Should I wait to apply to Goucher/Bryn Mawr?

[202149]

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I just received my BA in May 2008, political science major, started thinking about medicine about a year and a half ago but didn't decide on definitely doing a post-bac program until earlier this year. I've applied to Hunter in NYC and Stony Brook (Long Island) post-bac programs in New York.

I've recently started reading more about the Goucher/Bryn Mawr type of programs. They caught my eye mostly because of the smaller class sizes, inclusion of MCAT courses, tutoring, etc. And the fact that apparently they teach specifically for the MCAT.

I know that in the end it doesn't matter where you go, whether state school, private school, etc for post-bac as much as it matters how hard you study, work etc. But on the other hand, I'm thinking IF I have a chance of getting into a BM/Goucher type program, where I might have a slightly better shot of medical school.....maybe since I'm still fairly young (21) I should wait a little longer, get some more medical/volunteer experience and try getting into one of those programs for next year.

Question 1: Any advice regarding this decision? I'm aware of the cost differences between a state school and a Goucher program.

Question 2: Does anyone who has experience applying/doing the Goucher or BM program think I'd be realistically able to get in? 3.57 undergrad gpa from Tufts, 1360 SAT. So far I have volunteered in a hospital for one semester. (I spoke to a Goucher admission person the other day, and I'm right now mostly concerned that I might not have enough medical/clinical experience to be a competitive applicant).

Any advice would help. Thanks. Again, just want to reiterate: I know there is no golden post-bac program. Whether or not to wait on Goucher/BM is just something I've been going back and forth on. Figured I'd seek some outside advice. Thanks.

 

[Erisium]

I just started the Goucher program less than a month ago, and so far it's been an amazing experience. But then, I definitely knew what kind of a program I wanted while I was searching for post-bacs, so it might be a slightly different case from yours.

It's true that in the long run, if you're smart and you work hard you'll get into med school regardless of what type of program you're in. But do keep in mind that programs like Goucher/Bryn Mawr/Scripps have a tight-knit, supportive feel that can make a big difference in how you approach your post-bac classes and the med school application process, and they have tremendous track records in getting people into med schools. Personally I wanted a program with strong advisors, a tried-and-true curriculum, linkage opportunities, and smaller classes. Goucher turned out perfectly for me, but lots of people are very comfortable just going to class without any hand-holding or advising in the logistics of applications. It's really up to you what style you prefer.

Also be aware that part of the reason why Goucher/BM/Scripps have great reputations is that their programs are intense. I'm sure you could get equally rigorious classes anywhere else, but it's nice to know things are all laid out for you. The fact that these programs are all one-year (though I think BM/Scripps might have 2-year options; I could be wrong) was a big pull for me because I wanted to get everything over with as soon as possible, and adcoms like to see a hardcore workload because it shows you can cut it academically in med school.

But regardless of your choice of post-bacs, clinical/research/extracurricular experience is really important to med schools anyways so you might want to think about building that up.

You could probably tell I'm biased in my opinions but it's what works for me. Like I said, if you work hard enough any post-bac program will get you where you want to go. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Good luck in your decisions!

 

[202149]

Thanks for your response. I feel similarly about the structured feel of programs like Goucher. Several people I've spoken with feel that "putting off" a post-bac program for a year or two to build up a resume of experience/extra-curriculars is just a way of procrastinating. They feel that I should begin classes asap and that it would be difficult to get back into the routine of taking classes after being out of school for a year or two.

While I understand where they're coming from, I know I'd use the time I wasn't in school to focus on building up EC's/extracurriculars (probably not research because I've already applied and been rejected by several clinical research jobs - most likely because I have a non-science undergraduate background). Anyway, I've considered spending time doing EMT, volunteering in a hospital, maybe even applying for Peace Corps. I figure even if I spend time pursuing these jobs (EMT would probably be a job)/EC's and still don't get into a Goucher-type program, I still will have gained invaluable experience.

Is anyone else in this kind of situation? Does anyone have any strong advice or think I'm going about this all wrong (that I should just take classes asap and worry about resume building during classes)?

Again, thanks. These forums have been very helpful.

 

[medgrl]

Dear mt688,

I think getting more experience in the medical field is a great idea. I've been shadowing a doctor for almost a year now and the experience has been fantastic. I've also done some volunteering as well, however it's not the same clinical experience. You could go either way though. It sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders, so you might want to apply, see where you get and go from there. A lot of the programs, like Goucher, include time during the week where you would go a work in a medical setting.

Good luck with everything!

 

[NewmansOwn]

I'm at Bryn Mawr. Your stats seem pretty decent, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. I would agree that you should try to get some more experience -- applying in the fall is definitely worth a shot, but be sure to find a way to make yourself stand out during the interview.

 

[flip26]

Keep in mind that most post bacc programs (especially the top ones like Goucher) look for applicants who not only have stellar stats but also have done a fairly significant amount of pre-med ECs (shadowing and volunteering) prior to the post bacc. For many of these programs, you are asked to write something akin to the personal statement that you write for med school apps, and it is pretty hard to explain your commitment to a post bacc, much less a med school, without the formative experiences of the typical pre-med ECs...