Selecting post-bacc programs

[bananaz]

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I just finished my 5th year of undergrad and will be doing one more year to complete organic chemistry + physics. I didn't decide on medicine until my 4th year of college, which is why my studies have extended so long (my degree will be in psychology with a minor in organic chemistry).

My undergraduate recorded isn't fantastic. I have around a 3.3 GPA currently, not sure what my science GPA is but it's likely right around there. I am hoping I can pull it up a bit in the next year, but we'll see. I also have several NPs on my transcript from a difficult period in junior year.

Other stuff:

• 1420 SAT (800 verbal, 620 math)
• 100+ hours volunteering at the animal shelter
• 20 hours shadowing physicians
• 3 years research assistant in education dep't
• 1 year lead research assistant in clinical psych lab
• 4+ years employment as notetaker for hearing-impaired students
• Volunteer photographer for families with terminally ill children (not sure how many hours, it's highly variable from month to month)
• Haven't taken the MCAT

I know I need clinical experience and am hoping to find some opportunities this coming year.

Given my stats as they stand now, are there any decent post-bacc programs I might have a chance of getting into? I am looking mainly at the east coast right now and from what I've read Temple ACMS seems to be the best fit but I'm guessing that's a pretty competitive program. Other programs I'm interested in are UConn (Program B) and the Harvard Extension School health careers program, but I'd be interested in hearing about other ones too.

Also, does anyone know if there is an expiration date on SAT scores? I think I took mine in 2004, I hope they're still okay because I kind of like the score.

 

[deleted248403]

Forget UConn unless you are in-state

 

[bananaz]

Forget UConn unless you are in-state

Yeah I've gathered that from what I've read on here. Really unfortunate because the location would be perfect. Oh well

 

[bananaz]

On a side note, maybe I am just dense but where is the application PDF?

It says "A completed signed application available at the link above" but I am not seeing any link... 😕

http://www.temple.edu/medicine/education/post_bac_programs_application_information.htm

 

[Mordacc]

I called them not too long ago and they said that the link just wasn't up yet, and to wait until around mid September.

 

[bananaz]

I called them not too long ago and they said that the link just wasn't up yet, and to wait until around mid September.

Ah okay, that's good to know. I was going to ask them but was worried maybe it was there and I had just missed it (wouldn't be the first time). Thanks 🙂

 

[BeachBlondie]

Ah, Harvard.

I'll GLADLY talk about that.

Let' me tell you about my background first:

Much like you, I was late in the game for a medical school decision. Originally, I was sportscasting, thus my major was in film production. Then, on the eve of my graduating semester, I had the medicine epiphany.

I was buying all kinds of books for premeds and bumbling my way through--all the while assuming that my last 3 and a half years of college had been for naught and that I had to switch to a biology major, condemning me to 3 MORE years. But, during a "Meet the Deans Night" at my school, I raised my hand and asked about changing my major, and one of them stopped me short and said, "DO NOT switch." She went on to explain that diversity is valued, and so forth. She then told me to graduate, and to take a post-baccalaureate program.

So, about a year ago, I began applications to post-baccs. I was accepted to nearly all of them, but felt that I needed to really find my niche if this was to be such a study-intensive time in my life. Then, I stumbled upon Harvard.

Harvard fits me perfectly. Rather than offering the day-long, structured programs that most others do, it's rather laissez faire. You take classes twice per week, in the evening, and are completely responsible for finding any and all medical exposure. Your'e completely in charge of building your own applications in any way that you want. And THAT is something I can get behind.

The staff is RAVED about by the students: the Director of the program will talk to you on the phone for as long as you need (and is incredibly honest about what he thinks your chances are), and the professors are brilliant and always available. In addition, the cost of tuition is less that 10% of some of the other programs I was accepted into.

