Question

[Lovologist]

I'm a first time poster so sorry If any of my questions are stupid - What is the point of a post-bacc program that requires MCAT scores and 16 credit hours of chemistry?😕 I thought the whole point of post-bacc programs was to help those with little science background. I realize that there are different kinds of post bacc programs, but even the "gpa boosting" post bacc (plural - post bacci? jk) programs advertise themselves as also helping those with little science background. I am a junior Business Major deciding that I now want to pursue medicine. However, I don't think I'm going to get into Bryn Mawr (however thats spelled) but would like a program that is really intended for those with little science background. Any advice would be great!🙂 (sorry for the long question) (ps, I want to do DO medicine).

 

[relentless11]

I'm a first time poster so sorry If any of my questions are stupid - What is the point of a post-bacc program that requires MCAT scores and 16 credit hours of chemistry?😕 I thought the whole point of post-bacc programs was to help those with little science background. I realize that there are different kinds of post bacc programs, but even the "gpa boosting" post bacc (plural - post bacci? jk) programs advertise themselves as also helping those with little science background. I am a junior Business Major deciding that I now want to pursue medicine. However, I don't think I'm going to get into Bryn Mawr (however thats spelled) but would like a program that is really intended for those with little science background. Any advice would be great!🙂 (sorry for the long question) (ps, I want to do DO medicine).

There are essentially three kinds of post-bacc "programs".

(1) For career changers. These were meant for people who didn't come from a pre-med background. Thus, they do not require an MCAT or any pre-med classes.

(2) For re-applicants. These are for those that have applied already, and did not get in. They have the MCAT and pre-med requirements for obvious reasons.

(3) For merely GPA boosting. These programs are often times just a non-degree earning program at some school, with the name "pre-med post-bacc" slapped on it. These can be official or unofficial too. Clearly these do not require any MCAT score.

Anyway, the reasons for having some kind of criteria such as MCAT is to allow these programs to have a good idea of your "chances" of successfully applying. Official programs have the right to pick those that will most likely succeed, thus make their program more prestigious. You just have to go to that AAMC website to find post-bacc programs that are best for you. I went with option 3 since I have not applied yet, and I need to boost my GPA. However I've taken the MCAT already.