UPenn Post Bacc Program

[Nuggles]

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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

No problem, I'm glad my post was helpful!

As for the interview, the interviewer I had asked fairly predictable interview questions, e.g. why did I want to pursue medicine, what were my plans for the future etc. Apart from these fairly standard cookie-cutter questions, he also asked me to clarify some stuff that appeared on my transcript and resume. There really were no "holy crap, I had no clue that question was coming" moments during the interview.

The interview itself was also very conversational. Mine was particularly short, it lasted a grand total of 10 minutes. In fact, the length of my interview actually scared me quite a bit, because I was under the impression that the interview should've lasted closer to half an hour, if not more.

This pretty much sums up the entire interview. Just be sure to be yourself and try to be relaxed. Review your application and also your reasons for wanting to do this and you'll be fine 😀.


Edit: Also, a poor interview performance doesn't necessarily mean a rejection! I was literally mumbling through the first 5 minutes of my interview because I was so nervous for it.. It literally went like this:

Interviewer: "Why do you want to pursue medicine?"
Me: "Because I *mumble mumble mumble*"

I wish I was exaggerating here, but I really was that bad (I'm quite possibly the world's most incompetent interviewee)! Anyways, I thought I'd share this in hopes of reducing some of your pre-interview worrying 🙂. Good luck!

 

[Audman]

Thanks nuggles!

I am aware that this program (core studies) offer linkage programs (am i right? does it?). Given that my undergrad institution was not an IVY lol what are the chances, and what do I need to do (ie maintaining which kind of GPA) would get me eligible for a linkage program?

How does the linkage program work opposed to a program like HES where they offer sponsorship but not linkage?

if for instance a student is not eligible to take advantage of linkage, could that student apply to medical school? I guess you could, but not getting the linkage probablyl means low gpa in the program thus low to no chance of aceeptance to med school?

thank

 

[deleted248403]

the linkage is all based off your GPA in the program and your MCAT

Yes you can apply to med school if you dont get selected for the linkage. I think the GPA requirements are like 3.6-3.7, so if you had a 3.58 its not the end of the world to apply to med school with depending on your other grades and other factors

 

[unpocojmoney]

Hey everyone,

I've been following this thread for a little while, but only just joined. I applied to Penn's pre-health core studies program for the fall, had my interview on Monday (7/20), and am now waiting to hear back. My interview went very well, but I'm still nervous!

Anyway, if I do get in, is anyone still looking for a roommate? I'm somewhat familiar with the area, having grown up in South Jersey and with my family still there. But I'd rather find a classmate/roommate and not have to commute.

Also, is anyone else from the 7/20 group on this thread? Everyone was really nice, and I'd like to keep in touch with you guys.

Julie

PS- Just wondering... People are saying "25 percent of people get interviews at the program, and most of them get in." Has anyone heard of/met someone who DIDN'T get in, or get an interview? Seems to me like everyone here has been accepted.

 

[runaround]

Just got in! Anyone still looking for a roommate?!!?

 

[Audman]

i have an interview coming up one aug 3... nervous.

if i get accepted i would need a roommate.

to julie- hey how was the interview like? what kind of questions... the procedures?

thanks

 

[unpocojmoney]

Audman:
Like everyone else said, the interview was fairly straightforward and painless. My undergraduate GPA was really inconsistent (I was an athlete with skewed priorities) so most of my interview was spent talking about that. But she asked me about my current position, clinical experience, and how I became interested in medicine. Very standard and low-stress.

 

[SoFreakedOut]

Also, the excitement of being accepted started to fade after I realized I'd have to find a way to pay for it. Is it too forward to ask how others are planning to finance this?

And now that I've realized that the gov gives me pretty much nothing in loans because my age alone technically makes me a dependent, I can relate to your statement. Private loan time 🙁

 

[deleted248403]

You can always go part-time and get a job

 

[Refugee]

The deadline for fall admission into the Pre-Health program has apparently been extended to August 15 (that is what it says on the application page of UPenn's website).

This is interesting because that would leave only three weeks from the deadline until classes start.

I think this means they don't have as many students as they would like to have in the program.

I also highly doubt that this is a 15-20% selective program. I think they are just saying that to make the program more attractive to applicants. I would guess that it is closer to a 50% acceptance.

Though, as long as med schools look favorably upon the program, I really don't care.

 

[deleted248403]

Or maybe they just didnt have the caliber of students they were hoping for...

 

[Hoon]

Hey everyone!
congratulations on getting into Penn program

I am planning on applying to a Post bac program next year and I have few questions:

1. What is the difference between SMP from say Georgetown and Boston VS. Post bac program @ UPenn?

2. Is it possible to get academic letters of reccommendation from the Post bac program? if so, does it satisfy Med schools' requirement for 3 academic letters of rec?

