Top Post Bac Programs - should I even bother?

[andrewb6581]

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I am a senior at the University of Denver, graduating in the spring with a BA in international studies. My GPA is about a 3.5, but I have not taken any science or math classes (although I plan to take Calc 1 in the last trimester here). At this point other than being involved in a research study for ulcerative colitis I have little to no volunteer/work experience other than shadowing because my decision to become a doctor was fairly recent but I should be able to rack up quite a few before I apply. I also received a 33 and a 34 when I took the ACT, with my points being distributed evenly. I know I'll have a couple good LOR's by the time I graduate as well.

Anyways (assuming my volunteer/work experience becomes competitive), my question is should I even bother applying to the top few programs, or should I shoot for middle of the road programs with strong linkages to one or two med schools? Would I even be competitive applying to those mid-level programs? If you have any idea please help me out, I'm getting kind of discouraged reading a lot of these posts!

 

[yourethewurst]

Depends-- how quickly do you want to get in and out. I'd say definitely make sure you can get an A in Calc 1, that will probably boost your GPA. At this point in the application cycle-- you're a little late for applying for some of the top post-bacc programs, or will be late unless you can get a RUSH on the transcripts. What you could do is wait a year, work a year and gain more experience and THEN apply to your top post-baccalaureate programs.

I really want to get a headstart on the application process, so I shot for some top few programs (knowing I probably wouldn't get in, but hey-- why not try anyway, right?) and also applied to mid-level programs that I knew were a great fit for me. For me, it's more about where I know I'll probably do well and succeed, rather than the prestige of the program. I want to get a head start on my prereqs sooner than later, but I do know that my advisor said that it would be more feasible for me to get into top programs if I took a year off to work, shadow, etc.

 

[SeverusSnape]

I agree with the previous poster. If you're thinking of applying for this coming year, it is probably too late... unless you can get your stuff in like.... yesterday.

Otherwise, if you wait a year, I'm sure you can make yourself incredibly competitive to the top tier programs. Also, Calc usually isn't a prereq to get into the postbac programs but rather, is handy for actual med school requirements. I suppose you may as well take it while you're still in school though.

Best of luck.