UPenn Post Bacc Program

Let Us Help You Get Accepted into Medical School.
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Members do not see this ad.
Refugee,
I applied to HCP and was told I was too qualified for the program. I received a letter and a phone call from the director of the program telling me I was too qualified due to my science background and that the program wouldnt offer me very much.
But hey, have fun with it
 
rob is right, i also spoke with them, and they said that if you've taken a number of upper level classes (200+ level), then the Harvard program simply isn't for you
 
Yay! Just got my acceptance email. :soexcited:

Too bad the coordinator is out of the office and I can't ask about how to get them to fill out financial aid forms that require their signature when I'm here in CA. That one degree verification form is the only one we have to fill out, right (other than the FAFSA)? And what's with the May 1st deadline for financial aid if the application deadline is two months later.

Also, did you guys get the info for your PennKey via postal mail? Is that what we register with?

Sorry for all he newbie questions. Wohoo Penn Pre-Health Specialized Studies '09!!
 
SoFreakedOut said:
Yay! Just got my acceptance email. :soexcited:

Too bad the coordinator is out of the office and I can't ask about how to get them to fill out financial aid forms that require their signature when I'm here in CA. That one degree verification form is the only one we have to fill out, right (other than the FAFSA)? And what's with the May 1st deadline for financial aid if the application deadline is two months later.

Also, did you guys get the info for your PennKey via postal mail? Is that what we register with?

Sorry for all he newbie questions. Wohoo Penn Pre-Health Specialized Studies '09!!
Click to expand...

SoFreakedOut, congratulations on your acceptance. The only form you have to fill out is the FAFSA because the loans come from the federal government. I called about the forms on the website to financial aid a while back. They stated that the school will not give you aid from their office. You can only get federal aid (in the form of stafford loans), so FAFSA is all I filled out. PennKey stuff came in the mail. Your PennKey allows you to access pretty much anything for current students on the website.
 
ali20685 said:
SoFreakedOut, congratulations on your acceptance. The only form you have to fill out is the FAFSA because the loans come from the federal government. I called about the forms on the website to financial aid a while back. They stated that the school will not give you aid from their office. You can only get federal aid (in the form of stafford loans), so FAFSA is all I filled out. PennKey stuff came in the mail. Your PennKey allows you to access pretty much anything for current students on the website.
Click to expand...

Thanks Ali. I filled out the FAFSA a long time ago. I didn't get any notice from Penn about what kind of loan offer I'd gotten, which made sense, I figured it was because I hadn't finished my application/gotten accepted yet. I'll call the financial aid office to see what the next step is. It's strange that they have that form on their website then because it says it's required for post-bacc LPS students and for first time financial aid applicants for their program...
 
SoFreakedOut said:
Yay! Just got my acceptance email. :soexcited:

Too bad the coordinator is out of the office and I can't ask about how to get them to fill out financial aid forms that require their signature when I'm here in CA. That one degree verification form is the only one we have to fill out, right (other than the FAFSA)? And what's with the May 1st deadline for financial aid if the application deadline is two months later.

Also, did you guys get the info for your PennKey via postal mail? Is that what we register with?

Sorry for all he newbie questions. Wohoo Penn Pre-Health Specialized Studies '09!!
Click to expand...

Congratulations!
 
Quick question-
Are what time of day are the Pre-Health Specialized Studies courses offered?

Also if I were to submit my application by July 15...how long do you estimate I would get a reply back? I've been accepted to another post-bac already at American University...but UPenn's seems great AND it has the Penn name to it...so I am facing the dillema of whether to apply or not (and still be able to find housing). When does Penn start..early Sept?
 
Congrats SoFreakedOut!

House - they are offered at night. Typically 5-8 or 6-9 something like that. If you wish to take the day courses with the regular UPenn UG then you have to pay double I believe.

You'd prob hear back for an interview by Aug 1, and then assuming you went for an interview ASAP you could hear back as early as Aug 15th, tho i'd say closer to the end of the month.

Orientation for SSP (and maybe pre-health) is Sep 11th
 
Thanks robflanker. Do they require that you go to Phily for the interview or for they have a telephone option. I remember reading that there was a program that had the telephone interview option. not sure if it was this one though.
 
