UCLA extension - should I do it over a formal post-bacc?

[deleted1080778]

I like the cost and the fact that you're getting to take classes at UCLA, but I'm a little concerned it's a not a formal post-bacc.

Anyone whose done this program would you recommend it? If you went on to medical school how do they look at UCLA extension?

Thanks!

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[deleted1080778]

Also I'm assuming not based on the info online, but does the program require a LoR?

 

[ampersandwich]

You don't need to do a "formal" post-bacc. It's helpful to enter a formal program when you need to build a structured course schedule, but you can just as easily do it yourself. Another advantage includes a committee letter (not required, you can get LORs from your professors). I did an "informal" post-bacc through Berkeley Extension and found the classes satisfactory but expensive--I chose this option only because the classes were in the evenings, allowing me to continue working FT; otherwise I would have just done it through a CC.

Are you a career changer or an academic enhancer?

 

[drgoldenboy]

I took courses at UCLA extension for my post bacc (academic enhancer). I just was accepted into a US medical school (MD program). UCLA extension was fine -- not any better than the community colleges in LA (such as West LA college or SMC). I think community college is great -- way more affordable, more class options. The key is to round out your application - work for the underserved, get clinically relevant experience, and get a really high score on the MCAT. Research is good too. I don't think it matters that much if you take courses through the formal extension program, or take courses a la carte (at community college and UCLA extension, for example).

Look into the pre-healthcare program at Cedars Sinai. Great program. PM if you have more questions.

@Goro can be your pre-med guide if you choose to go solo.

 

[drgoldenboy]

I'm also going to give very general advice (which you have not asked for), without any knowledge of your personal circumstances, but if you are at the beginning of the pre-med journey as a post-bacc student in Los Angeles I would suggest thinking about the possibility of going elsewhere to do it. Getting into one of the UC medical schools is insanely competitive. Typically, your in-state schools are your safer bets when you apply to medical school. When I applied (twice), I had 4 interview invites each time, but only got one secondary invitation from one UC medical school. It's just a different ballgame in California. If you could find a way to go to, say Texas, you might be doing your future applicant self a big favor, as well as future doctor self because of the financial savings (look it up on MSAR). Although this seems radical, this is one thing that I wish I had thought more about doing.

 

[whynotzoidberg354]

You don't need to do a "formal" post-bacc. It's helpful to enter a formal program when you need to build a structured course schedule, but you can just as easily do it yourself. Another advantage includes a committee letter (not required, you can get LORs from your professors). I did an "informal" post-bacc through Berkeley Extension and found the classes satisfactory but expensive--I chose this option only because the classes were in the evenings, allowing me to continue working FT; otherwise I would have just done it through a CC.

Are you a career changer or an academic enhancer?

Out of curiosity how many hours were you working full-time when you did the informal post-bacc through Berkeley Extension?

 

[ampersandwich]

Out of curiosity how many hours were you working full-time when you did the informal post-bacc through Berkeley Extension?

I was working 40-45 hours/week; it was a conventional 9-5 "adult" job. I typically took two 3-hour evening classes a week, and use the hour BART commute time (each way!!) to study.