Q re: Acceptance into Post Bacc

[DrKlopek]

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Does anyone have knowledge on acceptance rates into Post-Bacc programs?

If I decide to do this I would be committed, but I worry I could even get into such a program.

--I went to a top 10 school... however my GPA was only between a 3.0-3.2. I had a downward academic trend and a withdrew 1 semester b/c of illness. Then I came back because I decided I would finish whether I was ready or not and basically blew up my GPA in the last two semesters.

--2 years of work outside college (unrelated to science) have helped me turn myself around from my problems in school. I now have great work ethic and would have strong recommendations

--Already took Bio and Bio 2, did well in one but not the other (Can i take these over?)

--Already took Calc (B) and Statistics (A)

Do I have a chance at getting into a post-bacc program? I really have no reference as to how competitive/difficult it is to enter one of these. I do understand the meaning of money however... and the fact that it might cost 50K just to get the pre-reqs for Med School. Not a decision to be taken lightly in any respect. Any other advice would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Does anyone have knowledge on acceptance rates into Post-Bacc programs?

If I decide to do this I would be committed, but I worry I could even get into such a program.

--I went to a top 10 school... however my GPA was only between a 3.0-3.2. I had a downward academic trend and a withdrew 1 semester b/c of illness. Then I came back because I decided I would finish whether I was ready or not and basically blew up my GPA in the last two semesters.

--2 years of work outside college (unrelated to science) have helped me turn myself around from my problems in school. I now have great work ethic and would have strong recommendations

--Already took Bio and Bio 2, did well in one but not the other (Can i take these over?)

--Already took Calc (B) and Statistics (A)

Do I have a chance at getting into a post-bacc program? I really have no reference as to how competitive/difficult it is to enter one of these. I do understand the meaning of money however... and the fact that it might cost 50K just to get the pre-reqs for Med School. Not a decision to be taken lightly in any respect. Any other advice would be helpful. Thanks.

The top postbacs are notorious for not publishing any details on their specific admissions profiles. That being said, your downward trend will probably make you a long shot at the top programs -- the opposite is much easier to deal with, usually. Whether or not you can retake the Bios depends on a) how long ago you took them and b) how poorly you did in them. Generally speaking, however, formal postbacs will not allow you to retake courses you've already taken.

 

[DrKlopek]

Took Bio 1 & 2 back in 2002/2003. I got an A in one and a C+ in the other for a really dumb reason on my part. Anyway...

does it matter to go to a "top post-bacc" ... what if I apply to the lesser programs, what are the chances then? Are those not worth people's time?

 

[drizzt3117]

Personally if I weren't going a top program, I'd just do an informal postbac at a local college. That would give you some flexibility.

 

[DrKlopek]

Putting aside whatever is considered to be a "top post-bacc" in this area (I'm still doing my own research into that). . . does it sound like I'd have any shot at getting into a formal program? Or do these admissions decisions vary so greatly that it's tough to tell? Thanks for the help so far

 

[NewmansOwn]

Putting aside whatever is considered to be a "top post-bacc" in this area (I'm still doing my own research into that). . . does it sound like I'd have any shot at getting into a formal program? Or do these admissions decisions vary so greatly that it's tough to tell? Thanks for the help so far

You're right to think that it varies a lot. The quality difference between postbac programs can be quite extreme, from 100% acceptance into medical school all the way down to basically just stealing your money and bending you over for a year or two. The three names that usually come up with the former are Scripps, BM and Goucher, though many successful postbacs have come from Hopkins, UVa, Columbia and Penn, as well. Many others besides these may call themselves formal programs, but this may in fact be a stretch. So, the short answer is: yes, you could definitely find your way into a formal program, but you should do careful research to make sure its actually worth it. I tend to agree with drizz when he says that if you're not doing one of the best formal postbacs, your best bet is to do it informally on your own -- thousands each year matriculate into med school upon completing this self-designed course of study. Saves you money and, oftentimes, red tape.

 

[DrKlopek]

Thanks, that is very helpful and about what I figured you might say. The reason I would prefer a formal program even if it was a middle tier is because (1) I think I operate better on a formal schedule (2) I think the schools obviously are more supportive and have a formal recommendations process and (3) there is (i assume) an established post-bacc community at those schools with advisors, students in similar situations, etc.

I'd be worried doing my own program just by signing up for classes, and even if I did well in that situation not having the support of applying to Med School, prepping for Med School, prepping for the MCAT, etc.

 

[NewmansOwn]

Thanks, that is very helpful and about what I figured you might say. The reason I would prefer a formal program even if it was a middle tier is because (1) I think I operate better on a formal schedule (2) I think the schools obviously are more supportive and have a formal recommendations process and (3) there is (i assume) an established post-bacc community at those schools with advisors, students in similar situations, etc.

I'd be worried doing my own program just by signing up for classes, and even if I did well in that situation not having the support of applying to Med School, prepping for Med School, prepping for the MCAT, etc.

Sure, that's a natural feeling -- I would agree 100% on that. Problem is, there are formal programs out there that offer no support at all and are "formal" only in the sense that you get a "special" bill. If you operate better with strong support (and who doesn't, really?), I'd say definitely go for a formal program -- but just do yourself a favor and investigate as closely as you can to make sure the program you're interested in will do the following:

1) Give you personalized and specialized advising
2) Offer some sort of cohesive postbac community amongst the undergrads that will likely be all around you
3) Offer classes (or at least assistance finding classes) to help you prepare for the MCAT
4) MOST IMPORTANT: a strong letter of recommendation when it comes time for you to submit your application