SOS: Postbacc Program v. "Do-it-Yourself" Postbacc.

[Kiani16]

Hey everyone,

I changed my career path choice right when I graduated with a Bachelors in Political Science (this year, I'm 21). I have to complete my pre-reqs, but I wanted your thoughts and opinions between the official Postbacc programs and "do-it-yourself" postbacc.

My thoughts on Postbacc programs:
- Program is guaranteed, but costly + living expenses/food/etc
- It might be too fast-paced for me, since my experience with the sciences has been limited the past few years.

My thoughts on "Do-it-Yourself":
- might not be guaranteed.
- takes longer, but also my chances of getting a higher GPA opposed to the other programs is higher
- saves me a lot of money if I study in my hometown.

So, those are my thoughts, what are yours?

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[Dr panda]

Go for DIY. Attempting an SMP without at least some science foundation (read prereqs) is a road to disaster (they will probably not even accept you). Do a 2 year diy program, complete prereqs, take some upper level bio classes and ace the MCAT. Good luck!

 

[Faha]

A DIY post bacc at a local college is fine. You can go at your own pace and you are more likely to obtain higher grades.

 

[LeaveNoTrace]

It’s also less expensive.

 

[CoitusInterruptus]

Hey everyone,

I changed my career path choice right when I graduated with a Bachelors in Political Science (this year, I'm 21). I have to complete my pre-reqs, but I wanted your thoughts and opinions between the official Postbacc programs and "do-it-yourself" postbacc.

My thoughts on Postbacc programs:
- Program is guaranteed, but costly + living expenses/food/etc
- It might be too fast-paced for me, since my experience with the sciences has been limited the past few years.

My thoughts on "Do-it-Yourself":
- might not be guaranteed.
- takes longer, but also my chances of getting a higher GPA opposed to the other programs is higher
- saves me a lot of money if I study in my hometown.

So, those are my thoughts, what are yours?

I like the DIY option. Med schools will see a "Post-Bacc GPA" line-item on your app so a 4.0 is a 4.0, especially if it is on YOUR terms. If you're saving money, too, that's just pure gravy

 

[deleted936470]

I would not recommend an official post-bacc/SMP at this time, the DIY post-bacc route seems right.