soo many post-bacc questions...

[newbiee]

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Hi Everyone!
I've recently decided to leave my job as an actuary and pursue my dream of being a doctor. I'm currently 24, and have been working for the last 3 years (since I graduated), and have volunteered at soup kitchens and animal shelters on weekends as time permits. I really am not sure where to begin in terms programs, classes, volunteering, prepping, etc. I have looked into a number of programs through http://services.aamc.org/postbac/ and several threads I've found here.

My background: My undergraduate GPA was fairly low (3.0) with a number of C's and B's although I got A's in General Chemistry. I have not taken any other med school pre-requisites and thought a post-bacc program would be my best option. (any thoughts?) My home is in NJ, and I would really like to stay at home to avoid living costs, but would be willing to make a big move for a good program - are there any programs you would suggest? I keep reading about Goucher and Bryn Mawr, but will they be extremely difficult to get into considering I have not had much volunteer experience and my stats are far from stellar? I was considering NYU, Columbia, or Rutgers.

Also, has anyone else been working a full time job (60+hour week w/ occasional weekends) and been able to do some type of medical volunteer position as well? I've been finding that hospital volunteers are generally needed during the week or require a certain hour commitment.

Thanks in advance for any advice - I really appreciate it!
(would it have been a better idea to split this into a couple threads?)

 

[Tired Pigeon]

Keep in mind you don't need to do a formal post-bacc program. Many people just go back & take the prerequisites they need. I don't think it matters a ton where you go. Just focus on getting as many A's as possible to get your GPA up into the competitive range.

Will you still be working 60+ hours/week while you're back in school?

 

[newbiee]

😱 definitely not - my plan right now is to hold onto my current job until I get accepted into a program, so I can at least have the funds to pay for it. However, I'm beginning to wonder if it would be a better idea to leave by this summer and start volunteering full time and getting my applications together.

In terms of a program vs independent classes, I think I'm finding it appealing to have an advisor and possibly a linkage program. Does anyone have reactions to taking classes outside of a post-bacc and going through MCAT prep and med school applicaations on their own?

Also, I've been finding that some programs do not actually include English in their curriculum - I had taken AP Literature years ago back in high school, which I'm assuming will not count towards my prerequisites - would you suggest taking an English course over the summer or this fall and concentrating on sciences thereafter?
Thanks again*

 

[sidewalkman]

In your case, I'd just go to Rutgers, live at home, and save some money. Methinks you won't be very competitive for BM or Goucher, and NYU and Columbia are on the expensive side. I'd give Penn a look, but it seems like you live in north Jersey, which might be too far for you.

 

[newbiee]

Thank you for your responses!

-if i put aside expenses and proximity to my home, do you think with these basic stats i'd be able to get into Columbia, NYU, or Penn? any suggestions on strengthening my application?

 

[sidewalkman]

I think you should apply to any of those schools that you find desirable. You could get into any of them - it depends on your overall profile by the time you apply. Speaking of applying, since you are considering Philly, might as well look into Temple and Drexel's programs. And since you considered Goucher, take a look at UMaryland.

You volunteering record seems a little weak. Since you work, you need places that are open during the night. ERs are a logical place ot start.

 

[hopster]

I am finishin up a postbac at Rutgers if you have any questions. Send me a PM as I am not on SDN all that often.

 

[NYC8683DD]

You mentioned one of the reasons that you did not want to do an informal post-bacc on your own is that you wanted an advisor and the possibility of a linkage program. Alot of times when you contact a school and tell them your intentions they will give you access to an advisor like the other pre-med undergrads. There still wouldn't be a linkage program of course, but it can be a cheaper and more reasonable option than expensive post-bacc programs. I looked into doing a formal post-bacc but I'm finding I could save a lot of money by doing it on my own at my old university and have a lot of the same benefits as a formal post-bacc. Just something to consider. Though I haven't been through the process yet, I think as long as I get As I should be ok getting into medical school.

 

[newbiee]

thanks to everyone for all the suggestions!

NYC8683DD - if you wouldn't mind sharing, what university did you attend? also, are you going back just to complete the pre-req's or are you looking to boost your gpa as well? my one concern (and I may be completely wrong here) is that my ug numbers are fairly low, and I was thinking that acceptance into a formal postbacc might be one indication that i was "acceptable" to med schools when i finally apply - obviously assuming that i do well in the postbacc. <<fingers crossed>>