SFSU 2019-2020 POSTBAC

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s4dg

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Hi! i don't think there's a thread for this cycle? Maybe I'm wrong and someone could send over link. Otherwise, has anyone heard anything back for summer or fall start dates??!?!
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Hey! I’ve been looking for a thread too. I haven’t heard back from them either. I called last week and they said they were still reviewing applications. I applied for the summer semester
 
nellylena said:
Hey! I’ve been looking for a thread too. I haven’t heard back from them either. I called last week and they said they were still reviewing applications. I applied for the summer semester
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so they haven't sent out interviews either?
 
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PsyRy said:
I was interviewed this month for the Summer cycle (they initially asked for an interview in March but I had to reschedule), and they told me I was accepted about 2 weeks ago. I imagine if you applied for the Fall program it'll be a bit longer, as they only do one interview day per month. My last name starts with 'C', so that may be why I was already contacted.
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PsyRy, what was the interview like? I heard theres two rounds: group and then individual. I didn't know they only do one interview day per month. Also, if you're comfortable do you mind sharing your stats? Want to gauge admission and cohort stats since there isn't much information on that.

I applied for Fall semester a few days ago, probably wont hear back until a few ways after the application deadline (this upcoming May 1st).
 
PsyRy said:
I was interviewed this month for the Summer cycle (they initially asked for an interview in March but I had to reschedule), and they told me I was accepted about 2 weeks ago. I imagine if you applied for the Fall program it'll be a bit longer, as they only do one interview day per month. My last name starts with 'C', so that may be why I was already contacted.
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Im getting so anxious 🙁 did they say when the last date of interviews are? Also, is it based on rolling admissions, or do they go through applications a different way? (i.e. alphabetically)
 
PsyRy said:
I was interviewed this month for the Summer cycle (they initially asked for an interview in March but I had to reschedule), and they told me I was accepted about 2 weeks ago. I imagine if you applied for the Fall program it'll be a bit longer, as they only do one interview day per month. My last name starts with 'C', so that may be why I was already contacted.
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Also, how long after your interview did you hear back?
 
s4dg said:
Im getting so anxious 🙁 did they say when the last date of interviews are? Also, is it based on rolling admissions, or do they go through applications a different way? (i.e. alphabetically)
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No they didn't tell me when the last interviews are. I'm not exactly sure how their system works, but I'd encourage you to call them if you really want to know. Did you apply to summer or fall?
s4dg said:
Also, how long after your interview did you hear back?
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I double-checked and it took them 3 days after my interview to get back to me.
 
Do you guys know if the program is rolling admissions? I'm looking through older threads and saw that it was rolling admissions (different directors back then) but I'm unable to find that information on the program website now. Makes me nervous because I submitted a few days before deadline.


PsyRy said:
Ya there was a small group and individual interview. It was a fairly relaxed setting with time for Q&A about the program and they had some students in the program there to talk to. I don't believe I should disclose too much, but they assessed our critical thinking skills, teamwork, hypothetical scenarios, and personal experiences / future plans.

My stats:
UGrad: SJSU, Psychology Major
GPA: 3.9
Research: 1.5 years in psych labs at SJSU and 1 year at the SFVA. One poster and one presentation.
Clinical: 4 months at a psych hospital
Volunteering: 3 years with autistic children, 1 year teaching english to adults
Other: 1.5 years in community mental health, 1 year teaching science to kids, 8 years teaching drums

I didn't really get to know the stats of the other applicants unfortunately. Hope that helps!
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Thank you PsyRy! Also, congratulations on your acceptance! : )
 
PsyRy said:
No they didn't tell me when the last interviews are. I'm not exactly sure how their system works, but I'd encourage you to call them if you really want to know. Did you apply to summer or fall?

I double-checked and it took them 3 days after my interview to get back to me.
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So I called and they said most have been sent out already but they’ll stop mid May :/ not looking too good.
I applied for both!
 
s4dg said:
So I called and they said most have been sent out already but they’ll stop mid May :/ not looking too good.
I applied for both!
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I'm sorry to hear that. If you don't get called I would suggest doing some of the following if you are serious about this:

1) Look at other post-bacc programs in the area
2) Consider taking some/all of your pre-requisites at a community college (it's not ideal, but maybe apply again as an academic enhancer later if you were a career changer)
3) Try to enhance your resume with clinical/research/volunteer experiences to show your commitment to the field.
4) Look through SDN/elsewhere for advice from people who've dealt with similar situations

It's hard to be more specific without knowing more about your situation, but that's up to you if you want to share that. Health careers are rigorous for a reason, but determination will almost inevitably get you to where you want. (sorry, not trying to preach!)
 
