1) How do students in the program sign up for classes? Also, what type of classes can you take? Are the classes difficult (ie. is it difficult to maintain at least >3.5 GPA in the program)?I would assume you take classes along with the undergraduate students at UC San Diego. From what I've heard, it is extremely difficult to get an A in upper division science courses at UCSD. Can you please comment on this? This is my utmost concern because I would go through the program as an academic enhancer.
Students do not sign up for classes. The program does this for you. Unless you did exceptionally in a similar class during undergrad, I would not suggest opting out of a class associated with the program.
I would say 2/3 of the classes taken are upper division undergrad classes. At least 1 class each quarter is taught by the medical school education staff.
It is really hard to comment on the difficulty of the classes, without knowing a person’s particular study habits and methods, such as the number of hours you study for an exam, or memorization techniques… etc. However, I can tell you that I study maybe…15-20 hours for an exam, and get As. This was not the case during my undergrad.
2) How do you think the class is doing academically (only if you've been able to discuss this with your cohort)?
I can’t be sure on these numbers but, I would say that a little less than half of our class is getting mostly As.
3) What type of support does the program give after completing the program?
Of this, I am not sure because we are the first class for the program.
4) The program seems extremely expensive (tuition ~30K). I'm sure with cost of living, personal expenses, etc... this can easily spike up to ~50K for one school year. Do you think the program is worth the cost?
Absolutely. I was concerned about the same thing but, it is definitely worth it. I can only speak to what I did, personally—but I took out a loan and opted to share a room with someone close to campus (~$550 rent, total monthly utilities: $650). I also save money by taking the shuttle to school.
5) I understand that the program is fairly new, do you think you have a much better chance of getting admitted to a med school because the program helped you in this aspect? In other words, do you think the program will help you during the admission process?
Absolutely. I’ve read a number of articles (New York Times & US News) that have stated that something like 15% of medical school acceptances each year are students who have completed post-bacc programs.
There are a lot of services offered by the program. They really want to help you. There are mentorships with the medical school students, free tutoring, seminars, conferences, mock mini-multiple interviews, MCAT prep courses & material. If you need something, they will find a way to get it for you
The program has helped me to revise my study habits and memorization/learning techniques. One of the major changes I went through was adjusting to ‘problem-based learning’ and exams. The classes in the program avoid rope memorization, but instead incentivize developing the skill of applying learned material to new problems. In other words, you acquire critical thinking skills.
6) If you could re-do it again, would you go through the program again?
I hope so!
7) Any other advice that you wish you knew before going through the program?
I would say one of the main advantages of the program is the support of the administration and professors. Steve Schneid runs at least one of our classes each quarter. He is one of the most passionate and considerate teachers I have had. He genuinely cares about his students, and consistently goes above and beyond to include us in the UCSD med school community.
How did you obtain a loan do you have great credit? I will need ~50k I would imagine and I don't have the best credit it's not bad but not great.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I'm also available to talk through email, or on the phone.