I had a face-to-face interview but some had a phone interview. You might have to fight a little bit for it if you are within relatively close proximity.
 
SoFreakedOut said:
Yay! Just got my acceptance email. :soexcited:

Too bad the coordinator is out of the office and I can't ask about how to get them to fill out financial aid forms that require their signature when I'm here in CA. That one degree verification form is the only one we have to fill out, right (other than the FAFSA)? And what's with the May 1st deadline for financial aid if the application deadline is two months later.

Also, did you guys get the info for your PennKey via postal mail? Is that what we register with?

Sorry for all he newbie questions. Wohoo Penn Pre-Health Specialized Studies '09!!
Click to expand...

Well congratulations. I guess I will see you when you arrive here on campus.
By the way, you will have to forward your fafsa information over to Penn. They do offer financial assistance but it is in rare cases.
 
Last edited:
House MD said:
Quick question-
Are what time of day are the Pre-Health Specialized Studies courses offered?

Also if I were to submit my application by July 15...how long do you estimate I would get a reply back? I've been accepted to another post-bac already at American University...but UPenn's seems great AND it has the Penn name to it...so I am facing the dillema of whether to apply or not (and still be able to find housing). When does Penn start..early Sept?
Click to expand...

They are really quick about getting your application through. I applied, got an offer to interview 3-4 days later, did a phone interview since I'm in CA (that also sped things up, would have had a slightly later in-person interview date), and received an acceptance a week later (and that included the holiday Friday off). Total time was 2.5 weeks. If you do an in-person interview I would put it at 3-3.5 weeks. If there's a large number of last day applicants that may also delay it a bit, but I wouldn't think more than an extra week. All estimates of course. I think it's worth giving it a shot if you can get all your transcripts, scores, letters, etc. in on time since they're all needed for your app to be considered complete and ready for review.
 
Has anyone who sent in their complete application around July 1st heard back from Penn regarding an interview or anything else(besides about their application's completion)?

Thanks,
Refugee

P.S. It seems that we can apply for student housing (both graduate and undergraduate) as members of the LPS.
 
my app was completed (ready for review) on june 25th and got an interview offer on 26th. but originally i sent in most of my app stuff on the 22nd (and got an email that it was submitted), but one of the transcripts were missing- so it was reviewed on the 25th. had an interview last monday.

arghh anyone else waiting to hear back tomorrow? my interview did not go welllll.... and i've been checking my email nonstop. ehhh 😱
 
Hey everyone,

I just skimmed through some posts (I refuse to read them all). I just finished up the UPenn Special Sciences Prgm in May and am applying to med schools now.

For everyone taking Histology, I just want to say that it is an amazing course! Prof. Weil is the best. It's not easy (I personally didn't find it hard, but I'm also a visual learner), but if you put in the work, you'll get the grade. It's probably the most useful class anyone can take to prep for med school.

As far as housing...eh, Philly is Philthy, so pick wisely. I chose UCA Realty and lived right on 41st and Spruce (~3 blocks from campus). The further out you go, the cheaper it gets, but also the riskier your safety gets.

And as for having classes at night (only class on Saturday is a basic bio class that most Special Science kids don't take), once you adjust, you learn to love it. It gives you so much free time during the day, you can sleep in, go out after class, and stay out late without repercussions!

And word of advice to anyone bringing a car - The PPA (Philadelphia Parking Authority) is ridiculous and will try to nickel and dime you for your entire time in the city. There's a reason there is a tv show about the PPA (Parking Wars)...
 
Any advice on having a car in the city then pinkivy?

And thanks for your thoughts
 
Oh, it's very doable to have a car in Philly. And as long as you get to UCity early enough in the morning, finding a parking space is fine (not sure where you plan on living). I'm just forewarning you, the PPA is ridiculous (I still owe them +$300 for 3 tickets)... And I'm not 100% sure you can avoid getting nailed by them.

My tips (esp for Center City)
1) Re-read signs at least 5x and look for tiny, itty bitty, barely legible signs about towing.
2) Clock your parking meter to the minute. They are known to give tickets 30sec after the meter expires.
3) For 2-hr parking locations, they are known to chalk your car tires (which I'm pretty sure is illegal), so either wipe your tires down or be back in 125 min to be safe
4) Go ahead and get a parking card from the PPA, because you will run out of change (some meters only take quarters and dollars).
5) (for UCity) Never park near a corner - just don't even attempt. They like to give parking tickets for being too close to the corner, regardless of how close you really are.

