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- Sep 19, 2005
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Hi everybody, this is my first thread here. Sorry that I have so many questions, but any answers/opinions are appreciated.
I know this program is discussed a lot here, and I have read through the huge Hunter thread, but I have a few other questions.
1) I realize a lot of people are saying Hunter is great, but honestly, how is the program viewed by medical schools? Does it have a ranking of postbacc programs nationally? Having attended a small SUNY college for undergrad, I had to learn the hard way how much school reputation DOES matter, so I am very concerned about this. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth paying an extra 30k just for Columbia's reputation. Also, I had started a soc sci grad program at Hunter and later dropped out, after feeling that the students in that program were a little subpar for graduate level, so I am very concerned about the quality of Hunter's education.
2) Since this is not a formal postbacc program, does this mean you are enrolling in regular undergrad courses? Do any of the older students find it difficult/frustrating being in classes with students who are academically far behind you? Or does it not matter at all since we are all new to science?
3) Does anyone here have any arguments for Columbia over Hunter?
4) What is the name of the new premed advisor who I keep hearing is great and just switched from City College?
5) Anyone know the deadline for starting classes at Hunter this January?
6) Is there an info session/orientation scheduled? Anybody who will meet with prospective students to answer questions?
and perhaps most importantly...
7) Is this something that must be done full time? Does anyone in the program work full time 9-5, or even part time? Are there enough night classes to take a full schedule on or are daytime classes totally necessary?
Also, on a more general level:
Considering that many postbaccs are people who did a complete 180 into medicine later in life after having been in other fields: how did you know that medicine was for you? I can't help but worry whether I am making the right decision, having never even thought about medicine or science before 3 months ago. Now it feels like the only thing for me, but I am still so unsure and scared. Did everyone feel this way? After having dropped out of a grad program once, I guess I'm just afriad of making another mistake and I am plagued with the "what if I can't hack it/what if i hate it/what if I regret it" questions, and I'm not sure where to turn for answers.
Thanks everybody.
I know this program is discussed a lot here, and I have read through the huge Hunter thread, but I have a few other questions.
1) I realize a lot of people are saying Hunter is great, but honestly, how is the program viewed by medical schools? Does it have a ranking of postbacc programs nationally? Having attended a small SUNY college for undergrad, I had to learn the hard way how much school reputation DOES matter, so I am very concerned about this. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth paying an extra 30k just for Columbia's reputation. Also, I had started a soc sci grad program at Hunter and later dropped out, after feeling that the students in that program were a little subpar for graduate level, so I am very concerned about the quality of Hunter's education.
2) Since this is not a formal postbacc program, does this mean you are enrolling in regular undergrad courses? Do any of the older students find it difficult/frustrating being in classes with students who are academically far behind you? Or does it not matter at all since we are all new to science?
3) Does anyone here have any arguments for Columbia over Hunter?
4) What is the name of the new premed advisor who I keep hearing is great and just switched from City College?
5) Anyone know the deadline for starting classes at Hunter this January?
6) Is there an info session/orientation scheduled? Anybody who will meet with prospective students to answer questions?
and perhaps most importantly...
7) Is this something that must be done full time? Does anyone in the program work full time 9-5, or even part time? Are there enough night classes to take a full schedule on or are daytime classes totally necessary?
Also, on a more general level:
Considering that many postbaccs are people who did a complete 180 into medicine later in life after having been in other fields: how did you know that medicine was for you? I can't help but worry whether I am making the right decision, having never even thought about medicine or science before 3 months ago. Now it feels like the only thing for me, but I am still so unsure and scared. Did everyone feel this way? After having dropped out of a grad program once, I guess I'm just afriad of making another mistake and I am plagued with the "what if I can't hack it/what if i hate it/what if I regret it" questions, and I'm not sure where to turn for answers.
Thanks everybody.
