Thinking about switching from Post Bacc to State School for Second Bachelor's

[jules0328]

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Okay, I know that there have been posts on this before but my situation is a bit different and I didnt find any that were similar to my situation.

I am really lost right now and just need some advice. I cant really go to an advisor because they are biased and they will want me to go to their school.

I am thinking about switching from my current post bacc program at a private university that is costing me 22K a year to a state university that will only cost me 5K a year. Here are the reasons:

1) Money, money, money.

2) My so called post bacc program promised that I could take Physics II algebra based along with bio II and chem II for spring of 2005. However, they scheduled both Bio II and Physics II at the same time next semester, so now I am pretty much forced to take Physics II based with calculus.

3) The Biology Dept. at this particular school has been revamped (they got a grant from NHI), they made their INTRO bio course so damn hard that people started to complain to them. At the end of the term, I sent a letter to the chairperson and told him how I felt, he pretty much told to 'go to hell.' They have been very uncooperative. I ended up with an A in the class, but still.

I dont know how it will look for me to jump around from school to school. At this point, I am not sure what to do.

Should I just stick it out in this post bacc program. If I look into a second BS degree, do I have to finish? Some people say yes, while others say no. I am so confused.

Can someone help.

 

[microgin]

Oh my...now you're confusing me!!! 🙂 How many more years will you need to complete your post-bac? If it's just one more year, I'd say just stick it out. If you're talking about doing another BS, won't that take you nearly four more years to complete? What would your major be? It seems like it would just add more busywork (core courses) to your schedule when at this point, all you need to do is complete your pre-reqs. If it does take you four more years, then the cost would work out to about the same as one more year of your post-bac program.

Additionally, I do believe that once you begin a degree-granting program, that you will have to finish it before matriculating into med school. I know that I needed to finish my Master's degree studies (which I just did this past semester 🙂 in order to matriculate into any med school that may hopefully accept me.

Also, I'm not sure how favorably an ADCOM will look at multiple school/program/degree hopping... remember, on your AMCAS app, you will have to list all courses taken at all schools... not sure if this will raise a red flag to some.

Let's see what others think, but that's just my two cents!

 

[jules0328]

Thanks, microgin. Actually, since I already have a BA in the humanities, I would just have to take biology classes and chem and physics classes (pre reqs) to get the second BS. It's sort of like being a transfer student. So, no, it wouldnt take me another 4 years since I already have all of my humanities in order.

As far as adcoms, yes, I am aware. However, this school is killing me financially. And no, I dont technically have to finish the second BS if I get into medical school. At least, I dont think so. I am only going to be applying DO most likely, but nevertheless, I am still not too sure about what to do.

 

[mshheaddoc]

Thanks, microgin. Actually, since I already have a BA in the humanities, I would just have to take biology classes and chem and physics classes (pre reqs) to get the second BS. It's sort of like being a transfer student. So, no, it wouldnt take me another 4 years since I already have all of my humanities in order.

As far as adcoms, yes, I am aware. However, this school is killing me financially. And no, I dont technically have to finish the second BS if I get into medical school. At least, I dont think so. I am only going to be applying DO most likely, but nevertheless, I am still not too sure about what to do.

hmmm .... do youget financial aid for 2nd bachelors? I didn't think you did 😕

 

[jules0328]

hmmm .... do youget financial aid for 2nd bachelors? I didn't think you did 😕

Yep, you sure do.

 

[jeantm]

you woul dhave to take some humanities stuff, because in order to get a degree or second bachelor's you have to at least take half of your credits at that school ...for example if at school X you need 120 credits to graduate you must take at least 60 credits THERE to get the 2nd degree these credits must also encompass both whatever 2nd degree you want as well as satisfy their core classes.....for financial aid you still won't be able to get pell grants etc.. and those classes you took this semester won't count toward the half the classes you need... I would seriously find out all the details before you waste your time worrying...think about it this way why are they going ot let someone get a degree form their school if this person hasn't even taken the same amount nay tranfser student has to take (for example if you transfer after finishing your junior year in college then where you transfer to makes you retake your junior year and some even make you retake soph year leaving you needing at least 5 yrs to finish your BA or 6yrs depending on the school.

all i am tring to tell you is i don't get the impression that you have all your facts. good luck

 

[jules0328]

Thanks to the poster above. I have a friend in the program and he is doing just that. He only needs to take his science pre reqs (for med school) plus a couple of extra science classes, such as micro and genetics. Otherwise, everything else is counted, according to him. As far as pell grants, I never got them to begin with, I still live with my parents, so I was never able to get much free money since they made too much money according to the government.