3. What made you choose UPenn Postbac over other programs:?

Thanks in advance 🙂

 

[yezzur]

The deadline for fall admission into the Pre-Health program has apparently been extended to August 15 (that is what it says on the application page of UPenn's website).

This is interesting because that would leave only three weeks from the deadline until classes start.

I think this means they don't have as many students as they would like to have in the program.

I also highly doubt that this is a 15-20% selective program. I think they are just saying that to make the program more attractive to applicants. I would guess that it is closer to a 50% acceptance.

Though, as long as med schools look favorably upon the program, I really don't care.

Wow that is good news for me, ( aug 15th!!!)
That means I still have time.
I have a horrible GPA and MCAT, I need to get into a post-bacc this fall or spring semester, i can't kill off another year.

 

[SoFreakedOut]

You can always go part-time and get a job

Nah, got to look at the big picture. Take out loans now and make yourself a more favorable candidate or work and make a smaller impact with one year? Don't get me wrong, I'll work part-time, but it's not a wise move to sacrifice goals for money if you can manage it in the long run. So full-time student status sticks. Nonetheless, no one enjoys taking out loans, you've just got to do it and make sure you kick butt in the program so that it was worth the investment.

 

[Audman]

okay so im wanting to do the basic core studies ... If I start in the fall, would I be able to be full time? or is it only for those who start in the summer who can do full time?

thanks!

 

[deleted248403]

none of us are starting in the summer - u can do basic core in the fall. as long as scheduling allows.

im full-time in the fall, but doing SSP, dont think it matters tho. It's what the advisors recommend tho

 

[SoFreakedOut]

So, how's everyone doing with their apartment hunting? How close or far from campus are you all? Center City, University City, elsewhere? How's rent looking? Juuuust curious.

 

[deleted248403]

I'm in Univ City - about 10 blocks west of campus.

From what I saw in Univ C - studios started at like $650 and 1-bed at like $750-800

 

[Audman]

yeh... i need help finding apt... lol how do i go about it? lol what areas are good?

 

[unpocojmoney]

Is anyone else waiting to find out about acceptances either today or tomorrow? I was told one week, one week ago, and I'm starting to get nervous....

 

[deleted248403]

aud - i just looked online. I would recommend campus apartments, and not university city housing. But use craigslist and other sites.

Univ City is pretty good; Art museum area is good, bit further from campus; Centre city is awesome but expensive

 

[unpocojmoney]

I got in, guys! Will be starting in the Core program this fall. Anyone else living in Center City?

 

[deleted248403]

Congrats!

Anyone know what the "recreation fee" is for? I assume gym stuff but I seem to remember reading somewhere that the gym was $250 for students - so im not sure what the rec fee is

 

[ali20685]

Congrats!

Anyone know what the "recreation fee" is for? I assume gym stuff but I seem to remember reading somewhere that the gym was $250 for students - so im not sure what the rec fee is

The fee is for the pottruck center, which is the gym area/fitness center. It is applied if you are a full time student, which means 4 or more c.u.s per semester. Part time students are not charged a recreation fee, but must pay for the use of the fitness center. The courts, I believe, are open to all with a valid penn i.d.

 

[deleted248403]

awesome thanks ali

 

[Audman]

can students use the swimming pool for workout? what about non-students who would visit me?

 

[ali20685]

can students use the swimming pool for workout? what about non-students who would visit me?

The pool is available to all that have a valid Penn ID. I know there are different prices for other eligible people. I am pretty sure eligible people have to be affiliated with Penn in some way. People who are eligible for membership as well as prices are listed on the Pottruck center site. The site is really helpful with an overview of the facility. As for a visitor not affiliated with Penn at all, you would have to call or visit the center to find out that information. The contact info is on the site.

 

[bruin2070]

hey guys! im new to this whole blog thing but i just found out i got into the specialized studies program and wanted to see if there was anyone out there still looking for a roommate!

 

[Refugee]

I am also looking for a possible (male) roommate to rent a two bedroom apartment in University City or Center City. Let me know if any of you is interested. Non-drinker, non-smoker, non-annoying-er person preferred.

 

[Audman]

I would be interested. IM guessing the option for studios are slimming... but I am visiting Sunday to monday for the interview on monday. SOO i'm not in yet but I am being told by rents/gf/mentors to start looking for places to live :\ lol

anyways let me know if you could wait a week? lol while you are waiting if you find someone else i guess thats fine. I am a social drinker... do not plan on getting drunk... non-smoker... and i get along with everyone. Let me know man

 

[Audman]

hey rob- where can i find info about campus apartments?

