Thoughts on my plan? Getting a second bachelors at UMBC rather than diy post-bac

[strawberrydeer]

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Hi everybody, I wanted to post about my situation here just to get a few more perspectives before I'm fully thrown into things. I graduated with a BS in neuroscience spring 2025 with a cGPA of 3.27. I have all my prerequisites, so I'm most worried about my downward trend (my junior year performance was great, my senior year....). I know that I need postbac work in order to prepare my med school application. I intend to take a total of three gap years (meaning I will start applying in May of 2027), and I plan to take the MCAT (for the first time) in summer of 2026.

I was planning on just applying as a non-degree seeking student at UMBC here in Baltimore and doing approximately 30 credits of upper-level coursework over the next three semesters (starting SP26), but diy I'd have no access to financial aid and I'd get screwed over during class registration. So, I started considering just attending UMBC with a major in something like biochemistry, transferring as many credits as I can, and trying to complete a second bachelors before med school hypothetically starts. Either way, I'd also need to be working at least part time, as well as getting my clinical hours and continuing my research projects. So I'd have a maximum of 5 semesters to complete a biochemistry degree, (not taking into account that I can complete some required courses during the summers)

Only I can figure out what works best for myself, and with that knowledge I'm leaning towards just getting the second bachelors. However, I'd greatly appreciate anyone with insight on how a second bachelors degree might impact my application, particularly if it's a red flag lol.

 

[glycolysister]

Hey there!

You wouldn’t be the first student to pursue a second bachelor’s degree primarily to access financial aid. Completing it isn’t usually necessary, but doing so wouldn’t be considered a red flag either.