I am still really just thinking at this point. I havent made any definitive decisions. I just feel really screwed by my university, but I guess everything cant always go your way.

 

[nico05]

I am still really just thinking at this point. I havent made any definitive decisions. I just feel really screwed by my university, but I guess everything cant always go your way.

Hey, I have read a bunch of your posts and have a few things that may help. I am in a similar situation as you...I am pursuing the second degree in biology with the first being in psychology. I am doing this because of timing...I do not want to apply too late and jeopardize my chances of acceptance so instead of doing nothing for a year, I’m going to finish up with 6 bio classes (or 24 credits beyond the intro year). It's not for everyone, its really a personal preference. As long as I complete 45 credits in residency at my current institution im good to go. Now, I was always concerned about money so I elected to go to a city/state school. Again, people will tell you different, but explore the programs and find the one that is recognized and one that fits your lifestyle, there's no sense starting med school with $30,000 in post-bacc/second degree debt. This is something you will want to look at now because if you do go after another degree you will have to complete x amount of credits at your new school. There are a lot of programs out there that people overlook. Beyond this you want to be comfortable at your school, you'll perform better and ultimately that’s what’s important. A low GPA from a highly accredited university will do you no good, I don’t care what anyone tells you.
Regarding some of your other posts, if you have patience and you want to go after a second degree, pursue a field in which you have some interest. Lower pre req (intros) will be overshadowed if you continually improve you GPA and consistency. If you can do this through lets say upper level Bio courses, so be it. Bang out 24 credits of A's and adcoms will not pay much attention to a C+ in physics.
Good luck, hope this helped, explore your options. 👍

 

[jeantm]

i agree, if you are willing to complete all the additional reqs that come with getting another degree (ie beyond just chem physics bio etc) then by all means go for it. It would be fantastic to ace all those classes then your C+ won't mean anything. If it means anything to you everything I have heard indicates that physics carries the least amount of weight of all the pre reqs...good luck in your decision. Money really does make everything complicated so good luck.

 

[Sundarban1]

Okay, I know that there have been posts on this before but my situation is a bit different and I didnt find any that were similar to my situation.
I am really lost right now and just need some advice. I cant really go to an advisor because they are biased and they will want me to go to their school.
I am thinking about switching from my current post bacc program at a private university that is costing me 22K a year to a state university that will only cost me 5K a year. Here are the reasons:
1) Money, money, money.
2) My so called post bacc program promised that I could take Physics II algebra based along with bio II and chem II for spring of 2005. However, they scheduled both Bio II and Physics II at the same time next semester, so now I am pretty much forced to take Physics II based with calculus.

3) The Biology Dept. at this particular school has been revamped (they got a grant from NHI), they made their INTRO bio course so damn hard that people started to complain to them. At the end of the term, I sent a letter to the chairperson and told him how I felt, he pretty much told to 'go to hell.' They have been very uncooperative. I ended up with an A in the class, but still.
I dont know how it will look for me to jump around from school to school. At this point, I am not sure what to do.
Should I just stick it out in this post bacc program. If I look into a second BS degree, do I have to finish? Some people say yes, while others say no. I am so confused.
Can someone help.

Why not just stick to your guns and just finish your post bacc?(I know you've already stated your reasons). The idea of switching programs mid way through is NEVER a good idea, especially when applying to med school. As if you do not have enough to explain, why add fuel to the fire?

Real life example you ask??: I was told by a few adcom members (YES an adcom members not SDN members!) that switching programs, etc without completing is a universal red flag, and generally looked down upon (unless you have a very good reason, which I do not think you have. Hard courses and financial constraints post-enrollment are complaints in my opinion). Hence, why I am choosing to finish my master's degree insted of just jumping ship and finishing my pre-med classes.

You sound very uncertain of your goals, indecisive, and shaken at the moment With your future on hold, why enter unknown territory by taking chances with second degress, etc? Its worthless and time consuming. In which case I would suggest sticking to what you are doing and just do well. It also sounds as if you are scared of the challeges of your classes, which is unfortunate 🙁 The point of tuition is valid, however, your going to be going to med school, whats an extra $22k if your already going into massive debt? In addition, if you are just applying to DO schools, why run around in circles?

Finish what your doing and get into med school.
Good luck

 

[benelswick]

I disagree somewhat with this last post. Financial concerns are always a good reason. And good enough for me too look unashamedly into the eyes of any interviewer when explaining my choices.

Pros for getting a 2nd degree:

The opportunity to move up your G.P.A to be more competitive.
More bang for your buck.
Research and scholarship opportunities and more financial aid.
More time to fill out and broaden your application with EC's,
Perhaps most importantly more supportive teachers--here's the subjective kicker that needs your own intuition and research. If you think you're current post-bac is putting you on a course for mediocre grades think hard about your options. A lackluster post bacc could be a major set back for US allo schools.