PsyRy said:
I'm sorry to hear that. If you don't get called I would suggest doing some of the following if you are serious about this:

1) Look at other post-bacc programs in the area
2) Consider taking some/all of your pre-requisites at a community college (it's not ideal, but maybe apply again as an academic enhancer later if you were a career changer)
3) Try to enhance your resume with clinical/research/volunteer experiences to show your commitment to the field.
4) Look through SDN/elsewhere for advice from people who've dealt with similar situations

It's hard to be more specific without knowing more about your situation, but that's up to you if you want to share that. Health careers are rigorous for a reason, but determination will almost inevitably get you to where you want. (sorry, not trying to preach!)
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Yeah i'm an academic enhancer. I got a job in a lab and i work with human organs and i'm working any and all hours of the day so its hard to add anything else onto my plate right now just because the hours are so unpredictable :/
 
s4dg said:
Yeah i'm an academic enhancer. I got a job in a lab and i work with human organs and i'm working any and all hours of the day so its hard to add anything else onto my plate right now just because the hours are so unpredictable :/
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Well you must've been willing to change your schedule/job if you applied to this program, so it sounds like you have some decisions to make. Creating a backup plan is always helpful. But it seems that they haven't finished interviewing candidates either so don't lose all hope!
 
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Hi friends I just received and II to SFSU and wanted any tips and any personal knowledge about the success of the program ? Thanks! My II is June 22
 
Sloth97 said:
Hi friends I just received and II to SFSU and wanted any tips and any personal knowledge about the success of the program ? Thanks! My II is June 22
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Was this for fall start? Good luck!
 
Sloth97 said:
Hi friends I just received and II to SFSU and wanted any tips and any personal knowledge about the success of the program ? Thanks! My II is June 22
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Also do you mind posting ur stats
 
Does anyone know when the last day for interview invites are?
 
Sloth97 said:
Hi friends I just received and II to SFSU and wanted any tips and any personal knowledge about the success of the program ? Thanks! My II is June 22
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I also received an invitation for an interview on the same day. My friend completed the program and she said it is a group interview, so I’ll see you there! I know they look for people who have teamwork skills. I’m not too sure about the success of the program but I know their advising is great. Also, my friend said the classes are cohort based and the professors are good.
 
I called in the other day and from what I was told is that invites will be arriving within the next 3 to 4 weeks. Nothing yet but I did receive admission to east bay.
 
s4dg said:
congrats to the both of you!!! do you mind sharing stats? 🙂
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Of course!
  • Major: molecular, cell, developmental biology
  • sGPA: 3.23
  • cGPA: 3.41
  • Upward GPA trend (I think this is very important for post-bacc, straight A's in all upper division biology courses my last year of undergrad + online classes at local CC)
  • LORs: three nationally and regionally distinguished research professors. One is my lab PI, one is my anatomy/physiology+lab professor, one was my microbiology+lab professor
  • Personal statements: I answered all statement prompts and worked with my pre-health advisor over the span of 3 months before submitting
  • Research hours: ~200 as undergraduate researcher in an epigenetic lab
  • Volunteer hours: ~300 hours though my Greek org
  • Leadership hours: ~150 through my Greek org (VP of service, VP of Finance, Academic Chair, committee chair)
  • Shadowing: 20 PA shadowing in plastic and general surgery
  • PCE/HCE: 120 phlebotomist, hospital volunteer
  • Non-healthcare experiences: ~550 hours laboratory assistant, ~80 hours student manager
 
Hey everyone just wanted to keep you all updated. Just received an invite to an interview on July 13th here are some of my stats
Major: Sociology 3.44
Slight upward trend
LORs 2 one from the chair of my department another from a clinic I shadowed
Personal Statements I only skipped 2 questions

If anyone has any idea how the interview is set up or what questions they may ask that would be greatly appreciated.
 
Ahaider3000 said:
Hey everyone just wanted to keep you all updated. Just received an invite to an interview on July 13th here are some of my stats
Major: Sociology 3.44
Slight upward trend
LORs 2 one from the chair of my department another from a clinic I shadowed
Personal Statements I only skipped 2 questions

If anyone has any idea how the interview is set up or what questions they may ask that would be greatly appreciated.
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I interviewed on Saturday, June 22nd and received an acceptance email yesterday!