Um, yeah, parking can be a hassle. It's something you learn to live with. I'd say bring your car, it is actually pretty useful (i.e. going to Target, shopping, etc.). Just beware, Philadelphians can't drive. Be careful of where you park and don't leave anything visible (a friend of mine got her car broken into...there was nothing to take, but she parked on a "bad block"). Even with all the tickets, I'm still happy I brought my car with me. Just really, the PPA sucks.
 
yoohoo! just got an acceptance email.
are you guys doing part time? full time?
from my understanding,
part time is anything that's under 4 credit/semester?
 
brainimaging said:
yoohoo! just got an acceptance email.
are you guys doing part time? full time?
from my understanding,
part time is anything that's under 4 credit/semester?
Click to expand...

Congratulations on your acceptance!!

I am doing part time as per my advisor's suggestions because I am coming from a liberal arts background. I have Bio I and Chem I in the Fall.
 
Is anyone going to be taking "Clinical Research in Emergency Medicine I" and know the times? It still says TBA and I'm assuming when you had your meeting with your advisor to discuss a course schedule the time had to be revealed so as not to overlap with one of your other courses.

Congrats Brainimaging! I'm planning on taking a full time course load.
 
SoFreakedOut - you have to email the professor in charge and then its during the day hours. Its not clear what they are, we have to go a meeting at the beginning of the semester.
 
so if you want to finish the program in 1yr+summer--> full time?
i put part time so that ill have enough time to do volunteer/research hopefully... and perhaps apply after 1st year so that i will have something to do during my gap yr. but i didn't really think through that much.
 
The program isnt really super structured in the sense that if you want the certificate you have to do 4 classes a semester for 2 semesters (full time)and then you are done. Or you can scale it back down a bit and do it in 3.

I'll be doing 4.5 in the fall, 4.5 or so in the spring, and 1 over the summer, and then 1 or 2 in the fall while working/doing other things.

Just remember that each CU is 3 credits on AMCAS. So if you are doing a GPA calc for a 30 credit year, then thats 10 CUs. I'm going to get my 30 credits over Fall, Spring and then Summer. In Fall 2010, i'll take a class or two to just stay busy and hopefully bring up my GPA a little bit more.
 
robflanker said:
The program isnt really super structured in the sense that if you want the certificate you have to do 4 classes a semester for 2 semesters (full time)and then you are done. Or you can scale it back down a bit and do it in 3.

I'll be doing 4.5 in the fall, 4.5 or so in the spring, and 1 over the summer, and then 1 or 2 in the fall while working/doing other things.

Just remember that each CU is 3 credits on AMCAS. So if you are doing a GPA calc for a 30 credit year, then thats 10 CUs. I'm going to get my 30 credits over Fall, Spring and then Summer. In Fall 2010, i'll take a class or two to just stay busy and hopefully bring up my GPA a little bit more.
Click to expand...


hi, from the website it says: "Requirements for the award of the Certificate in Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Specialized Studies must be completed within 2 years of enrolling in the Pre-Health Program."
so for the certificate, do u have to be full time?
 
I have an interview at Penn in the near future. I was wondering if anyone who has had the interview already would like to throw out some tips for me. What kind of questions are asked? Any curve balls?

Thanks!
 
Nope just finish the 8 classes or whatever it is in the 2 years. In theory, you could do 2 a semester for 4 semesters. Not sure thats super wise as it doesnt show med schools you can handle a challenging work load.

I find it surprising thats what the Upenn advisors are recommending. Maybe not 4 full science classes if you arent used to it, but 4 classes in general shouldnt be too taxing.

Each one of has a slightly diff plan so I dont think there is a right or wrong answer.

Refugee - no curve balls, pretty straightforward really
 
Hey all.

