What do you think of my chances?

[bitach]

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I joined this community around two weeks ago and I was wondering what you all think of my chances. I received my Bachelors degree last April I majored in Talmudic Studies, my GPA is 3.8. My Father is a Pediatrician with a very large and busy practice and I know the hard work and rigorous schedule.

I have great LOCs and a good personal statement but I didn't take any standardized tests. I've spoken with UPENN, NYU, and Columbia and was told that the standardized test scores were not a must.

I volunteered for the past two years with an organization that helps patients in need and have been shadowing physicians for a year.

What do you all think of my chances of getting accepted to a good post-bacc program (NYU, UPENN, Columbia or Rutgers)? Does anyone have any advice as to anything I should be doing to help my acceptance chances to a good program?

 

[Law2Doc]

I joined this community around two weeks ago and I was wondering what you all think of my chances. I received my Bachelors degree last April I majored in Talmudic Studies, my GPA is 3.8. My Father is a Pediatrician with a very large and busy practice and I know the hard work and rigorous schedule.

I have great LOCs and a good personal statement but I didn't take any standardized tests. I've spoken with UPENN, NYU, and Columbia and was told that the standardized test scores were not a must.

I volunteered for the past two years with an organization that helps patients in need and have been shadowing physicians for a year.

What do you all think of my chances of getting accepted to a good post-bacc program (NYU, UPENN, Columbia or Rutgers)? Does anyone have any advice as to anything I should be doing to help my acceptance chances to a good program?

Those aren't necessarilly the post bac programs I would look at with such a high 3.8 GPA, but I'm sure you would have a good shot at getting into one. Not all of those programs are equally "formal" postbacs. You may want to also look into Bryn Mawr, Goucher and some places with linkage. I think the stickies at the top of this board may be useful in determining the better postbacs for your needs.

 

[happydays]

If you're not a science major, then your science grades are going to be quite important. When you're taking those pre-reqs, make sure you work your butt off. Try to take the classes at a respectable 4-yr institution; no CC's, online courses, and 2-yr institutions.

Your MCAT is going to matter a lot. But if your science and overall GPA are ~3.8, then you just need to score ~30 or higher to get into a med school. However, if you're shooting for top 10 or 20, then probably 33+ is safer with no section under 8.

Your scores are important, but so are your EC's. They must show a commitment to medicine and humanity. Exactly what you do is up to you. Just do something you like, or else it'll be a waste of time.

 

[bitach]

Thank you Law2Doc and happydays for your comments. Let me explain my situation a bit more. The college that I attended was soley a Talmudic college I did not take any other courses so besides the sciences I have to take english and calculus as well. I live in central New Jersey and I'm married with three children so I'd rather not move. That is why Bryn Mawr and Goucher are not posable, they are both aprox. 2 hours away.
Also if you don't mind elaborating on what you mean by "formal". (I'm new to all this)

 

[Sundarban1]

Thank you Law2Doc and happydays for your comments. Let me explain my situation a bit more. The college that I attended was soley a Talmudic college I did not take any other courses so besides the sciences I have to take english and calculus as well. I live in central New Jersey and I'm married with three children so I'd rather not move. That is why Bryn Mawr and Goucher are not posable, they are both aprox. 2 hours away.
Also if you don't mind elaborating on what you mean by "formal". (I'm new to all this)

Formal is entering an actual program, such as Bryn Mawr or Goucher. You can do the classes on your own, informally also.

 

[Law2Doc]

Thank you Law2Doc and happydays for your comments. Let me explain my situation a bit more. The college that I attended was soley a Talmudic college I did not take any other courses so besides the sciences I have to take english and calculus as well. I live in central New Jersey and I'm married with three children so I'd rather not move. That is why Bryn Mawr and Goucher are not posable, they are both aprox. 2 hours away.
Also if you don't mind elaborating on what you mean by "formal". (I'm new to all this)

Bryn Mawr isn't very far from UPenn, which you mentioned.

 

[gardengirl]

Thank you Law2Doc and happydays for your comments. Let me explain my situation a bit more. The college that I attended was soley a Talmudic college I did not take any other courses so besides the sciences I have to take english and calculus as well. I live in central New Jersey and I'm married with three children so I'd rather not move. That is why Bryn Mawr and Goucher are not posable, they are both aprox. 2 hours away.
Also if you don't mind elaborating on what you mean by "formal". (I'm new to all this)

In general, "formal" post-bac programs are structured programs that typically require applications with somewhat rigorous admissions standards, usually a higher tuition (b/c it's usually a private school), with the sole purpose of acquiring some/all pre-reqs for admissions to medical schools (or other professional schools....). Often times they have linkage programs to certain medical schools and usually have a committee which "support" your application to medical school. Also, in some formal programs, you are taking classes only with other post-bac students. At informal programs, you are usually integrated into classes with undergraduates.

In contrast, "informal" post-bac programs can be found at some public universities. Essentially, you piece together a course schedule/program that works for you. A lot less "hand-holding" but many students have been successful gaining admission using this route. It's cheaper and less-structured but usually they have a Post-Bac Pre-Health Program or Club that you can utilize to help you along.

Hope this helps! Good luck!