 

[deleted248403]

go to their website - just search for it. Or you can call them and they'll email you what they have available

 

[deleted248403]

So I was looking at books, and I wouldn't recommend getting them at the Penn Bookstore - its a rip off. You can go online to the Penn Bookstore website, find the titles and get them cheaper elsewhere.

For example, I just looked at Developmental Bio's txt book and it was $131 new and $108 used from Penn.... I found it at Amazon for $84 new.

Not sure prices for other classes, but just to give you all a heads up

 

[Jia7]

hey - does anyone know how full the class is right now? Also, when is orientation and when do classes begin? thanks! =)

robflanker - hehe normally ubookstores are a rip off 😛 i used to buy books until my online-bought/used/cheaper book arrived and then would return it by the date you could receive a full refund. =)

 

[deleted248403]

orientation is sep 3rd, classes start the following week

UMass' bookstore was a rip off but UConn was cheaper than Amazon

 

[srivastk]

Hey everyone, I got accepted to SSP earlier this week. I'm really excited about coming to Philly and hopefully I'll meet most of you this fall.🙂

Has anyone picked out their classes/any recommendations?

 

[mangobailey]

Congrats on your acceptance srivatsk. May I ask when you turned in your application and interviewed? I just interviewed on Monday and am anxious to hear back. Just wondering how long it usually takes. Thanks!

 

[Jia7]

thanks Rob! 🙂

Congrats srivastk! mangobailey - I asked them and they said it takes about a week to get a response. I am waiting to hear as well! =)

 

[Audman]

Congrats on your acceptance srivatsk. May I ask when you turned in your application and interviewed? I just interviewed on Monday and am anxious to hear back. Just wondering how long it usually takes. Thanks!

thanks Rob! 🙂

Congrats srivastk! mangobailey - I asked them and they said it takes about a week to get a response. I am waiting to hear as well! =)

hey to both of you... mangobailey and jia7. I just took my interview on monday as well... aug 3rd! also waiting. lol I might have seen you mangobailey... which one was you? lol to put it vaguely hah

 

[ARLittle]

I had the interview Monday as well, and haven't heard. The interviewer said probably next Monday, so I'm really hoping that's true and not just that I'm being rejected lol. I've already made a lot of plans for moving up there since there's like no time before school starts. *nervous* I even found a place to live and everything...

I was assured about 5 times from the interviewer that I would get in, but without the official letter, it's not that reassuring...

 

[Jia7]

hey Audman and ARLittle - i didn't interview on monday... had a phone interview later in the week. lets hope for the best for all of us! the waiting period is such a pain...

 

[Audman]

ARlittle - were you in group A or B?

 

[ali20685]

Congrats to all recent acceptances, and hopefully the others hear back soon!!

Now to something completely unrelated, are there any former Penn students, or even present ones, that have done the pre-med volunteering program at HUP? If so, did you like the structure to it? Advantages/disadvantages?

I have several opportunities that I am considering on top of school/work, so I need to weigh my options.

 

[srivastk]

Hope your interviews went well. I interviewed on Mon, July 27 and I found out Tuesday of the next week.

Anyone have any advice for finding a health related part time job? I'm coming from MI so I don't know too much about the major hospitals/clinics, etc., to check out.

Also, any sites other than craigslist and 4wallsinphilly for housing??

Thanks!

 

[ali20685]

Hope your interviews went well. I interviewed on Mon, July 27 and I found out Tuesday of the next week.

Anyone have any advice for finding a health related part time job? I'm coming from MI so I don't know too much about the major hospitals/clinics, etc., to check out.

Also, any sites other than craigslist and 4wallsinphilly for housing??

Thanks!

If you are looking for a part time job, you can look at the hospital's job board, which is online. Make sure you are on the postbac's e-mailing system because there are a lot of jobs that come through there, especially for research these mailings. I found my research position through the e-mails from the system. Some are part time, while others are full time. As for housing, I do not live in philly, so I cannot help with that. Good Luck on your search!!

 

[ARLittle]

ARlittle - were you in group A or B?

Hey Audman - I was in Group A, I believe (whichever one interviewed first). The one with the "jaded" tour-guide. I enjoyed the tour despite her 🙂

 

[Audman]

really?! yeh i didn't like the guide much at all... you were in my group. Names Sung- the only asian guy i believe (Korean) in the group. Our guide was on drugs or something hah she was all over the place lol

 

[runaround]

How long did it take you guys to get a PennKey after submitting the Intent to Enroll form?

 

[deleted248403]

A week or two

 

[Rockinghorse]

Hi,

I am going to enter Penn's Specialized Studies in the Fall. I was wondering if anyone needs a roommate? I just got into the program. PM me.

Thanks!