I thought the interview was structured differently from what I was expecting. You have one interview with a current/former student. But they did not ask any of the normal questions a regular post-bac program would ask (Why medicine? Why do you want to go to this program? etc). The first questions were pretty general, just asking about your qualities. Later they ask situational questions and how you would react to them. The second interview is a group interview with 2 other students and the program director which is also a situational type of question. The program director says there is no right or wrong answer, they just want to get to know you better. Overall it was a lot less nerve-racking than I thought it was going to be and everyone was so incredibly nice. I really appreciate the cooperative rather than competitive environment they have there.
 
did anyone that doesn't have an upward GPA trend of some sort get an interview invite?
 
conchalover said:
I interviewed on Saturday, June 22nd and received an acceptance email yesterday!

I thought the interview was structured differently from what I was expecting. You have one interview with a current/former student. But they did not ask any of the normal questions a regular post-bac program would ask (Why medicine? Why do you want to go to this program? etc). The first questions were pretty general, just asking about your qualities. Later they ask situational questions and how you would react to them. The second interview is a group interview with 2 other students and the program director which is also a situational type of question. The program director says there is no right or wrong answer, they just want to get to know you better. Overall it was a lot less nerve-racking than I thought it was going to be and everyone was so incredibly nice. I really appreciate the cooperative rather than competitive environment they have there.
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Hi Conchalover,

Where did you receive your interview invite? Was it by email or on the sfsu gateway site?

Thanks!
 
I also received an interview invite two days ago..a little concerned that it’s so late? I applied for the fall term
 
I received an interview invite on Friday (7/5). My only concern is that I reside in Florida and I know I can't go to Cali for a weekend. Do they have Skype interviews for out of state students?
 
cmarni said:
I also received an interview invite two days ago..a little concerned that it’s so late? I applied for the fall term
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Hey cmarni - same boat. I also got invited to an interview and it looks like we're in a later round. No idea what to make of it but very excited to interview!
 
I read on SFSU post bac website that the cost of the program is $600/unit.. I hope I'm reading that right bc that's so expensive D:
 
Did anyone do an interview through webcam? I have one coming up and I’m wondering what to expect, if anyone had one!
 
Aponi G said:
I received an interview invite on Friday (7/5). My only concern is that I reside in Florida and I know I can't go to Cali for a weekend. Do they have Skype interviews for out of state students?
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Hey how did your interview go?
 
v4n808 said:
Hey how did your interview go?
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The interview went well but still no callbacks or emails. I'm starting to think that I didn't get in 🙁 A current student interviewed me first. We talked about the basics, and then he went into situational type questions. He was super calm and made me feel comfortable. The second part of the interview was conducted by one of the administrators. He too asked me basic questions and situational type questions. With him, he asked questions based on what I said. Ex: I told him I wanted to apply to DO school and asked why, so stuff like that.
All in all, the interview went well, took us about an hour or less to complete it.


Good luck 🙂
 
Aponi G said:
The interview went well but still no callbacks or emails. I'm starting to think that I didn't get in 🙁 A current student interviewed me first. We talked about the basics, and then he went into situational type questions. He was super calm and made me feel comfortable. The second part of the interview was conducted by one of the administrators. He too asked me basic questions and situational type questions. With him, he asked questions based on what I said. Ex: I told him I wanted to apply to DO school and asked why, so stuff like that.
All in all, the interview went well, took us about an hour or less to complete it.


Good luck 🙂
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How long did they say until they would reach out to you?
 
frisco024 said:
Did anyone apply for summer 2020?
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I applied for summer 2020, submitted my application in mid to late November 2019. I'm just worried because my stats compared to those mentioned above aren't anywhere close. I'm starting to worry what my chances of getting are. What about you frisco024? Did you also apply for summer 2020?
 
BillyBaggins said:
I applied for summer 2020, submitted my application in mid to late November 2019. I'm just worried because my stats compared to those mentioned above aren't anywhere close. I'm starting to worry what my chances of getting are. What about you frisco024? Did you also apply for summer 2020?
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I haven't applied yet, but will soon!
 
frisco024 said:
Just got an interview invite. Woo!
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Congratulations, I haven't heard back from them and I've decided to do a SMP that's much closer to home than SF, I'm all the way in the east coast. Congrats once again!🙂🙂
 
BillyBaggins said:
Congratulations, I haven't heard back from them and I've decided to do a SMP that's much closer to home than SF, I'm all the way in the east coast. Congrats once again!🙂🙂
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That's great! I just accepted my offer of admission to the program and will be starting in June. Best of luck! 🙂
 
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