To those already in Post Bacc programs: What advice would you give to applicants?

[dut99002]

---

Members do not see this ad.

This goes out to all who have finished, are currently enrolled in, or are very knowledgable about post baccalaureate programs and applying for them. Myself, I am still in the application stage, so am looking for all the advice I can get.

Here are some suggested topics:

1. What would you recommend to current applicants?

2. How would you have done your application differently?

3. What did you do or not do that was beneficial for applying?

4. Was there anything about post bacc./pre med life that you didn't expect?

5. Besides focusing on your classes, what specific advice would you give on using your time while in a program?

6. Any advice on Letters of Recommendation for prggram application?

7. What kinds of extra curricular activities would you suggest, if any, for applicants?

8. Anything else?

Please answer as much or as little as you want and thanks for your help!

 

[lawnboy313]

Applying to post-bac programs isn't like applying to degree programs or medical schools--most are fairly easy to get into. For the more competitive programs (one of which I'm currently in), do the same as you would for any kind of selective academic program--spend time on your application, provide strong LORs from the best people possible, present yourself and your experiences the best that you can. You might pick up a volunteer position at a local hospital or do some doctor shadowing to illustrate your interest in medicine. Besides, those kinds of experiences are great for reaffirming that you want to be a doctor anyways.

As far as being in an actual program goes, prepare to work really really hard. It ain't easy acing a full course load of sciences, volunteering, and trying to get a decent amount of sleep. However, I'm learning more than I ever did in any semester of undergrad and I know I'll be really proud of myself when it's over and I'm (hopefully) in med school. Good luck!

 

[spo01]

are you talking about smp or a program to finish the pre-reqs? also, give some background info b/c that would help (ex: any clinical experience, gpa, etc).
this is in regards to a program to finish the pre med requirements (chem, organic, physics, bio)
i am enrolled in a formal program at a top notch school and i can give you my two cents:

-to finish pre med requirements, the programs are easy to get into with some having open enrollment. if you're talking about SMP, that's very different. one thing i learned is that i was told from my advisors and such that in order to get a loan i would have to go to a 'formal' program (ex: gives a certificate). this is not completely true as there are many loopholes that allow you to take out a loan and go to a non-formal program.

-go somewhere you like and are comfortable with, but don't do it at a community college. i am finding out being this far away from family makes it more difficult and the big city is a rude awakening. the cost of living is SO much higher here as well.

-one thing i am noticing about my friends and i is that we are adjusting to a different type of atsmosphere/study habits. most of us are used to pulling off studying for a test the night before and still making A's in a class. don't do that. develop good study habits.

-it is very important go get some clinical experience! half the people here never stepped foot in a hospital or took a pulse.

-if i could of done anything different i would of taken these courses at a college closer to home. saves money and i'm more comfortable there. but do i regret it here? no way, the friends i have met here are incredible.

-keep a balance b/w work and play. don't lock yourself in 24/7 but make time to to enjoy yourself as well.

and lastly,
-you WILL question yourself and your abilities while in the program and may have doubts about becoming a doctor. you're not alone. just stay focused and don't let that drag you down. it is a great learning experience whatever path you choose.

 

[dut99002]

I am talking about post baccalaureate programs that help you fulfill the prereqs for med school. I meant this to be a general thing for everyone interested to learn from, not just myself. Thank you for your advice thus far!

 

[drizzt3117]

I'm currently in the Scripps program.

I would recommend that you be mentally prepared for a intense experience, the Scripps program eases you in fairly softly with summer general chemistry, then three courses with lab in each of the next two semesters is quite a heavy workload when you add volunteering/research and application stuff. The program is quite structured but it will still be intensive.

As far as applying goes, if you're in the ballpark in terms of GPA (3.3+) and have some life experience (for non-science majors) you should have a good shot, the best thing is to bring up your strengths as those are what are going to help you in applying to med school after the program in any case, and postbac programs are concerned about keeping their acceptance #s up, therefore they are interested in candidates that will get into med school.

I would recommend trying to get as much volunteer/research experience as you can, especially long term experience with a given lab/hospital but not to overextend yourself as it's quite easy to do. Some people try to volunteer/do research for every waking hour they're not studying and get burned out quickly. Doing a post-bac in two years and taking upper division courses is a good option and will not only allow you to have more ECs and more time for your classes but also keep you sane and fresh for your apps in year two, I haven't regretted my decision to do so.

 

[Bearferret]

Drizzt-

I'm very interested in Scripps, and have a decent if unspectacular GPA (3.4ish) from a top tier university, and have very high SAT scores.

The one caveat is, I don't have much (read: any) work or volunteer experience in a hospital. I am familiar with the profession, as my dad is an interventional cardiologist, but I've never "officially" done anything in a hospital (I've only recently come to the realization that medicine is, after all, what I want to do).

I know a retired cardiologist who worked at USC until very recently, and could probably get some volunteer work quickly, but I'd like to apply for the program that starts in May.