I m going into my senior year of college and I have only 1 letter of rec. Is it hard to get a letter of rec once I am in UPenn SSP? b/c I know i need 2 letters of rec to apply to the SSP, but I wondering do you get enough interaction with your professors in SSP to get a decent rec for med school.

thanks in advance 🙂
 
For Pre Health (part time) in the Fall. Im trying to register for classes and I just want to make sure that I understand the options correctly. Chem on Tues, plus Chem lab on Thurs and then Bio. The only evening bio classes are listed as labs, which leads me to believe that full-time employed/part time prehealth are expected to take the Saturday class. So my questions are (1) Are most people taking the Saturday bio class or is there an evening class that Im not seeing? (2) I just want to verify, there is no lab required for bio..correct?
My advisor did not list a bio lab on my course schedule but she listed the chem lab. When I try to register,however, it says the lab is required.
 
Hey everyone,

I was just offered an interview today for the UPenn program! 🙂

I'm considering a phone interview since I live in MI and because it may speed up the process (so I have more time to figure out my moving/housing, etc.) However, I do have the option to fly out there on the 27. Any pros and cons to either? Advice? It's my first real school interview so I'm definitely going to check out the interview section for tips.

Few questions to you guys:

Anyone know about how many are accepted of those interviewed?

When do classes start?

Does anyone know details about class timing? I read that they have evening classes but its possible to take day classes?

Appreciate it!
 
FaithMD said:
For Pre Health (part time) in the Fall. Im trying to register for classes and I just want to make sure that I understand the options correctly. Chem on Tues, plus Chem lab on Thurs and then Bio. The only evening bio classes are listed as labs, which leads me to believe that full-time employed/part time prehealth are expected to take the Saturday class. So my questions are (1) Are most people taking the Saturday bio class or is there an evening class that Im not seeing? (2) I just want to verify, there is no lab required for bio..correct?
My advisor did not list a bio lab on my course schedule but she listed the chem lab. When I try to register,however, it says the lab is required.
Click to expand...

It seems like the saturday bio lecture is the only class (x-600+) available for LPS students. I'll be very surprised if the bio labs weren't required.. you might want to ask your advisor again about this, there's a good chance he/she just forgot to list the bio lab.

srivastk said:
Hey everyone,

I was just offered an interview today for the UPenn program! 🙂

I'm considering a phone interview since I live in MI and because it may speed up the process (so I have more time to figure out my moving/housing, etc.) However, I do have the option to fly out there on the 27. Any pros and cons to either? Advice? It's my first real school interview so I'm definitely going to check out the interview section for tips.

Few questions to you guys:

Anyone know about how many are accepted of those interviewed?

When do classes start?

Does anyone know details about class timing? I read that they have evening classes but its possible to take day classes?

Appreciate it!
Click to expand...

If you go interview in person, you'll be able to see the campus and also look at potential housing while you're there. But admissions-wise, the benefits of going in-person are probably marginal. Many people here (myself included!) got in while doing a phone interview. Also, I wouldn't worry too much about the interview itself, the questions they ask are fairly straightforward (e.g. why do you want to pursue medicine? etc.). If it helps, I did pretty poorly on my interview and still got accepted, so a poor interview performance doesn't necessarily lead to a rejection (luckily for me!).

Off the top of my head, classes start around September 9th.. I'm probably off by a few days though (someone please correct me here)!! And finally, the LPS classes tend to take place during the evenings and weekends. I've heard others say it's possible to take day classes, but you've got to pay extra for those. Hope this helps!
 
Last edited:
robflanker said:
Nope just finish the 8 classes or whatever it is in the 2 years. In theory, you could do 2 a semester for 4 semesters. Not sure thats super wise as it doesnt show med schools you can handle a challenging work load.

I find it surprising thats what the Upenn advisors are recommending. Maybe not 4 full science classes if you arent used to it, but 4 classes in general shouldnt be too taxing.

Each one of has a slightly diff plan so I dont think there is a right or wrong answer.

Refugee - no curve balls, pretty straightforward really
Click to expand...


I just wanted to add that my advisor suggested doing the majority as a part timer, while taking a full course load for the fall semester of next year. The full time semester would be the proof that I could handle a full time course load. I just wanted to clear that up.
 
But that makes even less sense. Are you planning on apply to med school next summer? If so you'll barely have any classes under your belt to show them that you can do the work.

Your GPA won't be affected enough by part-time classes (unless your really close now) and taking a full course load next fall will be too late for med schools to see in all reality.

