[deleted248403]

@Robflanker: Would it be safe to assume that you're an HES alumni? If so, I would like to know if you know anyone who took courses at HES while working part-time (ie. as a Research Assistant)? Also, would you recommend working part time while completing 24 credits (based on the website for sponsorship) in ONE year? Thanks!

No, I'm a Penn Post-bac alum

24-credits is full-time (least it has been at every school i've attended, 12 credits per semester was minimum to be fulltime) so no i wouldn't recommend working part-time and going to school full-time. Its do-able but it depends on how many hours you are planning on working.

The goal is always to get As, take as many classes and work as many hours such that you can get As.
No point working 30hrs a week, taking 24 credits in a year, and getting a 2.0 average....just to say you got it done in 1year

 

[Kaustikos]

See, the thing about these programs is that you can work while doing them. Having worked fulltime while doing an SMP, I can say that it's definitely feasible. Would I recommend it? Absolutely not. In the end, you're risking this great shot at proving yourself to adcoms by working. Unless you can find a job that's chill/doesn't require much (library/etc), I wouldn't really go for it. The only reason is if you absolutely needed the money (like me).

 

[deleted407805]

The Scripps College Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program is pretty well-respected, and has 18-month and two-year program options that would let you work 20 hours a week while taking courses part-time.

There are probably cheaper options, though, haha!

I would like to know if there are high caliber program that would allow students to work part-time while possibly taking courses.

 

[neurogenesis]

Thank you for all the response.

@Robflanker: Would it be safe to assume that you're an HES alumni? If so, I would like to know if you know anyone who took courses at HES while working part-time (ie. as a Research Assistant)? Also, would you recommend working part time while completing 24 credits (based on the website for sponsorship) in ONE year? Thanks!

Plenty of people work PT while at HES, plenty work FT too. Can you do it, maybe. Go look at the HES thread, plenty of people have asked this already. The going answer is depending on your background and study skills it is possible. ONE year is tough though; whether you work or not

 

[racataca]

Northwestern also has a post-baccalaureate pre-med program that runs at about $10,000/year (so $20k total) and holds its classes at nights and on weekends. For Northwestern and Chicago, that's crazy cheap.

You can elect to take it in six quarters (two years), over five quarters including two summers, or over four quarters with one summer (those latter two options are pretty much full time, with three classes + labs each quarter).