Do you have any idea about what my chances might be, or any advice to get started?

 

[braluk]

I'll answer this in full later, but one thing is for certain, don't trust craigslist for housing until you actually visit it, and VISIT VISIT VISIT before ever choosing an apartment or a house to live in. Finding potential roomates (list serv, etc. etc..) from your own postbac is always helpful. From my experience, living with students also in your own programs, aside from the occasional clash that any roommate will face, has been very helpful in making sure we're each on point with everything from academics, to assignments, to doing your own chores, etc. etc.

 

[drizzt3117]

Drizzt-

I'm very interested in Scripps, and have a decent if unspectacular GPA (3.4ish) from a top tier university, and have very high SAT scores.

The one caveat is, I don't have much (read: any) work or volunteer experience in a hospital. I am familiar with the profession, as my dad is an interventional cardiologist, but I've never "officially" done anything in a hospital (I've only recently come to the realization that medicine is, after all, what I want to do).

I know a retired cardiologist who worked at USC until very recently, and could probably get some volunteer work quickly, but I'd like to apply for the program that starts in May.

Do you have any idea about what my chances might be, or any advice to get started?

I didn't see this until just now, but I don't think you're completely out of luck if you applied now. I'm not sure how many spots we've filled yet but we're in the middle of interview season. Your stats sound very competitive. You don't need any volunteer or other work before starting the program as there is an internship built into the program but it may help. Calling Jodi and asking about your prospects would be your best bet.

 

[oneandonlylo]

i have two thoughts:

1) I don't know how long you've been out of school, but if you are postively planning on attending a postbac program (if so, then congrats) start considering brushing up on your basic math and science. While some programs do ease you in with summer courses, you may still find that certain skills have gotten rusty. I know that a lot of people in my program struggled to recall basic math we all knew in high school like algebra. Believe it or not this type of math can be incredibly important in your classes like physics and calculus. It really sucks to study and study for a test, master the material and then find out that your grade suffered because you couldn't remember how to solve for x. Beyond that, if you've been out of school for a while, or at least out of the sciences, its hard to readjust to that mindset. Some other people here may disagree, but I know plenty of people who kind of went into shock briefly when they started the program. Finally, if you are at a school that integrates you in classes with the undergrads, you will most likely be expected to know a good deal, as professors assume that their students have just come out of their high school sciences and that the material is relatively fresh. My theory is, better safe than sorry, because these programs are difficult enough to get through without having to play catch-up.

2) bearferret, you said your dad was a cardiologist, right? Use that connection for all its worth. One thing I have learned is that you can't have shame in hitting up every single connection that you've got because you never know where things can go. My father is an anesthesiologist at a local hospital and as a result I managed to talk myself into a position where I could observe in the OR. I know a lot of people in my program with volunteer positions they don't enjoy very much, so I was particularly thrilled to find myself somewhere that was so interesting, educational etc. Also, don't feel so overwhelmed to go and put yourself out there in a position with a major time committment. Find a way to go hang out at a hospital, doctors office, whatever, for even two hours a week. The best part about having a regular interaction with practicing physicians is that when things get rough in school and you begin to question why you're at home studying on a saturday night, you can remember why it's all worth it.

 

[echidna]

oneandonlylo-

Would you recommend perhaps taking a year to brush up on basic math and science before plunging into a postbacc? Like many on here, I'm a humanities major (graduating this spring) who has only recently realized that medicine is for me; the thing is, I haven't taken a math class since my sophomore year algebra 2 course (in which I didn't do well, but wasn't very dedicated at the time) or anything science-related since junior year biology. I planned on graduating this year, finding a job next year while taking basic algebra and introductory chem/bio at a CC and then enrolling in a full-time postbacc the following summer/fall. Do you think the extra year of waiting is worth it? I want to be as sure as possible that I don't dive into the deep end and drown before I'm ready.

But I'd second the recommendations to find some volunteer hours- I got lucky this year (I'm studying abroad in Italy) and found an amazing opportunity shadowing a surgeon at the local teaching hospital where I get to work in the outpatient clinic, observe in the OR, and occasionally even scrub in to assist (no kidding!). It's definitely confirmed and reinforced my desire to do this for the rest of my life and I may even get an LOR out of it.

Best of luck to everyone.

PS: what does SMP stand for? I'm a little new around here.

 

[oneandonlylo]

Waiting a whole year seems unneccessary to me, but if you're not in a rush then I guess it's really your call. I was more referring to brushing up for the few months prior to going into a program. It was suggested to us to review using high school review books like barrons. I also don't know just how necessary it would be to take intro courses at a cc as most postbac programs you apply to can give you this option (gives you a chance to boost your science gpa too), but like I said it all really depends on who you are. If you truly feel weak at basic math it might not be a bad idea to brush up in a more structured setting. That said, I'm not talking about anything more advanced than basic high school level. Maybe you could consider getting a tutor? While expensive it is still cheaper than taking a whole year to take prep courses. That way you could get some focused help.