Cons:

Time. If your going osteo don't worry so much about every single ding in your gpa they're going to look more at other aspects of your application.

Consistency and resolve. should be weighed into these other factors, can be explained with high price tag of the program.

Bueno suerte,--Ben

 

[Sundarban1]

I disagree somewhat with this last post. Financial concerns are always a good reason. And good enough for me too look unashamedly into the eyes of any interviewer when explaining my choices.

Pros for getting a 2nd degree:

The opportunity to move up your G.P.A to be more competitive.
More bang for your buck.
Research and scholarship opportunities and more financial aid.
More time to fill out and broaden your application with EC's,
Perhaps most importantly more supportive teachers--here's the subjective kicker that needs your own intuition and research. If you think you're current post-bac is putting you on a course for mediocre grades think hard about your options. A lackluster post bacc could be a major set back for US allo schools.


Cons:

Time. If your going osteo don't worry so much about every single ding in your gpa they're going to look more at other aspects of your application.

Consistency and resolve. should be weighed into these other factors, can be explained with high price tag of the program.

Bueno suerte,--Ben

If you are familiar with Jules' situation, I believe her interest (I don't want to put words into her mouth but this is obvious from her previous posts) was to finish her post bacc req's to get into osteo med school, WHILE boosting her GPA (as most hope to in post-bacc programs).

I only question her reason to get a second degree, as from her previous posts she hinted that she was simply dodging "hard" classes to take less stressful ones at a less expensive institution. Which is her choice, however I believe a waste of time if I'm her her situation.

I agree, though, why stress if your only appling to osteo? In addition, she is non-traditional like myself, which means time is nothing to waste!
If your older, non-traditional, and have no genuine interest in the second degree other than the fact that you want to attend a less expensive institution with classes that are not challanging, why waste your time? Not to jump on you Jules, but I don't see the reasoning in your plan, other then financial, which I assume you knew beforehand, otherwise why are you at the institution your currently attending?
Stick through it!
Again

 

[jules0328]

Wow, you guys really dissected me, and I appreciate that in a way. Well, Sundarbarn is right in a sense. Why jump ship and run. You are absolutely right. As far as why I am at the institution that I am in now...I really didnt know that one could go into a second BS. And by the time I had found out, mostly through SDN (since no one tells you these things), it was too late and I had already applied and started my whole post bacc progress.

Everything that you all think is somewhat true. I am really resentful towards my institution, and yes, they are complaints and I know that I should just shut up and deal with it and finish, which is what I am going to do. I applied to the other institution but I will just remove my application.

I plan on getting a tutor, bottom line. And plan on getting an A in physics II with calculus, or at least a B+ and try to show that I can survive.

Do I have doubts and fears, yeah I do, I dont learn the same way as others do, especially when it comes to math, I basically struggle and suck at it. But, i try, and this time will do things differently.

I had a lot of reasons for moving on to another institution, besides money, it was also the fact that my pre health comittee may not recommend me to med school due to my low gpa, which is now a 2.78 due to this C+ in physics. This looks awful as a post bacc student and they will mostly put me on probation for this. At this other institution I would just be getting LOR's through all of the professors and not have to be scrutinized by a damn pre health comittee. This was my other reason. But at this point, I am going to stay where I am and just deal with it. When I sit with the pre health comittee next semester, I hope my grades for spring are strong enough to overcome the C+ and let them see that I am worthy of med school. This is all that I can do at this point. But as far as being afraid, this was the main reason, this damn pre health comittee that may shun upon me due to my low gpa this semester.

Any thoughts now?

 

[Sundarban1]

Any thoughts now?

Stick with your guns. Your plan is fine: You have a tutor, you have the resources to do well in the future, you will do well. By all means explore your options if your in dire straights with finances (I thought you mentioned loans, but if your paying out of pocket I can see your point). However if I'm in your situation, so close to the end why jepordize your future? You know the classes you need, one year away, work your a$$ off like others who've chosen this path and let the cards play out.
One more for the road

 

[jules0328]

Stick with your guns. Your plan is fine: You have a tutor, you have the resources to do well in the future, you will do well. By all means explore your options if your in dire straights with finances (I thought you mentioned loans, but if your paying out of pocket I can see your point). However if I'm in your situation, so close to the end why jepordize your future? You know the classes you need, one year away, work your a$$ off like others who've chosen this path and let the cards play out.
One more for the road

Thanks, Sundarban. I will! Your words definitely have helped me in my decision making! 😍