Wake Forest Post Bac

[Nyu2004]

If anyone is applying to the program this year and has any questions please feel free to ask. I am currently at Wake and know a lot of kids that have gone through the program.
Good Luck

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[LauraDO]

Yes I am very interested, there is nothing on the website about it, I have so many questions I don't even know where to begin, what is the structure of the program, how competitive, ect., ect,, whatever you want to tell I want to know

 

[Nyu2004]

The program itself is very competitive. Last year they received about 500 applications, interviewed 28 for a class of 10. The requirements are a minimum of a 2.5 gpa (overall and in science), 21 MCAT score (at least a 7 in each section) and the pre-requisites completed prior to enrollment. As far as the program goes, you take some courses with other graduate students in the University and also some smaller courses taught by the same faculty that teach in the medical school. This semester the postbac are taking Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Problem Based Learning. They have a very similar work load to first year medical students and the program has a great repuation amongst the students at Wake.
That is just a little but if there is anything in particular you want to know just ask.
Good Luck

 

[dr1day]

I'm a first year at Wake who was a post-bacc last year. I'm also willing to answer questions.

 

[aznstyle28]

So you need to take the MCATs before entering the program? I guess it's not for students who doesnt have any science background then

 

[Nyu2004]

Yea, the program is meant for those applicants who have taken the MCAT and the rest of the science prerequisites.

 

[IkeBoy18]

do u know the avg gpa of a selected individual? and do they weigh experience heavily? what tips would u offer on aiding to get accepted..thanx

 

[LauraDO]

I'm a first year at Wake who was a post-bacc last year. I'm also willing to answer questions.

Great! First off, how do you like the Wake Med school so far? What do you feel helped you get into the pb, what classes do you take during pb? competitive? cutthroat? good prep? general overall impressions of the school, ect

 

[princey0gi]

is this the urm program?

 

[princey0gi]

nvmd...found it.

 

[Nyu2004]

The program was designed with increasing URM in medicine in mind, but that should not deter anyone from applying. This years class is extremely diverse with both URM and non URM. For the most part, you should just express how this program will benefit you and why medicine is the field for you. They look for enthusiastic applicants with a passion for learning and education.

 

[princey0gi]

thanks nyu2004 for the post....sine you're in the program what are some of the adv/disadv of the program so far? do u know the avg stats of those accepted? the website says mcat of 21 and 2.7gpa is needed to apply but that seems reallly low. thanks alot for the info..appreciate it. seems like a solid program if u want to get into wake forest med...but at this point ill take any med school acceptance haha.

 

[Nyu2004]

I'm not sure average stats because they don't tell us but if you meet the criteria you stand a shot. Just write a solid essay and express your desire to be a physician. My MCAT sucked and my gpa wasn't stellar but I had great extra curriculars and volunteer experience. They typically interview around 25-30 applicants for a class of 7-8. Our class this year was larger (10) then they have had in the past.
Good Luck

 

[dr1day]

Great! First off, how do you like the Wake Med school so far? What do you feel helped you get into the pb, what classes do you take during pb? competitive? cutthroat? good prep? general overall impressions of the school, ect

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reply. We had a test last Friday and white coat ceremony on Saturday, so I'm just now coming up for air. To answer your questions:

1. I like Wake so far. I'm very happy with my decision. Everyone is very supportive and family-like. I haven't experienced any cutthroat behavior.

2. I think what helped me and anyone else who applies is the ability to articulate a strong desire to not only become a physician, but also to attend Wake Forest specifically. Also like I said previously, everyone is so laid back, so really the interview is just a chance for them to see if you will fit in. I'm an older student (finished undergrad in '97 and grad school in '98) so I have 10 years of work/volunteer experience. I think it also helped that my previous career was in public health which many see as the flip side of the medical coin.

3. During the program you take some classes with the grad students and some with only the pb group taught by professors that teach in the med school. In the fall semester, we took neuroscience, PBL, and Biochemistry. In the spring we took Physiology/Pharmacology (by far my favorite class), Microbiology and Gross Anatomy.

4. I feel very well prepared. Basically I did the program because I'd been out of school for so long and I didn't want to jump right back into med school. The office of student services is very supportive, but I feel the best part of the program is just having the opportunity to be around the med students. PB students are very integrated into the school and have many opportunities to talk with med students and get insights that other people in your class won't have.

Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. I'll try to reply as quickly as I can.