UCSD postbacc help please!

[aspiring20]

i know UCSD has an extension program where you can take individual science courses without enrolling as a student.

but is there an option to pay around 5 grand and enroll as a formal non-degree seeking student for one semester? or is that not possible? are there any other cal-states near san diego that allows you to register for one to two semesters without becoming a degree-seeking student? i've heard that SDSU allows you to take whatever course you want and you are able to register yourself as a student.

any input is appreciated

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[lobo.solo]

I think all CSU allow you to take classes as a no degree seeker, the problem is to get the actual spot. As you might know many classes are impacted due to budget cuts and whatnot. Depending on your situation, look into CSUs and CC if money is tight. Good luck.

 

[h4v3n]

Can I ask why you want to enroll as a formal non-degree seeking student? Why not just take the extensions classes?

I'm actually taking multiple chemistry courses as premed prerequisites at UCSD using extension. They're about 1 grand a pop, and you basically enroll in the class as a student. You do have to go through a small bit of overhead (such as signing up for waitlist), but most classes are empty/students drop so theres no problem in getting into a class.

 

[CsHead]

More related to your title.. not so much what your post content entailed.. UCSD has a new postbac program they are adding in addition to their one for disadvantaged cali residents.

 

[aspiring20]

More related to your title.. not so much what your post content entailed.. UCSD has a new postbac program they are adding in addition to their one for disadvantaged cali residents.

that's great news, except that i already finished all my prereqs except physics II. i need some sGPA repair - that's all.

 

[aspiring20]

Can I ask why you want to enroll as a formal non-degree seeking student? Why not just take the extensions classes?

I'm actually taking multiple chemistry courses as premed prerequisites at UCSD using extension. They're about 1 grand a pop, and you basically enroll in the class as a student. You do have to go through a small bit of overhead (such as signing up for waitlist), but most classes are empty/students drop so theres no problem in getting into a class.

the problem with extension, as others have mentioned, is that a spot in a bio course isn't really guaranteed. but since you didn't have a lot of problems getting in, extension might be a good idea. Another poster also told me that he had no problems signing up for a few popular bios as an extension student.

i figured that if i formally enroll (as in paying 8-10 grand) for a year, i'll have the same priority as UCSD students when it comes to course registering. but that probably isn't necessary.

and 1 grand a course isn't that bad; i believe it is only slightly more expensive than a cal state.

 

[CsHead]

that's great news, except that i already finished all my prereqs except physics II. i need some sGPA repair - that's all.

It's not just for those without a science background. Straight from one of my emails...

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. UC San Diego (UCSD) announces a new, redesigned Post Baccalaureate Premedical Program designed to provide students with strong skills and knowledge necessary to apply to medical school. Some of the advantages of the UCSD Post Baccalaureate Premedical Program:

• A full-time intensive (12 months) format, focused on record enhancers who are either applying to medical school for the first time, or have applied and not yet been successful

• This program is based on a previous Post Bac at the UCSD School of Medicine that had an 83-85% success rate for medical school admittance around the country

• Our Advisory Committee includes faculty from the UCSD School of Medicine, Division of Biological Sciences and UC San Diego Extension – all are directly familiar with the needs of pre med students

• An intimate, supportive learning community: the new program will provide extensive support (tutoring, mentoring, application coaching, MCAT Preparation) to a small cohort of students admitted to the program

• Based in beautiful La Jolla, CA, located at a top 10 research University, near one of the leading biotechnology clusters in North America and a vibrant, active academic community offering a well-rounded personal experience

To learn more about the program, application process, admissions criteria and more, please visit: http://postbacpremed.ucsd.edu. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE JANUARY 15, 2013.

 

[drshark]

As a newly established program I think you're better off applying to more well established programs as this is no guarantee into UCSD medical school or any other school for that matter, their track record is 83% of their students get accepted in a medical school. I'm sure other programs have much higher stats and since this is new it may be very unorganized.

 

[aspiring20]

As a newly established program I think you're better off applying to more well established programs as this is no guarantee into UCSD medical school or any other school for that matter, their track record is 83% of their students get accepted in a medical school. I'm sure other programs have much higher stats and since this is new it may be very unorganized.

i think in my situation, a full time formal postbacc is unnecessary. my overall GPA is close to a 3.6, and because i dont have an extreme amount of science hours, it is relatively easier (and much much cheaper) for me to raise my science GPA via an informal postbacc through UCSD extension.

 

[drshark]

i think in my situation, a full time formal postbacc is unnecessary. my overall GPA is close to a 3.6, and because i dont have an extreme amount of science hours, it is relatively easier (and much much cheaper) for me to raise my science GPA via an informal postbacc through UCSD extension.

I would definitely do informal in your case, although it may be hard to get into classes b/c I think priority is given to students. I would try both UCSD and SDSU 🙂

 

[aspiring20]

Another poster also told me that he had no problems signing up for a few popular bios as an extension student.

i think there's a difference between concurrent enrollment vs. extension. for concurrent enrollment, you can choose any/all of the undergrad courses (sciences or otherwise). but for extension, they only offer classes geared for working professionals such as research grant writing, clinical trials, etc. only relevant extension courses i found is intro to biochemistry.

 

[h4v3n]

i think there's a difference between concurrent enrollment vs. extension. for concurrent enrollment, you can choose any/all of the undergrad courses (sciences or otherwise). but for extension, they only offer classes geared for working professionals such as research grant writing, clinical trials, etc. only relevant extension courses i found is intro to biochemistry.

yeah when i said through extension i meant concurrent enrollment.