I know thats what the advisors are saying but it makes no sense to me. We are here to show we can do A work and a decent amount of it. Part-time for a year and then full-time for a semester is backwards. It should be the other way around, full-time for a year, part time in the semester you are applying.
 
robflanker said:
But that makes even less sense. Are you planning on apply to med school next summer? If so you'll barely have any classes under your belt to show them that you can do the work.

Your GPA won't be affected enough by part-time classes (unless your really close now) and taking a full course load next fall will be too late for med schools to see in all reality.

I know thats what the advisors are saying but it makes no sense to me. We are here to show we can do A work and a decent amount of it. Part-time for a year and then full-time for a semester is backwards. It should be the other way around, full-time for a year, part time in the semester you are applying.
Click to expand...

I am a pre-health career changer, not a special sciences major. I am going to apply in two years. My current GPA is a 3.85, so that is not an issue. The reason I am starting part time is because I have 3 degrees that do not relate to science at all. It is in order to ease into the science classes.
 
1) I really want to know who your advisors are...some (1 in particular) are notoriously HORRIBLE and their opinions on anything (including your scheduling) should be neglected.

2) It's nice that you get a certificate now...

3) Personally, I'd do a phone interview. It really won't hurt your chances of getting in. So unless you are just dying to see Philadelphia and the campus, save your money.

4) Oh, and for the Clinical Research course. What happens is, class meets Thursdays during the day (say, 3-6pm), BUT it doesn't meet every Thurs (you will go for a month without meeting) and the time it meets also varies (sometimes it's a noon, other times its at 4). In class, you have guest lecturers and presentations on designing clinical research experiments. In addition to this, you have to pick and commit to 2 shifts a week in the ED at HUP. Shifts run everyday from 7am-midnight, in 4,5, or 6 hour shifts. You pick your two shifts for the week (totaling 10hrs) and you are responsible for being in the ED every week of the semester during those times. If you need to miss a shift, you have to switch with someone else. And there is usually another AA there with you, so you're not alone.
 
Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum. Just wanted to say hello! I had my phone interview the other day and am waiting to hear back. Just wanted to thank you all for your helpful comments about everything and hopefully I'll get to join you in the fall! 🙂
 
Hi again,

My other possible plans for next year just fell through... so I HAVE to get in to Penn. My interview is coming up soon, and I am looking for some soothing words....

Does anyone know of someone getting an interview and then getting rejected?

Best,
Refugee
 
Honestly, I think it's rare for someone to get an interview and then get rejected.
Unless they have changed it since I interviewed last May, they tell you at the interview that from that point forward, it is simply the applicant deciding whether or not the prgm is a good match for them.

So rest easy!
 
hey guys.

About the interview... I plan on attending it in person...
I finished applying like 2 or 3 weeks ago. couple of days before the deadline. Got an email Jul 15 saying that the application was complete. got an email today (2 days after; Jul 17) with an invitation for an interview...

what i don't understand is the email which confirmed the completion of application (Jul 15) said: to allow 2 to 5 weeks after the completion of app for a decision to be available. and that I will get an email if it becomes available online.

my question: the first email had nothing about interview. Is interview a process for all? or for people they are not sure about? (from previous poster, seems like everyone who applies gets an interview...)

also, why would the first say a decision will be available 2 to 5 weeks but the latter email sent inviting for an interview? any inputs?

thanks!

lol is it a good sign to have gotten an interview?
 
Audman said:
hey guys.

About the interview... I plan on attending it in person...
I finished applying like 2 or 3 weeks ago. couple of days before the deadline. Got an email Jul 15 saying that the application was complete. got an email today (2 days after; Jul 17) with an invitation for an interview...

what i don't understand is the email which confirmed the completion of application (Jul 15) said: to allow 2 to 5 weeks after the completion of app for a decision to be available. and that I will get an email if it becomes available online.

my question: the first email had nothing about interview. Is interview a process for all? or for people they are not sure about? (from previous poster, seems like everyone who applies gets an interview...)

also, why would the first say a decision will be available 2 to 5 weeks but the latter email sent inviting for an interview? any inputs?

thanks!

lol is it a good sign to have gotten an interview?
Click to expand...