The gilded lily of it all is the sponsorship letter. Because Harvard's program is rigorous, it is VERY well known and VERY well respected. If you meet the standards set forth to you by the HCP (Health Careers Program) office, you will qualify to have its sponsorship. Basically, it symbolizes their stamp of approval (on behalf of the university) that you are fit to make a successful medical student. And, as has been told to me over and over again by the HCP alumni, the letter is your golden ticket.

I started class this week, and have lived in Boston for about a month now. I love it. The vibes on campus are super laid back, and everything is beautiful. I've spoken with BOTH of my professors, and they're incredibly nice. More than that, the courses are set up for you to SUCCEED. There are so many opportunities to speak with the staff if you're having problems, to form study groups, to clarify material, and to ensure that it's all sinking in.

Bottom line: Harvard wants to maintain its stellar reputation. It's going to try its best to see you off to medical school unscathed.

 

[bananaz]

Ah, Harvard.

I'll GLADLY talk about that.

Let' me tell you about my background first:

Much like you, I was late in the game for a medical school decision. Originally, I was sportscasting, thus my major was in film production. Then, on the eve of my graduating semester, I had the medicine epiphany.

I was buying all kinds of books for premeds and bumbling my way through--all the while assuming that my last 3 and a half years of college had been for naught and that I had to switch to a biology major, condemning me to 3 MORE years. But, during a "Meet the Deans Night" at my school, I raised my hand and asked about changing my major, and one of them stopped me short and said, "DO NOT switch." She went on to explain that diversity is valued, and so forth. She then told me to graduate, and to take a post-baccalaureate program.

So, about a year ago, I began applications to post-baccs. I was accepted to nearly all of them, but felt that I needed to really find my niche if this was to be such a study-intensive time in my life. Then, I stumbled upon Harvard.

Harvard fits me perfectly. Rather than offering the day-long, structured programs that most others do, it's rather laissez faire. You take classes twice per week, in the evening, and are completely responsible for finding any and all medical exposure. Your'e completely in charge of building your own applications in any way that you want. And THAT is something I can get behind.

The staff is RAVED about by the students: the Director of the program will talk to you on the phone for as long as you need (and is incredibly honest about what he thinks your chances are), and the professors are brilliant and always available. In addition, the cost of tuition is less that 10% of some of the other programs I was accepted into.

The gilded lily of it all is the sponsorship letter. Because Harvard's program is rigorous, it is VERY well known and VERY well respected. If you meet the standards set forth to you by the HCP (Health Careers Program) office, you will qualify to have its sponsorship. Basically, it symbolizes their stamp of approval (on behalf of the university) that you are fit to make a successful medical student. And, as has been told to me over and over again by the HCP alumni, the letter is your golden ticket.

I started class this week, and have lived in Boston for about a month now. I love it. The vibes on campus are super laid back, and everything is beautiful. I've spoken with BOTH of my professors, and they're incredibly nice. More than that, the courses are set up for you to SUCCEED. There are so many opportunities to speak with the staff if you're having problems, to form study groups, to clarify material, and to ensure that it's all sinking in.

Bottom line: Harvard wants to maintain its stellar reputation. It's going to try its best to see you off to medical school unscathed.

Thanks so much for all the information. Even after reading their website and speaking with staff it can be hard to get a "feel" for a program from a student's perspective, which is exactly what you provided, so thank you. In hindsight I definitely wish I had just graduated with my degree in psychology and done a full post-bacc program. Oh well.

I am still confused about whether or not students who have already done the basic pre-reqs can be eligible for sponsorship though. I know they can't get the diploma, but from the site it looks like the only requirements for sponsorship are GPA and number of credits, so I'm hoping that means that students in the program for GPA enhancement can be sponsored. I asked Mr. Peterson about that so hopefully he will clarify that for me. Do you think it's better to call rather than email?

 

[BeachBlondie]

I've never emailed them myself--always called--but I've heard that their response time is immediately; latest is the next day. I know they're pretty busy right now with class starting this week. So, if you don't hear back by midday tomorrow I'd go ahead and call them. Peterson is awesome, and you'll probably be able to catch him.