Rejected from Hunter post bacc- now what?

[anonymous123]

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So, I just received a rejection email from the Hunter post bacc program. I thought I had a fairly strong application (3.5 undergrad GPA, 2.5 science GPA with about 30 science credits, so I was applying for the enrichment track, and I have worked in a healthcare-related field for the past 3 years and am very certain about going into medicine, which I thought was reflected in my essay...), so this has come as a surprise.

The impression I was given from information sessions was that the program was not super competitive, and that the main reasons for rejection would be an overall GPA below 3.0 (they specifically said that science GPAs much lower than that would not be a problem) or a lack of demonstrated interest/passion for medicine. Given my professional background, that one has me stumped, too. As far as I can tell, my essay was fine--my academic background was in writing and I tried to outline how my career and volunteer path has led me to decide on going into medicine.

So I'm not sure where I went wrong or what to do next. Take classes as a 2nd degree student? Apply somewhere else? I only applied to Hunter, as it seemed by far the best option in NYC (where I live and work) as far as affordability. And I figured that if I didn't get in to Hunter, I had no chance at Columbia or another more selective program... so now what?

Sorry if this is incoherent, I'm a bit shocked. That's what I get for obsessively checking my email on a Saturday night.

 

[brew]

Why don't you try contacting them on why they rejected you. I'm sure you might be able to explain what you just told us and they might reconsider. Also, ask them what you should work on to gain acceptance for next time, etc. At the very least, see where you went wrong.

 

[medicii]

Post bac deadline for Columbia/NYU was April 1, and they're still reviewing applications and handing out acceptances. Maybe you can scramble your application together and see if they'll accept it.

If not, there's still plenty of formal postbac options in the NYC area that don't have deadlines until May or later: City College, Fordham, Hofstra, Stony Brook just to name a few.

If nothing else, you can always take classes at Hunter as a non-degree student. Seats in popular classes such as the sciences are not guaranteed though.

P.S. I don't agree with the assertion that Hunter is more or less competitive than other programs such as Columbia. Hunter's deadline for materials was back in December. Columbia's was in April. Hunter is reported to have better advising, although Columbia has linkages. Hunter's group is smaller, and more tight-knit (check out their Pre-Health Post-Bac Yahoo! Group), while Columbia's may be more diverse. Each clearly has their own merits and faults. And Hunter's program is a heck of a lot cheaper.
P.P.S. Hopefully this will be a lesson for you not to put all your eggs in one basket, no matter how good the fit. If/when you apply to medical school, be sure to apply widely and broadly (and of course early). Last thing you want is applications to all top 10 med schools with no acceptances and thus a wasted cycle! Good luck.

 

[Bru]

Taking classes as a non-degree at the CUNYs is hard but doable. You just need to be persistent. Classes without labs (since lab space is short) are much easier to get into.

As for the admissions I can only speculate. I do know the program is getting more competitive each year in terms of numbers of applicants. I wouldn't bother with Columbia due to your sGPA. Have you looked at the CCNY program? I know it exists but I am unsure on details.