SF Bay Area programs?

[postbacca]

---

Members do not see this ad.

After reading another thread I've decided not to attend Berkeley Extension's postbacc. Mills sounds great but isn't an option for me because they require a standardized test score.

So I've narrowed it down to the Cal State system. I hear SFSU open university is the way to go. What about SJSU open university or Hayward open? I'm guessing SFSU is better because of its postbacc community vs Hayward and SJ which don't have "formal" postbacc programs. Can anyone please confirm this?

Aside from Mills and the State Colleges are there any other well-known or great postbacc programs in or around SF/SJ Bay Area?

Thanks so much for any info!

 

[Tizoc]

As a person in a similar situation (post-bac looking to start his pre-med studies in the Bay Area), if you're just looking to start your pre-reqs, I'd pick the most convienent Cal State near you (and your work if so). I wouldn't worry too much about the program as much as I would worry about making sure you can get into the classes you need and getting good grades in them.

I should also mention that Open Uni for SJSU is set up so that you actually pay more than someone who signs up as a post-bac student and you sign up for classes last. I'm not sure if it works like this for the other CSUs but I'd make it a point to ask. It's the reason why I just enrolled at SJSU properly. Signing up as a post-bac student also gets you access to pre-med advising, so it's not like I'm not getting the same benefits that SFSU gives for its formal program.

Recommended reading are this and this thread. Nasrudin and notdeadyet drop the knowledge.

 

[just thoughts]

Despite what you may have heard, there are some good things about Berkeley Extension, and if you're proactive, you can get what you need from the program.

I'm currently enrolled, and while there have definitely been some hurdles (I was in a class with someone that expressed their displeasure with Extension), I don't have the same bad experiences that a couple other people have had. Feel free to PM me if you're interested in hearing something a bit more positive about Extension.

First, classes are in the evenings (and some afternoons), so that works very well for someone that really needs to work during the day. You're not going to get automatic individualized attention, but in my experience, if you ask for help, professors will make time for you, even minutes before an exam. The Program Advisor is awesome and responds immediately to concerns, as well as general inquiries regarding your specific situation and the med school application process.


Extension isn't perfect by any stretch (nothing is), and it does cost more than a community college and possibly classes at a CSU (I'm guessing here). However, it is a solid program for a self-motivator that works during the day and may or may not be interested or engaged in volunteer work somewhere. It's a perfect case of "if you want it, it's here. But you'll have to come and get it."

just thoughts...

 

[postbacca]

hey tizoc, how do you like SJSU so far? are these classes at night or during the day? and can you comment on your professors so far? thanks!

 

[Tizoc]

Actually I start this January. My classes are all late morning to early evening and I can't really comment of the profs, but I am using ratemyprofessors.com as my guide.