I think that the '2-5 weeks decision' in the first email was referring to whether or not you would be given an interview. After you go through your interview, a second decision will be made on whether or not you're accepted into the program. I doubt that a person will be accepted without first having gone through an interview. So, it's a very good sign that you got an interview invite! Good luck!
 
just got a place in university city. phew!

glad that monkey is off my back
 
nice rob, congrats. now that the MCAT is out of the way, I'm gonna make my way up to philly at some point, got 2 weeks of straight tennis camps to deal with, then I can head on up. when are you guys planning on moving into the area? i was thinking of getting up there sometime around mid to late august
 
My lease starts Sep 1 - so thats when ill be headed up there. my apartment may be ready earlier but no certainties on that.

Id recommend campus apartments and NPDF for anyone looking. They had some nice properties for reasonable dollars. Stay away from Off Penn Properties - they wanted a boat load for an awful property
 
npdf? the thing I really want is some place with closed off parking, is anyone contemplating getting a septa card, ive heard a number of students live on one of the lines and take that to campus when they need to
 
SAEbrodel said:
npdf? the thing I really want is some place with closed off parking, is anyone contemplating getting a septa card, ive heard a number of students live on one of the lines and take that to campus when they need to
Click to expand...

I just started working in philadelphia. Most of the people that I work with live in philly, and utilize the trains along with the Lucy bus, which is supposedly free for Penn students. Septa supposedly has discounts for students as well.

Congrats, Rob on resolving the housing issue. That is one thing I am glad not to have to worry about this year.
 
You wont find closed off parking within Univ City unless you pay a fortune.

Campus Apartments run a free shuttle service for its tenants throughout Ucity to campus. They go as far as 30th st station.

Thanks Ali - it is def a nightmare I am glad to be done with
 
any valuable hints for the core class program interview?

Also, what is the estimated cost per semester here - actually better question is how much per class (per credit and how many credit per class)? i know its drastically different than HES (harvard extension school which is 900 a course).

is UPenn cost difference worth it over HES? (for career chagner program).

thanks
 
Audman said:
any valuable hints for the core class program interview?

Also, what is the estimated cost per semester here - actually better question is how much per class (per credit and how many credit per class)? i know its drastically different than HES (harvard extension school which is 900 a course).

is UPenn cost difference worth it over HES? (for career chagner program).

thanks
Click to expand...

Hi Audman,

The advisors seem to recommend students in the career-changer program to only take 2 courses during their first semester (first-year chemistry, first-year biology + labs). The total cost for this comes out to US$7,785. As for whether or not this extra cost is worth it, I doubt anyone here would be able to give you a definitive answer. Most people would have only gone through at most one of the these two programs 😉. But, seeing as how I will be attending the Penn LPS program this coming fall, I'm somewhat obliged to say that the extra cost at Penn is worth it 😀.

In all seriousness though, I have heard good things about both programs from my professors; so in my opinion, you can't really go wrong either way. The stats also seem to back this up, as both programs have over a 90% success rate at getting their students into medical school (a minor caveat: the '90%' figure at the HES is based on those who end up getting sponsorship from the program).

As for interview tips, just be genuine and honest. The interviewer I had wasn't confrontational and there really were no trick questions or 'traps' involved in the interview. Other people seem to have had similar experiences. Just be ready to talk about anything you wrote on your personal statement and resume. And once again, good luck Audman 🙂
 
Last edited:
Hi Nuggles

Thanks so much for hitting all the points 🙂 i like your style! haha

Yeh i figured it would be a hard call... i guess it would depend on whether or not philly or boston is better for me. I guess the cost difference is the linkage program UPenn offer opposed to just a sponsorship at HES.

Thanks nuggles. i'll ask more if i need...
btw what kind of question do they ask?

thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Albion or Meredith college or UPenn for post bacc?
Replies
1
Views
1K
tinkerlove
T
C
UPenn Specialized Studies Program?
Replies
2
Views
2K
gamjatang
G
midwestbb
Post-bacc Linkages
Replies
0
Views
2K
midwestbb
midwestbb
T
Post Bacc GPA
Replies
0
Views
1K
tsiue
T
KingofPersia
UNR Post-bacc
Replies
0
Views
1K
KingofPersia
KingofPersia
Top Bottom